Captain Marla Pfetzing: Navigating with Purpose
- Every Media Productions
- May 21
- 3 min read
After years of exploring Marina del Rey by boat, a deep passion for the sea inspired a major life shift. Marla and her husband, Scott, became U.S. Coast Guard–licensed captains, transforming their love for the ocean into a full-time mission.
By Fábio Borges
In the heart of Marina del Rey, in Los Angeles, where the ocean breeze carries stories of adventure and transformation, we meet Marla Pfetzing, a woman whose life has been shaped by the rhythm of the sea.
For decades, she and her husband lived near the water, dreaming of something more. What began as a shared love for boating slowly evolved into a calling, one that would take them on a journey far beyond the horizon. Their passion, courage, and determination led them to become licensed captains, turning their dream into a purpose-driven reality.
Marla’s story is one of resilience, reinvention, and deep connection—with nature, community, and self. As she navigates the vast waters of Southern California, she also navigates the deeper currents of life: taking risks, building a business, and finding beauty in every challenge.
Alongside her husband, Scott, she created not just a company, but a space for others to experience the ocean’s healing power. Their charters are more than boat rides—they’re emotional voyages, moments of clarity, and unforgettable escapes from the noise of the world.
In this interview, Marla shares the triumphs and trials that brought her to where she is today. Her voice echoes the strength of someone who dares to live authentically and loves fiercely. Through her story, we’re reminded that real heroes don’t always wear uniforms—sometimes, they wear life vests, stand at the helm of a boat, and guide others toward peace, purpose, and joy.
Hi Marla, what’s your background and what led you to where you are today?
After living and boating in Marina del Rey for decades, my husband and I decided to take our love for the sea to the next level—we became U.S. Coast Guard–licensed captains and turned our passion into a full-time vocation. For us, boating is more than just being on the water; it's stepping into a completely different world where everything else fades away.
What does your city or community mean to you, both personally and professionally?
Marina del Rey is the heart of both our personal and professional lives. It's where we've built a life and a business, and it's shaped so much of who we are. The local community is full of people who share a love for adventure, nature, and the ocean, and that spirit has inspired us every step of the way. This harbor isn't just our workplace—it's our home, our muse, and the backdrop to countless memories.
Can you describe a moment in your journey when you felt truly tested and how you handled it?Earning our captain’s licenses was one of the biggest challenges we’ve faced. The training was intense—covering boat handling, navigation, sea rules, CPR, emergency response, and rescue operations. At times, it felt overwhelming, but we pushed through, knowing it was the key to creating something special on the water. The experience deepened our respect for the sea and gave us the confidence we rely on every time we set sail.
What kind of impact do you hope your work has on others?
We hope our charters offer people a chance to slow down, connect, and create unforgettable memories on the water. Whether it’s a romantic escape, a celebration, or just time to breathe, we want every guest to feel special, supported, and inspired by the beauty of the ocean. Our goal is to create experiences that leave people feeling more alive, more connected, and with a deeper appreciation for the moment.
What’s on the horizon for you?
We’re always looking for ways to grow and offer more variety in our charters. Whether it’s adding different types of vessels or creating new themed tour experiences, our goal is to keep things fresh and exciting while staying true to the intimate, local feel our guests love.
Connect with Marla Pfetzing
Website: www.DelReyBoating.com
About the author
Fábio Borges is an award-winning international journalist and founder of Every Media Productions. Since 1996, he has reported from the Americas, Europe and Asia, producing over 4,000 stories for major news outlets. Based in Los Angeles, he’s dedicated to highlighting voices that inspire meaningful change both locally and worldwide.
About Every Media Productions
We are a creative agency based in Los Angeles with a versatile team of filmmakers, marketing specialists, journalists and photographers. Our team crafts compelling video and photo content for businesses, marketing strategies and news organizations. Learn more.
