Robert Alan August was born in Hermosa Beach in 1944 and grew up just down the California coast in Seal Beach. His father, Orral “Blackie” August, was a lifeguard at nearby Redondo Beach and was one of the first surfers to ride its waves. Blackie often surfed with Duke Kahanamoku when The Duke would visit Southern California, and had Robert surfing at the age of six.

A natural goofy-footer, Robert quickly developed the smooth, relaxed style that allowed him to become a successful contest surfer at a very young age. He finished fourth in the men’s division of the 1963 West Coast Championships and third in the ’64 U.S. Invitational. In 1965, Robert placed third in the U.S. Surfing Championships and was invited to surf in the Duke Kahanamoku Invitational.

Below is part 1 of our interview with Robert. If you enjoy this you should check out our surf documentary, BoardRoom – Legends of Surfboard Shaping.

Executive Producer: Robert Jax
Producer / Interviewer: Robert Bell
Director: Markus Davids