From Childhood Adventures to Global Impact: A Journey Rooted in Passion

Imagine a six-year-old Florida boy, sun-kissed and eager, setting out on his first adventures aboard a Carolina Skiff. This boy, Alex Schulze, would grow up to co-found 4ocean, a premier ocean cleanup company dedicated to ending the ocean plastic crisis. Today, his childhood passion for the water has evolved into a mission that aligns perfectly with Carolina Skiff’s values and legacy.

At Carolina Skiff, we’ve spent over 30 years crafting durable, versatile, and affordable vessels that bring joy to boating enthusiasts everywhere. Our boats represent a lifestyle of freedom, exploration, and a deep connection to the water. It’s a lifestyle. This is why we are proud to announce a partnership that amplifies our commitment to environmental stewardship – joining forces with 4ocean.

4ocean’s Mission and Impact

4ocean exists for one reason: to protect and preserve our oceans. Founded with an ocean-first philosophy, 4ocean has removed over 36 million pounds of trash from oceans, rivers, and coastlines in Florida, Guatemala, and Indonesia. This remarkable achievement is driven by the vision and dedication of its co-founder and CEO, Alex Schulze.

Carolina Skiff has equipped 4ocean with a 25LS outfitted with a Suzuki 200HP outboard motor, the first new boat to join 4ocean’s conservation fleet. With its low draft, this vessel is ideally suited to navigate shallow waters, enabling 4ocean to clean up ghost nets before they disintegrate into harmful microplastics. The partnership kicks off in Key Largo, where the team will focus on cleaning up the mangroves, a vital ecosystem for marine life.

 

Alex Schulze: A Passionate Advocate for Cleaner Oceans

“My name is Alex Schulze. I’m the co-founder and CEO of 4ocean, and I clean the ocean,” Alex will tell you with conviction. His passion for the ocean is evident in his life’s work. Starting from humble beginnings, selling products made from recycled materials and removing one pound of trash for every product sold, 4ocean’s growth has been extraordinary.

Alex’s connection to Carolina Skiff runs deep. Growing up on the west coast of Florida on Marco Island, he spent countless hours aboard his family’s J Series Skiff and was a licensed captain at a young age. Spending his youth fishing, diving, and surfing nurtured his lifelong passion for the ocean. This personal legacy is now intertwined with 4ocean’s mission, making our partnership even more meaningful.

After graduating from Florida Atlantic University with a degree in entrepreneurship, Alex traveled extensively, witnessing firsthand the devastating impact of plastic pollution. This experience fueled his determination to create a solution.

The business exploded, videos went viral, and soon, 4ocean was hiring more captains, expanding its fleet, and extending its reach internationally. Today, they are removing millions of pounds of trash from the ocean – a testament to what can be achieved when vision aligns with action.

A Shared Vision for Cleaner Oceans

“For us, who we coordinate and who we partner with, it’s super important that we share a common vision,” Alex explains. The collaboration with Carolina Skiff embodies this shared passion for cleaner oceans. It’s more than just removing trash; it creates lasting change and inspires others to join the cause.

Despite the challenges and exhaustion of such a monumental task, Alex remains driven by his deep connection to the ocean. “Seeing the benefit that the ocean brings to the world and humanity keeps me fired up and focused on our goals,” he says.

The Impact of Cooperation

The plastic pollution crisis is a global emergency requiring the cooperation of brands, governments, consumers, and nonprofits. With the exponential increase in plastic production, intervention is crucial. This partnership between Carolina Skiff and 4ocean is a powerful example of what can be achieved through collaboration and shared commitment.

Boaters as Stewards of the Seas

As boat owners and enthusiasts, we have a unique connection to the water – one that brings immense joy and freedom. But with this privilege comes responsibility. Our actions on and off the water can have a profound impact on the health of our oceans. Through our partnership with 4ocean, Carolina Skiff is committed to educating and building a community of responsible boaters who prioritize environmental stewardship.

Every time we leave the shoreline, we have the opportunity to make a difference. By supporting 4ocean’s initiatives, participating in clean-up efforts, and adopting sustainable practices, we can help protect the very waters that give us so much. Together, we can create a ripple effect of positive change, ensuring that our oceans remain vibrant and healthy for future generations.

Let’s show the world that boaters can lead the way in environmental conservation. Follow our journey and 4ocean on social media, and take action to make our oceans cleaner and safer.

Learn more about our initiatives that are making waves and building a legacy of environmental stewardship, community engagement and social responsibility.