Raquel “Rocky” Dakota, born August 28, 1988, is a 36-year-old American reality TV star and adventurer, best known for her dramatic stint as a third stewardess on Bravo’s Below Deck Season 3. Her net worth is estimated at $500,000–$1 million in 2025, derived from her TV career, yachting, and wellness ventures. Single and private about her dating history, Rocky has no confirmed married life but shares a close bond with her partner, Mark. This article delves into her biography, career, salary, and personal life, offering fresh perspectives on her journey beyond the yacht.
Early Life: A Coastal Upbringing Rooted in Adventure
Born in California, Raquel Dakota grew up in a family of eco-activists. Her father, a surgeon, and her mother, a world champion surfer, instilled a love for the ocean and environmental advocacy. Rocky’s childhood was steeped in aquatic pursuits, earning her an athletic scholarship to the University of Hawaii, where she graduated with a B.A. in U.S. History in 2010. A competitive national surfer, certified ski instructor, and surf guide, she embodied a free-spirited lifestyle. In a 2024 Instagram post, she wrote, “The ocean raised me—it’s where I find my strength.” Her global travels, including stints in Asia and Europe, shaped her adventurous persona.
Career: From Below Deck to Wellness Advocate
Rocky’s career gained traction on Below Deck Season 3 (2015), aboard the yacht Eros. As a third stewardess under Kate Chastain, her vibrant personality clashed with crew dynamics, notably with Chastain and bosun Eddie Lucas, sparking a controversial boatmance. Her unconventional work, like serving grenadine oysters and Oreo-crusted salads, led to a guest’s illness, cementing her polarizing reputation. Her salary per episode was estimated at $3,000–$5,000, totaling $30,000–$50,000 for the season, typical for a junior stew.
Post-Below Deck, Rocky left yachting, taking on smaller stewardess gigs in Florida before settling in Honolulu, Hawaii, in 2016. She embraced a vegan lifestyle after a month at a Netherlands ashram in 2015, focusing on wellness. By 2025, she runs a health coaching business, offering yoga and nutrition guidance, and competes in open-water swimming events. Her Instagram (@rocky_dakota, 20k+ followers) showcases her holistic lifestyle, with a 2024 post noting, “Healing through nature is my calling.” She’s exploring a YouTube channel to share surf and wellness tips, per a 2025 Distractify report.
Net Worth: A Modest Fortune Built on Versatility
As of 2025, Rocky Dakota’s net worth ranges from $500,000–$1 million, a stark contrast to earlier, inflated estimates of $3–40 million that lack credible backing. Her wealth stems from:
- Reality TV: Earnings from Below Deck and appearances on Watch What Happens Live.
- Yachting: Short-term stewardess roles in Florida.
- Wellness Ventures: Health coaching and online content creation.
- Sponsorships: Partnerships with surf and fitness brands.
Unlike peers like Kate Chastain ($3 million), Rocky’s modest fortune reflects her shift to a low-key, passion-driven career. Her financial growth potential lies in expanding her digital presence, as noted in a 2025 Reality Tea article.
Married Life: No Ring, But a Steady Partner
Rocky Dakota is unmarried and has no confirmed married life. Since 2019, she has been linked to Mark, an outdoors enthusiast, though she keeps his identity private, signing Instagram posts as “Mark & Rock.” Their shared love for adventure—surfing, galas, and travel—suggests a deep bond, but no engagement or marriage is documented. In a 2023 X post, a fan commented, “Rocky and Mark seem like soulmates, living free in Hawaii.” Her focus on personal growth over public romance aligns with her post-Below Deck ethos.
Dating History: A Brief Boatmance and Private Life
Rocky’s dating history is sparse, with her Below Deck boatmance with Eddie Lucas being the most public. Their secret laundry room encounters ended poorly when Eddie, who had a girlfriend, denied the affair, causing drama. She also caught the eye of deckhand Emile Kotze, but rejected his advances, preferring friendship. Post-show, no confirmed relationships surfaced beyond her current partner, Mark. Rocky’s privacy, as noted in a 2024 ScreenRant article, shields her from the scrutiny faced by other reality stars.
Personal Tragedy: Coping with Loss
In 2017, Rocky’s younger sister, Sophia Tiare Bartlow, born August 28, 1990, died in a car accident in Hawaii. A stand-up paddling champion, Sophia shared Rocky’s athletic spirit. Rocky organized a memorial paddle-out, attended by nearly 1,000 surfers, where she read from Sophia’s journal: “Note to self: continue to be awesome.” The tragedy deepened Rocky’s spiritual journey, leading her to embrace Christianity, as noted in a 2024 Orange County Register article. She honors Sophia through ocean conservation efforts, supporting groups like Surfrider Foundation.
Unique Angle: From Controversy to Redemption
Rocky’s Below Deck edit painted her as erratic, but her post-show transformation into a wellness advocate reveals resilience. Unlike peers who chase fame, she’s carved a niche in Hawaii’s surf and yoga scene. A 2025 In Touch Weekly report highlights her mentorship of young surfers, with 80% of her clients reporting improved mental health, per her website analytics. Her quirky on-screen moments, like her underwear dive, are now seen as authentic expressions of her free spirit, resonating with fans on X who call her “unapologetically Rocky.”
Raquel ‘Rocky’ Dakota Biography Table
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Raquel Dakota (Bartlow) |
| Birth Date | August 28, 1988 |
| Age | 36 (as of 2025) |
| Birthplace | California, USA |
| Parents | Father (surgeon), mother (world champion surfer, eco-activist) |
| Siblings | Sophia Tiare Bartlow (deceased 2017) |
| Education | B.A. in U.S. History, University of Hawaii (2010, athletic scholarship) |
| Profession | Former Reality TV Star, Health Coach, Competitive Swimmer, Surf Guide |
| Notable Work | Below Deck Season 3 (2015), Watch What Happens Live |
| Net Worth | $500,000–$1 million (2025 estimate) |
| Salary | $3,000–$5,000 per episode (Below Deck); $30,000–$50,000 per season |
| Marital Status | Unmarried, in a relationship with Mark |
| Dating History | Eddie Lucas (boatmance, 2015), Emile Kotze (unrequited, 2015) |
| Current Partner | Mark (since ~2019, identity private) |
| Children | None |
| Height | Not publicly disclosed |
| Hobbies | Surfing, open-water swimming, yoga, ocean conservation |
| Certifications | Ski instructor, surf guide |
| Social Media | @rocky_dakota (Instagram, 20k+ followers) |
| Advocacy | Ocean conservation (Surfrider Foundation), mental health |
Why Rocky Dakota Resonates
Rocky’s journey from a controversial Below Deck star to a wellness advocate embodies redemption. Her authenticity, despite a rocky edit, inspires fans, with 70% of her Instagram followers engaging with her wellness content, per 2025 analytics. Unlike peers like Hannah Ferrier, she avoids reality TV’s pull, focusing on purpose-driven work. For more, visit her IMDb page or follow her on Instagram. Explore her advocacy at Surfrider Foundation.
