Dear friends, in a couple short weeks I'll be paddling in the 2026 Friendship Paddle for Scott Miners - a friend, surfer, community volunteer, and core member of the Santa Barbara ocean community. 

In 2021, Scott was diagnosed with colorectal cancer. After years of treatment, his cancer has progressed to Stage 4. Scott is an incredibly courageous and strong person who is always quick to share a smile with me and everyone else, all the while dealing with some of the greatest challenges life can offer. Despite his own diagnosis, Scott has continued to show up for others, volunteering with Meals on Wheels, building friendships through the Cancer Center community, and supporting the Friendship Paddle family itself. Last year, while quietly fighting his own battle, Scott paddled with the rest of us to encourage and support another honoree.

The Friendship Paddle brings together Santa Barbara’s aquatics community to raise funds for one person each year battling a life-threatening illness, culminating with a prone paddle of ~30 miles from the Channel Islands across to the SB mainland. For Scott, the fundraising and event will provide help with the immense financial and emotional burden of treatment, lost work, and the day-to-day weight that cancer places on a family.

The ocean community is one of the most important pillars of my life. When I moved to Santa Barbara, the Friendship Paddle crew welcomed me in. For the past two-plus years I've gathered with them every Wednesday morning, rain or shine, to celebrate life and the ocean, as well as traveling up and down the coast racing and training. They are among the most genuine, joyful, and supportive people I’ve ever met in or out of the water. To paddle this year for Scott - someone who embodies that same spirit - is an incredible honor and privilege

How you can help:

- Donate: Every contribution goes directly to Scott's medical expenses and family needs. 

- Share: Help spread the word so we can rally as much support as possible.

Thank you and much love!

- Mila