Head Shaper:

Robert August

Behind the Brand:After appearing in early surf films like Slippery When Wet, Barefoot Adventures, and Surfing Hollow Days, Robert August was chosen to travel the world in search of the perfect wave while making the classic surf film The Endless Summer. The experience instantly made him one of the most recognizable surfers of his generation. Like many of the other talented surfers from that era, August also spent a good portion of his time in the shaping room, refining the equipment he rode in front of the cameras. In 1965, he began to work for Jacobs Surfboards in Hermosa Beach, and later became a freelance shaper for Overlin, Petrillo, Plastic Fantastic, South Shore, Harbour, Chuck Dent, and several other surfboard manufacturers who retained his talents throughout the late-’60s and into the ’70s. In 1974, August founded Robert August Surfboards on Main Street in Huntington Beach, CA. Mainly shaping shortboards during his opening decade in business, August welcomed the resurgence of the longboard during the ’80s and ’90s, a development that spurred the growth of the brand. By 2000, the Robert August factory was producing over 4,000 boards per year, and today, August continues to visit the shaping room and collaborate with his head shaper, Mike Minchinton, to keep the brand alive and well in the worldwide market. “The Robert August Surf Company focuses on customization,” says Minchinton, “striving to give our customers exactly what they are looking for.”

About Robert August Surfboards’ Most Popular Models: “The Robert August ‘What I Ride’ model is generally our most popular,” says Minchinton. “It’s a versatile longboard designed for a variety of waves. The two main aspects of surfing are featured here: speed and maneuverability. With medium rocker, medium thickness, 60/40 rails, and a concave under the nose, it’s good in all kinds of surf, regardless of the conditions. It’s also forgiving, which makes it a great design for beginner and experienced surfers alike.”

Shop Talk: “Giving customers exactly what they want in the investment of their own custom surfboard is an awesome experience. Customization, color, and resin work are huge right now. The techniques being used now—old and new—are putting out amazing-looking boards.”

Tell us about the changes you’ve seen in recent years in the shaping realm, and how it has affected your craft. “Foam has improved, ultimately making the end result a better product.”

What’s the most important quality to look for in a surfboard? “Versatility. There are so many different surfing styles and ability levels. Our goal is to please as many surfers as possible. From shortboards, to mid-range, to longboards, Robert August Surfboards are customized for each buyer, with attention to quality and customized detail. If you can dream it, we can shape it. We are backed and staffed by some of the most experienced shapers and craftsmen in the industry, and we are committed to customer service.”

When a new customer comes to you for a custom shape, what kind of questions do you ask to ensure you’ll make them what they’re looking for? “We ask about their surfing experience and ability, take their height and weight, and learn about the location where they surf. Plus, we want to know if they’re a shortboarder or longboarder. Basically, we want to find out what kind of surfing experience they’re looking for.”