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, over 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.
Honoring Keenan and the Powdrell Family
We are honored to support the Powdrell Family, who have supported the Friendship Paddle for many years.
Keenan lost his battle with cancer 6 months ago at just 39 years old, and leaves behind his son Henry (5yrs) and his wife Samantha.
There will be a small, invite-only paddle out to fundraise and support Henry and Samantha Powdrell.
Donations go directly to Henry and Samantha at the link below.
Current Paddle
Courtney Brewer
Courtney dedicated her personal life to the Santa Barbara Aquatics community and her professional life to the well-being of local kids as an elementary school teacher. A recent resurgence of melanoma flipped her world upside down and forced her to retire early from teaching. This is our turn to give back to Courtney and her kids.
"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