The Swell Life

Bulky Boy has supported Surfer's Healing over the years.  We have been lucky enough to be a part of Surfer's Healing and The Paskowitz Surf Camp while this show was being filmed. See Bulky Boy in the Reality Documentary "The Swell Life"

To find out more about or donate you time to Surfer's Healing please check out www.surfershealing.org.

ALL NEW! “The Swell Life” Series premieres Saturday, August 6

on OWN: Oprah Winfrey Network

Catch the entire nine episode series from 12-5 p.m. ET on Saturday

 “Izzy Paskowitz at his Surfer’s Healing Camp”

Copyright 2011, OWN: Oprah Winfrey Network/All Rights Reserved

What:              “The Swell Life”

When:                        Saturday, August 6, 2011 (12-5 p.m. ET/PT)

                       

Chronicles a summer with world-class surfer Izzy Paskowitz and his wife, former model Danielle, as they raise their three children and run “Surfer’s Healing,” a legendary surf camp for kids with autism.  The couple support one other through major tests of patience as they care for their 18-year-old autistic son and inspiration for the camp, Isaiah, as well as their two other children, Elah and Elijah -- all while running their legendary surf camp.

 The Swell Life Trailer

(P) Saturday, August 6 (12-1 p.m. ET/PT) Summertime

The beginning of the summer is hectic for former pro-surfer Izzy Paskowitz and his wife Danielle: Ella plans to move in with her boyfriend, Isaiah wins an award, and they scramble to open their family’s Surf Camp and Surfers Healing for kids with autism.

(P) Saturday, August 6 (1-1:30 p.m. ET/PT) Pitch Perfect

Isaiah sings with Nick’s band and the consensus is that he screams more than sings. Danielle decides to work with Isaiah and, at the band’s next event, Isaiah is a huge hit. Eli struggles with trying to live up to his father’s surfing legacy.

(P) Saturday, August 6 (1:30-2 p.m. ET/PT) The Biggest Loser

Isaiah’s obsessive-compulsive disorder around food is explored, and Izzy and Danielle brainstorm ways to help him lose weight before his next doctor’s visit. Jade is a constant complainer at camp, much to the dismay of his fellow surf instructors.

(P) Saturday, August 6 (2-2:30 p.m. ET/PT Head Sick

Isaiah is taken to the ER, rattling Izzy and Danielle, and we learn the backstory of how having a child with autism almost caused the end of their marriage.

(P) Saturday, August 6 (2:30-3 p.m. ET/PT) Empty Nest

Danielle and Izzy learn about Elah’s plans to move in with her boyfriend, much to her mother’s dismay. Danielle stays home to monitor Isaiah’s behavior after his recent meltdown, hoping he will improve enough so that they can join Izzy at Surf Camp.

(P) Saturday, August 6 (3-3:30 p.m. ET/PT) No More Horsing Around

Surf instructor Jade connects to a student with high functioning autism at Surf Camp and vows to reconnect with his own autistic son.  Izzy tries to connect with Danielle by entering a horse competition.

(P) Saturday, August 6 (3:30-4 p.m. ET/PT) Homebound

Izzy and Danielle remove Isaiah from Surf Camp.  A new young spends the week learning to surf.

(P) Saturday, August 6 (4-4:30 p.m. ET/PT) The Odyssey

Izzy travels to the East Coast to host several Surfers Healing events. Despite bad weather and Izzy hurting himself, the events are a huge success. Back at home, Danielle worries about Isaiah’s recent behavior problems affecting his first day at school.

(P) Saturday, August 6 (4:30-5 p.m. ET/PT) Summer’s End

Surf Camp is closed for the winter. Izzy and Danielle’s oldest daughter Elah is moving out, and there are big changes happening at the Paskowitz ranch. The family gathers for dinner at Elah and Chris’ new home.

Surfer's Healing at Honoli'i Beach Park Hilo,HI

This was another Surfer's Healing event Bulky Boy was a part of with the help of our Team Riders and friends Solomon Ortiz, Kalani Kahalioumi, Garrett McNamara, & Uncle Skibbs

Autistic kids hit waves at Honoli'i Beach Park, Hilo, HI

Article from Hawaii Tribune-Herald by Jason Armstrong Staff Writer

A group of professional watermen helped give Terry Harvey and his family an experience Sunday unlike any the Alaskan family has shared during its past five Big Island Christmas holidays.

"This was really special. We'll be talking about it for a long time," Harvey said after his twin 15-year-old sons, Ryan and Nolan, went surfing for the first time.

While many visiting teens can claim braving Hawaii's winter waves, the Harvey boys rode the surf despite the challenges of autism. They were among 35 disabled children from Hawaii, Texas, Alaska and Canada who participated in the inaugural Honolii Beach Park Surf Gathering and Surf Camp sponsored by the Hawaii Chapter of Surfers Healing.

The national organization, which introduces the healing powers of surfing to autistic kids, provided the boards and safety vests.

"We were not sure how it was going to be, but when we got there, everyone was having a good time. There were kids of all sizes out there on the water," said Terry Harvey, a self-described retired surfer.

"Especially for me, it's great to see them out there," he added of his own boys. "It's not something we would be able to do on our own."Former world champion surfer Israel "Izzy" Paskowitz founded Surfers Healing 12 years ago in California to honor his autistic son, Isaiah, now 18, and to expose more disabled children to the wonders of the waves.

"It's a way to connect and give back," he said after the free event. "These kids are special."

Paskowitz, a member of the acknowledged "first family of surfing," said his son and other kids with autism "thrive" in the water, which serves as a therapeutic environment.

"When a surfer catches a wave, there's a special feeling we get. That's why we keep surfing," said organizer Kalani Kahalioumi, a Hilo native and former professional surfer who became rookie of the year at age 18. "And all these kids get to experience that special feeling.

"The children ranged in age from 3 to 15, he said.

"The kids had the time of their life," Kahalioumi said. "It was perfect (surf conditions), couldn't ask for better."

About 200 people attended the event, he said, noting the children were recruited by contacting social service providers that assist disabled kids.

Harvey said he learned about it by reading a flyer at a local surf shop.

"We recognized it was going to be a real special opportunity," he said.

Helping keep the kids safe was Garrett McNamara, a pioneering surfer from Oahu who holds the record for winning the largest cash prize, $70,000, for a big-wave event.

"I almost ended up crying," McNamara, who is known for being fearless, said of seeing a father share a loving moment with his autistic son.

He said the parents' hopes are dreams are affected when their son or daughter is diagnosed with autism.

"Nothing seems achievable, and the next thing they're out there surfing," he said.