THE SAM SCRIBNER STORY
We’re always on the hunt for cool stories, people, and places. Sam checks all those boxes. He inspires us to do better, work harder, and replace excuses with effort. He took a bad accident and made the best of it in our little hometown of New Smyrna. We want you to hear his story and check out his work.
"In 2016, my life changed."
A fall that broke my neck & severed my spinal cord left me a C-5 quadriplegic, completely altering my world. Before the accident, my life revolved around action sports—surfing, skating, dirt-biking anything that gave me that rush. Though I grew up just northeast of Orlando, I spent countless days making the trip out to New Smyrna Beach to surf with friends. After my injury, though, I had to face the painful reality that those activities that had defined who I was were no longer something I could interact with.
That’s when photography came into my life in 2017. At first, I picked up a camera to promote an apparel brand I had started, Muels. The brand, born out of my name, Samuel, also symbolized something deeper: the idea that life is hard—sometimes painfully so—but we all carry a weight, just like a mule. My initial focus was on designing and selling apparel to help raise funds, but as I started using the camera to market my work, I discovered a whole new creative outlet.
"Photography became my way of staying connected..."
When I moved to New Smyrna Beach in 2020, it felt like a fresh start. While I hadn’t grown up here, I always felt a deep connection to this town, having spent so much time here with friends and family. I want to be respectful of the locals who have called this place home their whole lives—there’s a strong sense of pride here, and I understand that I’m an outsider. But the move gave me a chance to reconnect with the ocean, and soon enough, I found myself filming surfers at the inlet, capturing the same energy and stroke I once lived for.
My photography became more than just a hobby. It was my way of processing life post-injury, and over the years, I’ve premiered multiple video pieces, including at Red Dog Surf Shop and GoJuice on Flagler Avenue. Those pieces are special to me because they’re tied to this community, even if I’m not a lifelong local.
But life with a spinal cord injury is expensive, and I live on a fixed disability income that covers just the basics. I’m working to build my brand, not just to create content, but to share my message of resilience with others, especially those in the disabled community. I want to show that even when life changes in ways you never expected, you can still find joy, create, and connect with others.” - Sam Scribner
If you’d like to support Sam, check out his YouTube channel, purchase some of his gear, or buy one of his epic New Smyrna prints on his site.
"These glasses fit great. The mirrored green lenses cut down on the bright glare of my local rivers. I’ve been recommending them to all my fishing pals."
"Great sun glasses! Incredibly clear. Purchased for use while fishing and have just been amazing."
"Wish I had made this purchase years ago. Clarity is great and fit is exceptional."
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