The Endless Summer Lifestyle

His effortless ease and relaxed style make for a true longboarder. Pair his surfing with his witty, laid-back humor and you get one of the world’s most famous surf pioneers — Robert August.

Growing up in Seal Beach, California, Robert was surrounded by waves from the very start. His father, Orral (Blackie) August, was an original California waterman and had Robert surfing by the age of 6. Robert later went on to become a successful contest surfer. He competed in various contests preceding an invite to surf in the prestigious Duke Kahanamoku Invitational.

Not just a pretty boy, class president and stylish surfer, Robert had a sharp mind to match. He attended Huntington Beach High School and was enrolled in all accelerated classes, planning to attend dental school. Then quickly after high school graduation, he was presented with the opportunity of a lifetime.

Together with filmmaker Bruce Brown and Mike Hynson, Robert set out to travel the globe in search of the perfect wave. Their quest would be turned into the famous film “The Endless Summer.” Robert was selected to be featured in the film over other more popular surfers at the time, not just because of his smooth surfing ability, but also his positive outlook on the importance of a healthy — sometimes crazy, but always fun — surfing lifestyle.

by Jessie Rowan

Originally published in August 2018 Photos: public domaine

Upon the film’s debut, “The Endless Summer” screened all over the United States and was recognized by Newsweek magazine as one of the best movies of 1964. This recognition allowed Robert to live out his own “Endless Summer” life.

At the same time, he helped put Costa Rica on the global surf map. Back in the early 1990s, Robert and Bruce Brown filmed “The Endless Summer II” at what are now considered some of Costa Rica’s most famous surf spots: Witch’s Rock, Ollie’s Point and Tamarindo.

Leaving his mark

The film’s popularity also opened up profitable business opportunities and has molded Robert August into the individual he is today: a shaper, business owner and surfing icon, but most importantly a father.

Since 2011, Robert has resided in Tamarindo, where he raises his daughter, Christine. She is carrying out the August family tradition as a strong and competitive surfer. Robert’s son, Sam August, is also a powerful surfer and former professional baseball player.

“My son played for the Houston Astros. I couldn’t believe that was my son when I would go to watch him pitch. I remember saying, ‘That's my little boy.’ He put his mind to baseball as I did with surfing.”

Upon moving to Tamarindo, Robert became a key representative of the Witch’s Rock Surf Camp. There, he teaches the history of surfing and does surfboard shaping seminars, while greatly influencing the surfing culture in and around the country.

Robert’s surfing achievements were recognized and honored at the International Surfboard Builders Hall of Fame in Huntington Beach, California, on Oct. 21, 2017.

Family first

That family is the central focus of Robert’s life is evident when he considers Christine’s future opportunities.

“I don’t want to limit her, I want her to be able to go wherever she wants. I want what is best for her.”

Since the “Endless Summer” movies, Robert has kept generating positive surf vibes around the world, leaving a mark everywhere he travels.

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‘The Endless Summer’ was recognized by Newsweek magazine as one of the best movies of 1964.