The Flick

I’ve always been a fan of surf films.  I think it’s because learning to surf is one of my life goals, but living in Louisiana isn’t exactly conductive to the realization of that goal.  Although someday I plan to put a substantial amount of time into fulfilling my dream of learning to surf, right now I’m content with watching as many surf films as I can.  The most recent film that landed on my desk is definitely a film about surfing, but it’s also a film about a family, a very unique family.  The Paskowitz family headed by Stanford educated Dr. Dorian Paskowitz or the “First Family of Surfing” as they came to be known gave up the trappings of the material world for life on the road.  

After a series of panic attacks and much frustration with the corporate grind, Doc Paskowitz decided to leave his life as a doctor behind him to head to Israel in search of a simpler life.  While there Doc taught locals how to surf, and they taught him how to live off the land.  They also taught him how to “eat pussy,” a skill Doc says changed his life.  Once he returned to the states he found himself a hot babe, got married, packed up the Winnebago, and headed out in search of some gnarly waves.  After a number of years, Doc, who evidently really enjoys sleeping with his wife, was the happy father of nine.  eight boys and a girl.  He made sure they ate healthy, surfed every day, exercised regularly, and spent all their time together as a family.  But he also never sent them to school.  While some of the Paskowitz children admire their father’s choices, a few of them felt cheated, but all of them felt the repercussions once they left the confines of the Winnebago and headed out into the real world.  

Doug Pray made a truly compelling documentary that shows the Paskowitz family from many different angles.  He shows their happy times, their sad times, their family troubles, but most of all he shows a family that loves one another above all.  I really enjoyed Pray’s editing style, and the mix of interview footage and home movie footage.  This is a beautiful and engaging film that provides anyone watching with a very intimate look at an amazing family.  

The DVD

Audio:  Was loud and clear with a killer soundtrack.

Video: Looked great, with a variety of formats and colors.  

Extras

There are a few short special features on here like the commentary track with director Doug Pray and various other members of the family, a short piece that is sort of like a promo on Israel Paskowitz’s Surfers Healing program that teaches kids with Autism how to surf, a short run of surf footage, and a Doc explaining his views on health.  

Surfwise is definitely a killer film!

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars