The Friendship Paddle
Organizing open ocean paddle events to provide emotional and financial support to members of the Santa Barbara aquatics community fighting life-threatening illnesses.
The Pacific Ocean plays a powerful role in defining Santa Barbara and its residents. We attempt to channel the power of the ocean into a proponent for positivity for a family that needs it most.
About us
The Friendship Paddle began in 2003 as a group of friends rallied around one of their own in an attempt to uplift and support him through his fight with an inoperable brain tumor. Since then, 20 paddles have happened, each with its own unique and moving story. Every paddle is an opportunity for the Honoree Family to feel supported and for community members to gather for something greater than themselves.
Current Paddle
April Medina-Watson
This will be the 10th year for April and the rest of Tara's team. The magic of the Friendship Paddle is the love from friends, family and strangers that engulfs the beneficiary and their family while surrounded by the beauty of the ocean. April has a deep appreciation for the power of this love and is truly honored to be the beneficiary of this amazing event
"The Friendship Paddle is a life enhancing experience that is hard to define…the Paddle was developed to face a daunting challenge as a way of standing in solidarity with a friend in pain. By taking on the difficult journey across the Channel in the company of so many paddlers, you have created a platform for hundreds to come together and help hold up the friend in need of support."
Owen Bailey, 2021 Honoree