A Love for Surfing: The Paskowitz Family Story

This Valentine’s Day, WIJI celebrates love in all its forms, inspired by the extraordinary story of Dorian “Doc” Paskowitz – a man who left his career and the frenzy of city life to follow, together with his beloved Juliette, the overwhelming call of surfing. His story is a vibrant testimony to how passion can transform lives and unite people in an unbreakable bond.

Credits: Photo by Art Brewer

Doc Paskowitz was not just a doctor: he was a dreamer and a revolutionary who, driven by his love for surfing, chose to give up a lucrative career to live in harmony with nature. Together with Juliette, the partner who supported and inspired him, they abandoned the certainties of traditional life to embark on an adventure made of waves, freedom and family. This courageous decision became the symbol of an authentic love, capable of overcoming the limits imposed by society.

Dorian “Doc” Paskowitz in 1980 - Credits: Don Kelsen / Los Angeles Times

Doc and Juliette's courage in following their instincts was reflected in their family, where their passion for surfing became the common thread of a life lived to the fullest. With their nine children, the couple chose to live in a 23-foot camper, turning every wave into a life lesson and every sunrise into a promise of freedom. The days spent between the sea and the sand were not just a way of life, but a true ritual of love: an invitation to leave conformism behind and follow your heart, even when this requires sacrifices and unpopular choices.

Credits: Courtesy Magnolia Pictures "Surfwise", a documentary of the eccentric Paskowitz surfing family shows Sunday June 29 at Paepcke Auditorium, opening the SummerFilms program

For Paskowitz, surfing was not just a sport, but a philosophy of life. Every wave was a challenge and, at the same time, an opportunity to connect with the very essence of existence. This vision, passionately transmitted to his wife and children, has become a precious legacy, capable of inspiring anyone who believes that following one's love and passion can lead to a full and satisfying life. In a world where conventions often stifle the desire for freedom, the Paskowitz story reminds us that true courage lies in taking care of what we love, even if it means going against the grain.

Credits: Paskowitz, right, at the Erez Crossing in 2007 with his gift of 15 surfboards; he believed surfing could bring Israelis and Palestinians together JACK/GUEZ/AFP Getty Images

Dorian "Doc" Paskowitz died in November 2014, in California, at the age of 93.
His life choices teach us that love, understood as passion and dedication, can transform our lives into an adventure without borders. In an age where success is measured in material and conventional terms, the Paskowitz family has shown that happiness lies in following one's truth, sharing authentic moments with those we love and being inspired by the beauty of the natural world. The waves of the sea, as well as the knowing glances between Doc and Juliette, have become the symbol of a bond that goes beyond time and space.

Credits: Eos Surf ( www.eos.surf )

In celebrating this Valentine's Day, WIJI joins those who, like Doc and Juliette, have chosen to live by the call of their heart. Whether you are an adventurer or simply looking for a way to express your love, remember that every courageous choice, every sacrifice made to follow your passion, is a hymn to the freedom and beauty of true love.

In an ever-changing world, the Paskowitz story reminds us that true luxury lies not in material comforts, but in the ability to embrace life with passion, love and a pinch of madness. This wave of love, passed down through generations, continues to inspire us and guide us towards a future where the heart is our best traveling companion.