Robert August: Shaper and Star of The Endless Summer
Robert August is a name that resonates deeply within the surfing community. Born in Hermosa Beach, California, in 1944 and raised in Seal Beach, August’s life has been an extraordinary journey of riding waves, shaping boards, and leaving an indelible mark on surf culture. As the star of the iconic film The Endless Summer and a master surfboard shaper, Robert August embodies the spirit of surfing: adventurous, innovative, and timeless.
Early Influences: Riding the Waves of Legacy
Robert’s introduction to surfing came naturally. His father, Orral “Blackie” August, was a lifeguard and one of the first surfers to ride the waves of Redondo Beach. Blackie often surfed alongside Duke Kahanamoku, the father of modern surfing, and started Robert on a surfboard at the age of six.
A natural goofy-footer, Robert developed a smooth and relaxed style, quickly excelling in competitive surfing. By the early 1960s, he had already made a name for himself, finishing fourth in the 1963 West Coast Championships and earning a spot in the prestigious Duke Kahanamoku Invitational by 1965.
The Endless Summer: A Life-Changing Journey
In 1963, just months after graduating from Huntington Beach High School as senior class president, Robert’s life took a dramatic turn. Filmmaker Bruce Brown invited him to co-star in The Endless Summer, a documentary chronicling two surfers’ quest for the perfect wave around the globe. At just 19 years old, Robert joined Mike Hynson on a journey that would change his life and the surfing world forever.
Filmed in 1963 and released in 1964, The Endless Summer became an instant classic. Brown’s live narrations during early screenings captivated audiences, and by 1966, Newsweek named it one of the year’s top 10 films. The movie not only showcased Robert’s talent and charisma but also introduced the sport of surfing to a global audience.
Shaping a Legacy
Following his success in The Endless Summer, Robert August shifted his focus to shaping surfboards. Beginning at Jacobs Surfboards in Hermosa Beach in 1965, Robert honed his craft and eventually became a freelance shaper. By the 1970s, as the shortboard revolution took hold, August adapted to the industry’s changing demands while remaining true to his love for longboards.
In 1974, he launched Robert August Surf Shop in Fullerton, later relocating to Huntington Beach in 1976. Though shortboards dominated the era, Robert’s passion for longboards never waned. By the 1980s, he had fully embraced the longboard renaissance, reviving classic designs and inspiring a new generation of surfers.
The Modern Era: Surfing, Shaping, and Giving Back
By 2000, the Robert August Surfboards factory in Huntington Beach was producing 4,000 boards annually, catering to surfers worldwide. Today, Robert remains an active shaper and surfer, splitting his time between Huntington Beach and his vacation home in Costa Rica.
In Costa Rica, Robert sponsors the annual Surf ‘n’ Turf golf tournament, benefiting local charities and combining his love for surfing and golf. His son, Sam, has joined the family business, managing sales and marketing for Robert August Surfboards. Together, they continue to innovate while honoring the traditions of surfing.
The Robert August brand has grown to include longboards, shortboards, funboards, and accessories, all showcased on their website, www.robertaugust.com. Each board reflects Robert’s dedication to quality, performance, and the spirit of surfing.
A Timeless Icon
Robert August’s contributions to surfing go far beyond his role in The Endless Summer. As a surfer, shaper, and ambassador of the sport, he has inspired countless individuals to ride waves and embrace the surfing lifestyle. His boards, crafted with precision and infused with history, remain sought after by surfers and collectors alike.
Whether carving waves in Costa Rica, shaping boards in Huntington Beach, or sharing stories of The Endless Summer, Robert August continues to exemplify the timeless allure of surfing.
