Wheelchair to Waves
in 77 Days
On September 28, 2025, Scott Muir—a former Division I soccer player, Air Force veteran, husband, and father of two—broke his neck in a surfing accident. A teenage stranger half his age, Judah Ely, rescued and pulled him out of the water. He was diagnosed a C-6 Incomplete Quadriplegic and put in a wheelchair. He walked again a month later. 2 ½ months later, he paddled back out with Judah by his side. He smiled and said:
“I didn’t stand on a surfboard… yet. But I’ll commit to effort and attitude every single day.
YET transformed what felt impossible that day into something that could be possible the next.
Today, Scott’s rescuer, Judah, and his wife, Kristen, stand beside him. Together, they are The YET Collective.
While Scott continues to push forward in his physical recovery, Kristen manages the day-to-day business, content, and speaking engagements. Judah contributes his creative eye and consults on photography and videography.
Through Scott's speaking, they share a message that reaches far beyond one accident or one recovery: how we show up matters, our initial approach can change everything, and sometimes the most powerful word in our vocabulary is YET.
Interested in having Scott share his story?
For speaking inquiries and collaborations:
keepscottsurfing@gmail.com
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"Scott Muir, a south Orange County resident, suffered a severe spinal cord injury while surfing near Oceanside; the surf community rallies in support".
— Surfer Magazine
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"Surfer paralyzed in wipeout credits a smile for his life-saving rescue"
—CBS 8
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"For Muir, the ocean — in all its mysteries, its beauties, its dangers — remains a place of healing for him, mentally, physically, and spiritually".
— People Magazine
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"Teens save man's life after surfing accident"
— ABC 10
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"One small act of kindness can ripple into saving a life".
— Fox San Diego
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"Surfer who faced near drowning, paralysis, gets back on board".
— Orange County Register
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