Robert and Blackie August inducted into the Seal Beach Surfing Hall of Fame
Seal Beach has played a huge role in surf culture and in the sport of surfing locally as well as worldwide for decades. In an effort to honor and preserve the achievements of influential figures in the Seal Beach surf community, the Seal Beach Boardriders Club created the Seal Beach Surfing Hall of Fame.
The weekend of April 27, marked the 2nd annual Seal Beach Surfing Hall of Fame induction in which Robert and his father Blackie were honored alongside Nancy Katin, Rich Chew, and Kurt Augsburger.
In the 40’s and 50’s Blackie was one of the top surfers on the coast and introduced surfing into Roberts life at a young age. Blackie and the rest of the August family lived in a house on the sand in Seal Beach that became known as “The Sphinx House” because of a sphinx statue placed on the roof. The house became a headquarters for many of the hottest surfers of that time, including Harry Schurch and Jack Haley, cementing Seal Beach as a surfing hotspot during that time. There are endless stories and memories that stem from this hotspot. Having all this talent in one spot proved to be essential in fostering the talent of the next generation of surfers in the area.
The exposure to surf icons and culture was not lost on Robert and he took to surfing quickly, honing his skills at his home break in front of “The Sphinx House”. He went on to leave his impact on Seal Beach as well as the rest of the surfing world as a star of Bruce Brown’s “The Endless Summer”.
The August family is honored to be included in this highly respected group of surfers.
Lorelei Ranney
We are so Stoked to know you. Thank you for mentoring us all… HUNTINGTON BEACH SURFING ASSOCIATION.
James Lester
Aloha from South America Robert! Good for you man…many fond memories of 422 PCH and rubbing rails and being a shop rat, plus coaxing you and Hap to come surf Hermosa on the good days!
Ray Robertson
Blackie an Robert August are the true soul of Family surfing ! Glad to see Sam August is keeping the stoke alive ! Have multiple boards from Robert August an He built My Wingnut am signed it ! Blows everyone who surfs it’s mind !
Patti Swing
Congratulations Robert!! What an awesome honor for you and your Dad!!! So sad we missed the awards, would be great to see you! Always your friend Patti
Karrol Baker
Oh! This is wonderful, I wish I had known earlier. Uncle Blackie and Aunt Patty were so loved by us Baker kids, and memories of them and family gatherings at the Sphinx house are treasured.
We’re so proud to know this is happening and send our love to Robert on this happy occasion.
Karrol Baker, cousin and fan!