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ABOUT

An emotional and inspiring documentary that tells the extraordinary story of Melissa Pappageorgas, a fearless surfer who refused to let cystic fibrosis define her. From the moment she first felt the ocean’s pull, Melissa knew that surfing was more than a sport—it was her lifeline, her escape, her joy. Even as her lungs weakened and she relied on an oxygen tank to breathe, she never gave up the waves that gave her life meaning.

Through love and loss, triumph and challenges, Melissa’s journey is one of unshakable courage. She faced every obstacle with grace, pushing through each labored breath, every hospital stay, and the uncertainty of her condition. Her spirit remained unbreakable, her laughter ever-present. She held onto dreams of a second chance, believing in the power of hope, community, and the ocean that had always carried her forward. But Paddle Out is not just a story of struggle; it is a celebration of joy, resilience, and the human spirit. It is about a woman who loved deeply, who lived fully, and who showed everyone around her that happiness isn’t measured in time but in the moments we choose to embrace. Melissa’s story reminds us to hold on to what we love, chase what sets our souls on fire, and never stop fighting for the life we dream of. Her legacy lives on in the crashing waves, in the hearts she touched, and in the message she left behind: Find your ocean. Ride every wave. Love without fear. Live without regrets.

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Through the past decade, Melissa has had the support and mentorship of so many amazing individuals in the surf industry. Through her introduction to surfing with the Mauli Ola Foundation, she has had the privilege to go surfing with many legendary watermen. Over the years she has had the opportunity to surf with Sunny Garcia, Kala Alexander, Gavin Beschen and many more.

The strongest relationship she developed was with Shawn "Barney" Barron, who took her under his wing and coached Melissa in his unconventional style of surfing. She credits Barney for teaching her how to navigate the water with her CF lungs and the strength she gained from surfing.  More importantly, teaching her many lessons that kept her alive during her time in the ICU. 

Following her transplant and Barney's passing, Joey stepped in as Melissa's protector in the water. The two have worked together to develop their own methods of surfing while being tethered together with oxygen tanks and tubing. Many iconic companies like O'Neill and Pearson Arrow have come together to help Melissa and Joey in their efforts to surf safely in the water.  

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MELISSA'S LAST WISH

Melissa's untimely death left the filmmaker, Sebi Lee, with a unique challenge and a promise to fulfill. Melissa wished to raise awareness about Cystic Fibrosis and organ donation through the film. Sebi was left with Melissa's video diaries, journals, hospital notes, and unfinished interviews, and her promise to finish the film on the day she passed.
 
Shot in 4K, with FPV drones and Ultra HD, the film features stunning visuals of surfing, the ocean, interviews, and candid iPhone footage from Melissa's eight-year video diary.  The proceeds from the film will go to Melissa's parents' charity, the Living Breath Foundation, to support families affected by Cystic Fibrosis.

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Where to watch

We are beyond excited to announce the world premiere of Paddle Out at the Santa Barbara International Film Festival in 2025!

📅 Screening Dates & Times:
🎬 February 13th 2025 | 12:00 PM
🎬 February 14th 2025 | 3:10 PM

SBIFF Film Center
916 State St, Santa Barbara

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Where to watch

We are beyond excited to announce the world premiere of Paddle Out at the Santa Barbara International Film Festival in 2025!

📅 Screening Dates & Times:
🎬 February 13th 2025 | 12:00 PM
🎬 February 14th 2025 | 3:10 PM

SBIFF Film Center
916 State St, Santa Barbara

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