Still in search of the endless summer

Robert August: Amazing boards, perfect waves and soulful surfing

by Angelica Clemmer

The August family moved from Arizona to the California coast at the beginning of the 20th century. His father, “Blacky” August was introduced to surfing by good friend and superstar Olympian Duke Kahanamoku. Blacky was a well known surfer and one of the first to surf Redondo Beach. Robert grew up in Huntington Beach; he was an outstanding student in his high school and on his senior year he was elected student body president.
Robert was already appearing in Bruce Brown’s films at age 14, and after high school was chosen to be in “The Endless Summer,” one of the most influential surf movies ever made. He started shaping boards in 1966 while working at Jacobs Surf Shop in Hermosa Beach. At one point, he wanted to be a dentist. He was also a restaurant owner, but always a surfer and an amazing surfboard shaper.
With the reappearance of the long board in the 1990s and “The Endless Summer II” in 1994, Robert was back in the mainstream. He embodies the spirit, adventure and fun of surfing.
I was fortunate enough to ask him some questions this week, on June 6. The same date in 1945 was a great day for surfing, Happy Birthday, Robert!

STATS

Name: Robert August

Age: 65

Weight: 160lbs.

Stance: Goofy

Hometown: SealBeach/Huntington Beach, Calif.

Homebreak: HuntingtonBeach,Calif.

Board: 9’ 6” Robert August “What I Ride”

What was it like to surf with your father ?

I started surfing with my dad at about 12 years. He trained with the “Duke,” was a lifeguard, swimmer and water polo player in Redondo. He taught me to surf and I ran with it.

What drives you to keep surfing day after day?

It’s a great sport, I can’t imagine not surfing.

What does it feel like to be someone that embodies the essence and spirit of surfing in every way?

I certainly don’t think of it that way! I just love surfing. It’s something that I started doing with my dad and I’ve passed that experience on to my son, too.

What is a typical Robert August day like?

I have a 10 -year-old daughter and we are a family-run business, so my days are full and busy.

Did you think “The Endless Summer” would be an iconic surf movie while making it?

We had no idea the effect that the movie would have on surfing. At the time I thought it was a great opportunity and experience.

What is the Robert August Surf and Turf?

The Robert August Surf&Turf is a Surf/Golf formatted contest.We partner with the Cepia Foundation, a local non- profit group that strives to improve the lives of children in Costa Rica. We have helped raise over $20,000 each year for the past four events.
(For more information about the organization,visit asociacioncepia.org)

How did you come up with the idea to start making wine? Can I order it online?

I love wine. Its part of the lifestyle, I enjoy a glass after a day of surf or with dinner. We were approached by someone in the business and it went on from there. I’m not sure if you can order it any where online, but we can help you find it if you’re looking for some.

What is your favorite surf break?

Tamarindo RiverMouth,Tamarindo Cost Rica

What gives a greater fear sharks or cayman (crocodilian reptile)?

I don’t worry about them too much, technically we are in their space. Sometimes you’ll see a cayman at the end of the estuaries in Costa Rica. Just stay clear.

What is a bigger passion in your life surfing or shaping?

It has to be a draw, surfing and the things about it, travel, lifestyle are a passion, but the creativity of shaping and coming up with new ideas is what keeps me in it.

For people that have never owned a Robert August Surfboard, how would you describe the ride?

Robert August designs are user friendly, from beginner to more advanced and they perform well on wide range of surf breaks.

What’s on your schedule for 2010?

I just got back from a great promo in NC last week, I am doing a surf trip/camp thru Baja Surf Adventures to Nicaragua and El Salvador. Surf & Turf is coming up in Jul/Aug and in mid August there is the Moores UCSD Cancer Center Luau and Longboard Invitational to raise awareness and funds for cancer research. This is one of my favorite charity events and look forward to it every year. Maybe a trip to Australia?

Have you ever surfed Delaware?

Yes! We have a dealer in Delaware



Thank you, Robert, for taking the time to do this interview and thank you for keeping the spirit of surfing alive in so many of us. If you would like to check out a Robert August surf board you can visit his website, robertaugust.com.   He’ll make you a custom board.