Ashton Pienaar – Below Deck

By starrymag | November 27, 2018

By: Jamie Steinberg

 

 

Q) It was touched on a bit during the show, but what got you into yachting?

 

A) I got into yachting after working at a desk job for seven years. I had a passion for adventure and the desk job wasn’t cutting it! I signed up for yacht training in the South of France and the rest is history…

 

Q) What made you want to be a part of Below Deck?

 

A) Yachting is an exciting career on its own, adding the reality TV show element takes it to a whole other level!

 

Q) Talk about working with Captain Lee.

 

A) I really enjoyed working with Captain Lee [Rosbach]. He has a certain calm about him. He knows what he wants, and he knows how it should be done. When he speaks you know what is expected from the way he delivers his orders. You mess up, fix it. If you don’t, you pack your bags. There is no emotional fluff in between, which I like. You know where you stand with him at all times. During our down time, in between charters, the guys would often sit around with a drink and listen to his stories, which were always entertaining. He is definitely someone I have huge respect for and would jump at the opportunity to work with again.

 

Q) You and Ross seemed to become fast friends. What was it about him that quickly connected you two?

 

A) I think there is just a mutual respect between sportsmen, given our rugby backgrounds. I think we both just knew what to expect from each other from the get-go. Rugby is a sport that takes a certain level of discipline, will and determination that I think really shapes a person. Ross [Inia] and I seem to balance each other out. There were often times throughout the season where either one of us were heading in the direction of making a bad judgment call and the other acted as the voice of reason to prevent that from happening. I cannot put into words how much I value that in a friend and fellow crew member. We all know I can be a little all over the place. Other than that, I think Ross tends to get a little lazy and needs to work on his dance moves. He does; however, have the Púkana down to an art! (Púkana is a traditional Maori game)

 

Q) There was a lot of controversy with Rhylee this season and the two of you often butted heads. Was it simply a rank issue?

 

A) I don’t think the issue was a simple one at all. Rhylee [Gerber] found herself in controversial situations with just about the entire crew at some point throughout the season. Only she can answer that.

 

Q) We saw Chandler have some communication troubles with the crew. Where do you think the issue stemmed from?

 

A) Chandler [Brooks] said it himself in his goodbye to us, this program is not for everybody. Everyone has different leadership styles and, unfortunately, his didn’t work out for us as a crew.

 

Q) What were some of your most memorable moments from filming?

 

A) Most definitely the culture and positive way the Tahitian people live by. You have heard us all say it but Tahiti really is a magical place.

 

Q) Who have you stayed in contact with and become friendly with from the show?

 

A) Ross and I speak regularly. I also keep in contact with Adrian [Martin] and Josiah [Carter].

 

Q) You are a part of social media. Have you been enjoying the instant fan feedback you have been receiving to episodes?

 

A) Going into the show, my plan was to be 100% myself. Having done that and received such positive feedback feels great. Of course, not all feedback has been positive and learning to deal with that in the correct way has been a lesson in its own. To all my fans, I appreciate all the kind words and support – much love to you all. To all the others, thank you for your opinions and sharing your point of view.

 

Q) What do you want to be sure fans know about you and your time on “Below Deck.”

A) I want fans to know that three years ago I started going through a personal development and self-discovery journey that changed my life. Before, I didn’t always have the confidence or calmness that I show in tense situations.  Through my journey, I was able to learn this calmness and keep a positive attitude. I hope my story sparks some positive motivation for change in people’s lives who may need it.