Sidetracked

New Documentary “Surfwise” Explores Unusual Family’s Endless Summer 

Imagine growing up in a 24-foot RV, surfing every day and never having to go to school.

Sounds completely awesome, doesn’t it?

Now picture sharing that camper with eight siblings and two parents — who, by the way, have more than healthy sex drive.

Ick, right?

But that’s the lifestyle the Paskowitz family led for over two decades. The unusual family, based in San Diego, is the focus of a new documentary, “Surfwise,” which Palm Theatre owner Jim Dee is hoping to bring to San Luis Obispo.

The film, which has garnered rave reviews (100% on Rotten Tomatoes), starts with family patriarch Dorian “Doc” Paskowitz, a Stanford grad who decided to forgo a career in medicine in the 1950s in order to become a beach bum. Along the way, he took his growing family – eventually eight boys, one girl – from one surf spot to the next, insisting their education could be found not in school but amid the waves.

While the endless surf might sound appealing, you can imagine some uncomfortable moments. Like kids having to sleep on the floor of the RV. Like never establishing roots or permanent friends outside the family.

Like hearing mom and dad getting it on in the RV every night.

I repeat – ick.

Doc, a Jewish-American forever haunted by the Holocaust, was obsessed with sex, surf and healthy living. And while those things certainly aren’t bad (Indeed one might argue they’re quite good) the fact that his family is estranged might suggest his approach to life wasn’t ideal.

I just hope Dr. Phil doesn’t get his hooks in him.

Doc was a bit of a pioneer, though. For one thing, he promoted organic diets long before it was chic. He is also credited for introducing surfing to Israel and for starting what is now the longest running surf camp in America.

I actually learned about this family last night when Jon Paskowitz appeared on The Colbert Report  to promote the movie.

Judging from the clips on the movie’s web site, it looks like there’s a lot of good vintage photos and Super 8 film. But this is more than a surf movie, they say. It’s a movie about, well . . . some weird guy and his huge family. 

With a lot of surf stuff thrown in!  

Doc is now 85, by the way. And I’m not sure how healthy/functional he is today. But, just to be safe, just remember: If the RV is rocking . . .

Photos: Magnolia Pictures

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In other surf-related stuff, local photographer Chris Burkard  will launch a new photo exhibit, titled UNEARTH, this week. The exhibit features images from Dubai, Oman, Iceland, Kiribati, Indonesia, California, Canada, and Thailand.

Burkard is young and relatively new to surf photography. But he’s an up and coming talent with a bright future. Already he’s had several high profile magazine shots. And he has a book in the works.

The first show will be held at La Perla Del Mar Chapel  in Shell Beach on starts Friday (from 11a.m.-9:30p.m.) and Saturday (from 6:30-9:30 p.m..) The second show will be held at the Firefly Gallery  in Paso Robles, from July 4th-31st. Opening night is on the eleventh.

Posted on June 3rd, 2008 by Pat
Filed under: Movies, Surf stuff