Surfwise

Surfwise is a captivating 2007 documentary directed by Doug Pray that delves into the unconventional life of the Paskowitz family, a family that broke free from societal norms to embrace a life on wheels and waves. The father, Dorian 'Doc’ Paskowitz, his wife Juliette, and their nine children, including David and Jonathan, are at the heart of this intriguing narrative.

The film paints a vivid picture of Doc Paskowitz, a Stanford-educated doctor who brings his skills to the film in an entirely unique way. After a personal existential crisis, Doc opted to abandon his medical practice and modern civilisation to embark on a journey of stripped-down living and deep health consciousness. A devout believer in health and fitness, he drew his philosophical beliefs from both Western and Eastern ideologies to construct a nutrition and fitness regimen for his family.

Surfwise is an in-depth look into this family’s life, accompanied by surfing as the backdrop. Married to Juliette, a Mexican-Indian woman with a kind and free spirit, Doc is the father to nine children, who were all raised on a 24-foot camper van. They travelled across America, unschooled, living in a kind of perpetual summer. Doc's method of teaching was to immerse his children in life experiences, with surfing in the heart of those lessons.

Driven by a deep love of surfing, the family evolved to become one of the most peculiar dynasties in the sport's history. Together, they founded the Paskowitz Surf Camp, which wasn't simply a venture for profit, but a way of imparting Doc's lifelong learning lessons, principles and his way of life. It was here that the family made their biggest mark, with the camp reputed to be the first of its kind in the world.

Interestingly, Doc's radical education and parenting choices weren't always met with enthusiasm by his children, especially as they grow older. Their perspectives shape much of the documentary. Similar to other icons who sought to distance themselves from ordinariness, Doc, too, had his share of contradictions and challenges. The close quarters of the camper van, lack of formal education, absence of privacy, and strictly controlled diet not only bred familial closeness and a unique bond, but also frustrations, tension and bouts of rebellion against Doc’s autocratic rule.

Surfwise is not just a tale of a family's extraordinary lifestyle. It's also an exploration of societal norms, bringing the audience face to face with questions about conventional living, education, parenting and freedom. It forces viewers to reflect on modern society's strictures and the cost of truly going against the grain.

It’s a tale that’s not just about surfing although the family's passion for the sport is the thread that binds their unique narrative. Surfing, in this context, becomes a metaphor for the ebbs and flows of life, discipline, surrender and freedom. It illustrates their connection with nature, a cornerstone of the Paskowitz family lifestyle.

Doug Pray’s direction is masterful, presenting this kaleidoscope of the Paskowitz family in a raw and unfiltered fashion. Through a series of honest, intimate, and sometimes harsh interviews with the Paskowitz clan alongside a plethora of family photographs and amateur footage, the film paints a multifaceted portrait of this unconventional surf dynasty. It's crucial to mention that rather than glorifying or damning their counterculture existence, Surfwise picturesquely depicts the complexities of human decisions and their lifelong consequences.

Intricately layered and narrated with brutal honesty, Surfwise speaks the authentic language of life and freedom, offering viewers an engaging portrait of a manifestation of life's great quest: the pursuit of happiness. It's an education in itself, asking questions about the ‘right’ way of life, and who gets to decide what that is. It cleverly juxtaposes societal norms and counterculture while grounding the tale in the real-life experience of an extraordinary family.

In the end, Surfwise is a thought-provoking exploration of an alternative lifestyle, its repercussions and the sagacity of the road slightly less travelled. It's an enthralling ride that's sure to make waves in every viewer's mind, long after the last scene has ended.