Today we’d like to introduce you to Caleb Fingel.
Hi Caleb, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Wow, where do I even start…
I guess it begins about two years ago when I moved to Austin—but maybe we should rewind a little farther. I was born and raised in northern Idaho. It was a small town tucked between a ski mountain and a lake, so naturally, I grew up outside—waterskiing in the summers and snow skiing in the winters.
In high school, I fell in love with wakeboarding and wakesurfing. Honestly, it wasn’t just about the sport—it was about being out on the water, under the sun, surrounded by friends. I ended up heading south for college, attending Baylor University in Waco, and spent summers either back home in Idaho or in Arkansas, where I worked at a summer camp teaching kids how to surf and wakeboard. Those were some of my favorite summers—on the water from sunup to sundown, camping on the beach, and living the true lake life.
After graduating from Baylor in 2023, I took a job with Deloitte as a Tech Consultant here in Austin. I figured my lake days were behind me… but that didn’t last long. I bought an old 2004 ski boat from the same camp I used to work for and towed it all the way down to Austin. I parked it—barely—in my small Hyde Park driveway and spent a few months restoring it and bringing it back to life. The first time I launched it on Lake Austin, the engine started right up, and I knew I was exactly where I was supposed to be.
That first year, I spent every free weekend on the water—surfing (or at least trying to) behind that little ski boat and making memories with new friends. Then, in the spring of 2024, while visiting Fredericksburg with my parents, I noticed a fleet of pink limos driving bachelorette groups between vineyards. That’s when the idea hit me. I looked at my mom and said, “What if I did that in Austin—but instead of limos, it was a boat?”
I wrestled with the idea for a while, praying for clarity and asking how something like this could glorify God. I decided to start taking steps towards this dream and praying that God would lead… and two months later I had bought a boat. Then a month after that, the boat was wrapped pink, and on the water for its first paid charter. Through August and September of 2024 I had at least one charter every weekend. Truly answered prayers.
Fast-forward a year, and here we are in the fall of 2025. This past summer was our first full season, and we couldn’t be more grateful for everyone who’s supported us and chosen to spend their lake days on the Pink Boat. It’s been a blessing in more ways than I can count.
On a personal note, this past SeptemberI married the woman of my dreams, Natalie. I met Natalie right here in Austin, before Pink Boat Austin was ever a thing. Natalie is incredibly joyful and faithful, she not only supports all my dreams but constantly pushes me towards the Lord every step of the way.
As for what’s next, honestly, I’m not totally sure. But I trust that God is directing my steps, and whatever comes next will be in His hands. My prayer is that this next season is even more fruitful than the last—and that through Pink Boat Austin, we can keep building community and relationships centered around our shared love for the water.
It started with an old boat and new friends in a new city.
Now it’s a new boat, a new business, a new wife, good community, and the same city.
Thank you, God.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Wow, great question.
I wish I could say it’s been a smooth ride with Pink Boat Austin, but there have definitely been some challenges along the way. The first one that comes to mind is simply trying to start a business as a 23-year-old. It can feel nearly impossible—no one wants to give a 23-year-old a loan or much financial help at all. Thankfully, I had great counsel around me, and God provided a way. Still, age was one of the biggest early limitations.
Another major obstacle came this past spring when I ran into a serious maintenance issue—a bent axle on my trailer. Since the boat lives on the trailer, that one problem put us out of business for over a month and a half. Not only was I not making money, but I was also spending money trying to fix it. It felt like a low point for the business, but looking back, it was a season of growth. I learned to trust God even more deeply, and when the boat finally got back on the water, He provided in ways I couldn’t have imagined.
We’ve been impressed with Pink Boat Austin, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
Pink Boat Austin is a one-of-a-kind lake day experience. Aboard our all-pink wake boat, you’ll see Lake Austin like never before. Whether you’re surfing, swimming, or simply taking in the views, we make every moment picture-perfect.
Born out of our love for the lake and our desire to share it with others, Pink Boat Austin delivers an unforgettable blend of fun, relaxation, and Austin charm. Our friendly captains handle every detail so you can sit back, unwind, and enjoy your time on the water. We pride ourselves on genuine hospitality and an all-inclusive experience — from the moment you book your charter to the last wave of the day, we make sure it’s easy, effortless, and personalized to you!
How do you think about luck?
As a Christian, i believe that God leads me and the business down a path. God given direction has played the biggest part in both my personal and business life, and i wouldn’t be where i was without clarity and confidence given from Him. He has used the negative (bad luck) and turned it to good, helping me move forward and ultimately bringing me closer to Him.
Pricing:
- $250/hr – $300/hr
Contact Info:
- Website: https://pinkboataustin.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pinkboataustin/
- Other: info@pinkboataustin.com
Image Credits
Luke Jerome Photography
