Surfing for Peace is an international initiative that aims to bridge cultural and political barriers through surfing. The organization implements unique projects in coastal areas around the world, including creating, developing, and funding sustainable businesses that supports the local communities and promotes their products around the world. The company was founded in 2007 by David Paskowitz, son of the legendary surfing ambassador, Dorian “Doc” Paskowitz. David is also a famous musician and was featured in the critically claimed surfing documentary, “Surfwise”.
The company’s first project was focused on the plight of Palestinian surfers living in the Gaza Strip who were forced to share a single surfboard between them. David, his father Doc Paskowitz, and international surfing world champion Kelly Slater decided that something must be done. Within weeks, the company had gathered surfboards and organized a concert to attract attention to the plight of the Gaza surfing community. The company used that event to launch an international initiative that is the model for the company’s business today.
I interviewed David Paskowitz via telephone from his office in San Diego, California.
Paolo: Tell me about your business model?
David Paskowtiz: Our model is actually quite simple. We pick a coastal area of the world where there is conflict, such as the Gaza Strip. We draw attention to the area through concerts and surfing event. We then use that publicity or marketing to find investors who are willing to fund businesses in the area that are committed to either a sustainable business, or that would assist under-served minorities to start businesses. We also assist those businesses in marketing and distributing their products around the world.
Paolo: Tell me about some of the products and companies you’ve been able to work with?
David Paskowitz: We’ve had a lot of success with a company that makes diet bars from locally grown products. We’ve also recently funded a group of fisherman who are manufacturing surfboards by hand. Their boards sell for about $2500-$3000 a piece, which is more than double a whole-years salary for these fishermen.
Paolo: Your business is a bit non-traditional. How was the company funded?
David Paskowitz: We started the company as a movement. We just felt that it was important to draw attention to the plight of the Palestinian surfers who not only had to share surfboards but also couldn’t access the best surfing breaks in the area due to Israeli security restrictions. We worked with local business people, including the CEO of the largest surf and skate company in Israel, to fund a surf contest and concert. Kelly Slater than heard of the event and decided to participate. Because of all the media coverage of the event, it was easy to attract potential investors who shared the same vision as we did, that we could make a difference by stimulating local business, find great products that we could market around the world, and make money!
Paolo: Do you consider yourself a social entrepreneur?
David Paskowitz: I definitely consider myself an entrepreneur that is attracted to businesses that not only make money, but make a difference socially. So while our primarily focus is social change, we want to operate so that we are a business that still needs to be responsible to our shareholders.
Paolo: You clearly have a long history with surfing. Your dad, Doc Paskowitz is legendary in the surfing community and is largely credited with bringing surfing to the US mainland. You also were featured in the documentary “Surfwise”. Are all your businesses centered around surfing.
David Paskowitz: Absolutely! I think it’s important to do something your passionate about. In fact, we didn’t set out to make a living from surfing. As a family, we just surfed and followed our passion. Because of that, we’ve been lucky enough to make a living doing the things we love. My brothers started a surf business called The Paskowitz Surf School which is now one of the largest, international surf schools. They’ve parlayed that business into a foundation that helps children with autism because as you know, my brother has an autistic child and is very passionate about the cause. My dad always said that to do well, you have to be passionate about something and put everything you have in it. If you make money, you make money. But the worst you can do is be happy for doing it!
Paolo: What’s areas are Surfing for Peace focused on now?
David Paskowitz: One of the biggest areas where there is a ton of conflict is right in our own backyard, Mexico. The drug cartels and crime have gotten so out of control that some of the best surf spots can’t be surfed anymore. The local economy has also taken a hit as tourism is very much affected. The area needs help now.
Paolo: Any advice for someone wanting to start a business that makes a social impact?
David Paskowitz: Do something you are passionate about. Don’t be afraid to make mistakes or to be laughed at or told no. When we did the Gaza project, our first concert was cancelled due to security concerns 48 hours before the event. We decided that instead of packing it in, we’d just move the concert to Tel Aviv. So my advice is to not give up, be innovative, and adapt to what’s thrown your way.
