Dorian “Doc” Paskowitz (March 3, 1921 – November 10, 2014) was much more than just a surfer; he was a medical doctor who traded a conventional life for a radical existence, becoming the patriarch of “the First Family of Surfing,” a pioneering figure in health and wellness, and a global ambassador for the surfing lifestyle. His profound connection to the ocean and his unconventional philosophy left an indelible mark on surfing culture, particularly in California and beyond.

From Stanford to the Sand: A Life Redefined

Born in Galveston, Texas, Dorian Paskowitz graduated from Stanford Medical School in 1946. After years as a successful physician, he experienced a profound epiphany. Dissatisfied with the rat race and the perceived ills of modern society, he made the radical decision in the mid-1950s to abandon his medical practice and embrace a life centered on health, nature, and the ocean.

In 1956, he loaded his family into a station wagon, purchased an old travel trailer, and began what would become a legendary nomadic existence. For decades, Doc, his wife Juliette, and their nine children lived almost exclusively out of a succession of campers, traveling the coastlines of California, Mexico, and Hawaii, chasing waves and living off the land.

The Original Surfing Doctor & Wellness Advocate

Doc Paskowitz blended his medical knowledge with his deep understanding of natural living. He was an early proponent of healthy eating, clean living, and the therapeutic power of the ocean. He believed surfing was the ultimate prescription for a healthy mind, body, and spirit.

In the 1970s, Doc founded the Paskowitz Surf Camp in San Clemente, one of the first and longest-running surf schools in the world. Here, his unique philosophy was put into practice. It wasn’t just about learning to surf; it was about embracing a holistic lifestyle – eating well, being present, connecting with nature, and finding joy in simplicity. Many of today’s top surfers and surf instructors trace their roots back to the Paskowitz Surf Camp.

A Surfing Dynasty: The Paskowitz Family

Doc and Juliette raised a family of eleven, all of whom became accomplished surfers. Their nine children, known globally as “the First Family of Surfing,” embodied their father’s ideals. They were a visible testament to his philosophy, their lives playing out on waves and in surf films, inspiring countless others. They proved that a life lived outside the norm, deeply connected to the ocean, could be incredibly rich and fulfilling.

Legacy in San Diego

While the Paskowitz Surf Camp was headquartered in San Clemente, Doc’s influence profoundly impacted the entire Southern California surf community, including San Diego. His family frequently visited and surfed San Diego’s diverse breaks, from the consistent waves of Del Mar and Solana Beach to the powerful reefs of La Jolla and Sunset Cliffs. Many San Diegans were introduced to surfing through the Paskowitz camp, or were inspired by the family’s counter-cultural commitment to the waves.

Doc’s legacy is defined by:

• Pioneering Surf Instruction: Establishing one of the first and most influential surf camps.
• Holistic Health & Surfing: Championing the surf lifestyle as a path to physical and mental well-being.
• The “First Family”: Creating a surfing dynasty that symbolized freedom, family, and a life dedicated to the ocean.
• Counter-Culture Icon: His unwavering commitment to living authentically and rejecting societal norms resonated deeply within surfing’s counter-culture movements.

Doc Paskowitz passed away in 2014, leaving behind a remarkable family and a philosophy that continues to inspire. His life was a powerful testament to the idea that the best medicine can often be found in the ocean, shared with loved ones, under the open sky.