The Paskowitz family is incredible. Their influence on surfing and the lifestyle that comes along with it cannot be overstated–and Doc’s role in that influence is perhaps one of the most important roles in surfing. Without the Paskowitz family, surfing wouldn’t be what it is today. Doc Paskowitz touched the lives of everyone he met; if you were lucky enough to meet him, you undoubtedly remember him with love.
If you don’t know the Paskowitz story, you can find a brief rundown here, and to watch the final interview with Doc before his death last year, watch his incredible Headspace.
The rest of the family has gone on to have very interesting lives. Salvador Paskowitz is a screenwriter–most recently, he finished Age of Adaline. Izzy co-founded Surfers Healing, one of the most inspiring camps in the world. And Joshua, who created the video you see above, was in a band called The Flys, along with brother Adam. They topped the charts with Got You Where I Want You and a slew of other songs that you have definitely heard. The entire family has gone from one of the most interesting childhoods ever to a vast array of even more interesting adulthoods.
Josh is an artist, through and through. His passion is evident as soon you meet him–and it’s not just a passion for art. It’s a passion for creating, whether it’s creating art or creating a space for others to do the same. In a beautiful little studio in San Clemente, Josh spends his time turning paint smeared on a canvas into mind-blowing works of art.
Here’s the story of the campaign:
When Doc passed away in November at the age of 93, he was one of the last of the original surfers from the age of Duke Kahanamoku, who brought surfing to mainland America in 1912. Doc famously ditched his career as a Stanford-educated physician to live a lifestyle of surf and travel, thus creating the vagabond culture that is so pervasive in today’s surf world.
One of Doc’s last wishes was for the creation of a place where this legacy could be on display for future generations of surfers. A place where the past and the future of surfing could come together to “talk story”, and learn of the virtues of surfing and health that Doc extolled throughout his life.
Doc’s youngest son Joshua Ben is dedicated to fulfilling his father’s wish. And by participating in this campaign you can be a part of it.
Josh, with the help of his family, friends and you, is opening a surf art and lifestyle gallery called Aloha Doc – Prescriptions for a Surf Lifestyle. When you live the Spirit of Aloha, you create positive feelings and thoughts, which are never gone. They exist in space, multiply and spread over to others. Doc lived with the spirit of Aloha as much as anyone, and he always signed his name “Aloha, Doc.” We can’t think of a better tribute to an amazing person than to name the gallery after this term of endearment.
To help out a very worthy cause, head over to the Indiegogo campaign.
