Surfwise

Synopsis

Dorian 'Doc' Paskowitz gave up on conventional life shortly after marrying his third wife and deciding that he would be the father of seven boys. Four decades and eight children later, director Doug Pray chronicles one of the most unusual accounts of American family life.

Rather than pursue the conventional American Dream, Doc chose to take his family on a permanent road trip across America, always in search of the best surf. Often living hand-to-mouth, the family obeyed every commend of the charismatic, though ruthlessly autocratic, patriarch. Living together in the increasingly cramped space of the camper van, with their parents sexual activity often conducted in the presence of every family member, the children grew up with a range of feelings about their upbringing. Fond memories mix with resentment over the life they led, with the prospect of a whole family reunion more unsettling for some.

Employing stunning footage of the surf scene in the 1960s and 70s, as well as unfettered access to the Paskowitz archives and most members of the family, SURFWISE is an illuminating account of one man's unique journey and the family who didn't always agree with the direction he was taking them.

“Remarkably, the film's director, Doug Pray, has been able to track down each and every Paskowitz child, and he weaves their memories together with old home movies, still photos and news clippings to create an evocative portrait of their lives.” — Roger Ebert, Chicago Sun-Times

“…whether you call this a Rousseau-ian paradise or Capturing the Friedmans by the Sea will depend on where you stand on hippie living – up to a point.” — – Ella Taylor, The Village Voice