Scott Miners came to Santa Barbara nearly thirty years ago with his Cal Poly sweetheart, Jenn. Together, they raised their two kids, Kira and Caleb, and built a life full of family, friends, surf, and community. Through his work in construction, Scott spent years helping bring local building projects to life.

 Scott has always been connected to the ocean. He grew up surfing in Santa Cruz, traveled the world chasing waves, and later shared that same love of the water with his family, spending endless hours together between Campus Point and Rincon. For Scott, the ocean has always been a source of peace, perspective, family, friendship, and joy.

In 2021, Scott was diagnosed with colorectal cancer. After years of treatment, his cancer has progressed to Stage 4, and recent news has made this fight even more urgent. Scott and his family are now facing an especially difficult chapter, with more uncertainty and a greater need for support than ever before.

But if you know Scott, you know his story is not defined by being sick.

What stands out about Scott is how much he continues to give to other people. He volunteers with Meals on Wheels. At the Cancer Center, Scott has formed deep and meaningful bonds with other patients, bringing his positivity, humor, and love of life to people walking their own hard road. He has also been part of the Friendship Paddle family himself.

 Last year, while quietly dealing with his own diagnosis, Scott showed up week after week to paddle for another honoree. Most people there had no idea what he was carrying. He never made it about himself. He came to paddle, encourage, support, and help someone else feel less alone.

That tells you a lot about him.

Scott is the kind of person who keeps giving, even when most people would have every reason to step back. He stays connected. He stays generous. He stays present.

The hard part is that cancer has also placed a real strain on Scott and his family. He has been unable to work for several years, while treatment has taken more of his time, energy, and resources. Through it all, Scott, Jenn, Kira, and Caleb have stayed close, grateful, and focused on the time they have together.

Scott represents so much of what the Friendship Paddle is about: family, the ocean, community, and taking care of people when life gets hard.

 This year, we paddle for Scott, Jenn, Kira, and Caleb.

 We paddle to honor Scott’s life, his friendships, his generosity, and the way he has supported others. And we paddle to surround the Miners family with the same love and support Scott has given so freely. Let’s go!