Watch Surfwise

Surfwise is a 2007 documentary film directed by Doug Pray. The film follows the life of the Paskowitz family, who left their comfortable lives to become surfers and travel around the world. The film is a deep dive into the life and choices of the family patriarch, Dr. Dorian "Doc" Paskowitz, who is known for his radical ideas about health, education, and lifestyle.

The film begins with a brief introduction to the Paskowitz family members, including Doc and his wife Juliette, as well as their nine children. The family is shown in their customized RV, which is painted with surfer motifs and outfitted with all the necessary gear for their travels. The film then goes back in time to show how the family came to be, starting with Doc's upbringing in a strict Jewish household.

After serving as a medic in World War II, Doc returned to the United States and began practicing medicine. However, he soon became disillusioned with the medical establishment and began exploring alternative lifestyles and health practices. He became interested in surfing and eventually convinced his wife and children to join him in his quest for a simpler, healthier life.

The film explores the Paskowitz family's life on the road, from the beaches of California to the coast of Mexico and beyond. The family spends most of their time surfing, and the film features some stunning footage of them riding the waves. However, the film also shows the darker side of the Paskowitz family's lifestyle, including the constant conflict and lack of stability that came with living on the road.

One of the most interesting aspects of the film is the role of Doc's radical ideas about health and education in the family's life. Doc believed in natural healing and rejected traditional medicine, which put him at odds with many in the medical establishment. He also believed in a hands-on approach to education and refused to allow his children to attend school, instead teaching them himself and exposing them to a wide variety of experiences.

The film features interviews with many of the Paskowitz children, who are now adults and have mixed feelings about their unconventional upbringing. Some of them embrace their father's teachings and continue to live a life outside of mainstream society, while others struggle with the emotional scars that came with being raised in such an unstable environment.

Surfwise is a thought-provoking documentary that explores the complex dynamics of a unique family and their unconventional lifestyle. It raises important questions about health, education, and the pursuit of happiness, and offers a fascinating glimpse into the world of surfing culture. The film is beautifully shot and expertly edited, and the interviews with the Paskowitz family members are candid and revealing. Whether you're a surfer or not, Surfwise is a must-see documentary that will leave a lasting impression on viewers.

Surfwise is a 2007 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 33 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.1 and a MetaScore of 72.