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.
