The Architects of Stoke Volume 1 - Robert August: The Surf Legend Who Shaped Costa Rica

If you've ever waxed up a board in Costa Rica, you owe a little nod to Robert August. For those of us who grew up with saltwater in our veins and the grainy footage of The Endless Summer burned into our brains, Robert August is royalty. He was the smooth, stylish goofy-footer from Seal Beach who, alongside Mike Hynson, chased waves around the globe in Bruce Brown's original masterpiece. But it was his return to the screen in The Endless Summer II that would forever link his name with the soul of Costa Rica.

Spanish Matt here writing for The Costa Rica Surf Company Team on this one.  As a fellow California surfer who traded SoCal breaks for the Pura Vida life over a decade ago, I've seen firsthand the legacy this man built. It's more than just a surf shop or a famous name. Robert August didn't just find a perfect wave in Costa Rica; he helped a nation share its magic with the world, becoming an unlikely and beloved national hero in the process. This is the story of how one man’s search for the perfect wave helped shape a country.

The Endless Summer II and the "Discovery" of a Nation

Let's set the scene: it's the early 1990s. Costa Rica is a beautiful, peaceful country known for its coffee and rainforests, but it's far from the global tourism powerhouse it is today. Surfing existed, of course, but it was a small, tight-knit community of locals and a few adventurous expats. Then, Bruce Brown decides to make a sequel to the most iconic surf film ever made.

He sends two new surfers, Pat O'Connell and Robert "Wingnut" Weaver, on a new quest. And who do they meet up with along the way? None other than an older, wiser, but just as stylish Robert August. Their destination: Costa Rica. The film’s release in 1994 showcased the country's jaw-dropping beauty and, more importantly, its world-class waves. Viewers saw Robert, Pat, and Wingnut scoring epic, empty sessions at Witch's Rock and Ollie's Point. The secret was out.

The impact was immediate and monumental. Before The Endless Summer II, Costa Rica's tourism was growing steadily but was primarily focused on eco-tourism. After the film, the "surf tourism" industry exploded. International tourist arrivals, which were around 780,000 in 1994, soared to over 1.5 million by the early 2000s. While not solely attributable to one film, the movie undeniably put Costa Rica on the map for a new, influential demographic: surfers. These weren't just any tourists; they were adventurers willing to explore remote areas, fueling economic growth in coastal towns that had previously seen little investment.

More Than Just a Famous Surfer

Robert August could have just been a passing celebrity, a face from a film who came and went. But he did something different. He stayed. He fell in love with the Pura Vida lifestyle, the warmth of the people, and the perfection of the waves, particularly in Tamarindo. He didn't just visit; he embedded himself in the community.

He opened a surf shop, Robert August Surf Co., which became more than just a place to buy boards. It became a landmark, a hub for the burgeoning surf scene in Tamarindo. He started shaping boards locally, blending his decades of California craftsmanship with the specific needs of Costa Rican waves. His "What I Ride" model, a versatile longboard, became an icon, perfect for the rolling points and beach breaks of Guanacaste.

Robert wasn't an outsider looking in; he became a part of the local fabric. He hired Ticos, shared his knowledge, and championed a sustainable approach to the growth he had inadvertently sparked. He understood that the magic of Costa Rica wasn't just the waves but the culture of its people. This is why he is so revered. He is the gringo who "got it."

The Legacy: A Museum, A Shop, and a Philosophy

Today, Robert's presence is still deeply felt. His shop in Tamarindo is a must-visit, a pilgrimage for any surfer passing through. Inside, you’ll find more than just new boards; you'll find a piece of history. The shop often feels like a mini-museum, with classic photos and memorabilia that tell the story of a life dedicated to surfing.

His surfboards are legendary. When you buy a Robert August board, you're not just buying a piece of foam and fiberglass; you're buying into a legacy of style, quality, and soul. He has a shape for everyone, from high-performance shortboards to classic logs that glide effortlessly.

But perhaps his greatest legacy is his living example. Robert August never stopped surfing. He embodied the idea that surfing is a lifelong pursuit, a fountain of youth. Even as he got older, you could still see him out in the lineup, effortlessly trimming on a longboard, sharing waves and smiles. It’s a powerful message for every surfer, from the grom just starting out to the old-timer with saltwater still in their veins. Grab a bigger board, paddle out, and go big, no matter your age.

Why Robert August is a Costa Rican Hero

In a country that proudly has no army and values peace and nature above all, a hero isn't a warrior; it's a builder, a uniter, a positive force. We believe surfing and surfers are a force for good. We help protect the beaches, the oceans, and connect with people from all walks of life and from all different places. We learn all the life lessons the giant ocean can teach one small person in its waters. We learn to look out for each other, we learn to help each other, we learn how to enjoy ourselves—together, all types of people from everywhere. We are connected to each other, our beaches, our waves, our oceans. In this age of competition, computer screens instead of friendly smiles, and all the hustle-hustle, surfing and surf culture has never been more important. To continue that tradition in a modern age, we can learn all we need to know from the architects of stoke and just all-around great dudes who help spread, teach, and live what you see on the screen.

Robert August, through his humble presence and quiet influence, helped build the modern surf culture of Costa Rica. He showcased the country's beauty to the world, not as a commodity to be exploited, but as a treasure to be shared respectfully.

He helped turn small fishing villages into thriving communities, creating opportunities for countless Tico families. He put Costa Rica on the world stage as a safe, beautiful, and welcoming destination with epic waves and even better people. If any foreigner deserves their face on the Costa Rican Colón, it's the man who showed up for the endless summer and decided to stay forever.

“Waves of Wisdom”

So next time you paddle out at a Costa Rican break, take a moment. Look at the perfect wave peeling down the line, listen to the howler monkeys in the trees, and share a wave with a local. You're living a dream that, in many ways, Robert August helped make possible for all of us. Pura Vida, Robert. We'll see you in the lineup.

Be sure to check out our Costa Rica Travel page for more surf and travel info. And grab some local style at our Surf Shop before your trip. A simple “pura vida” goes a long way here, and repping the local team is a great way to start a conversation, make friends, and show you’re here for the right reasons. Because you’re one of the good ones. “Let’s Look Good Out There”.

Plus, we have tons more blogs to help you find your spot and get it wired. Join us and tag us on social, and subscribe to our twice-monthly newsletter for event invites, news, great discounts, and all things Costa Rica surf. We aren't trying to crowd the lineup in your inbox, just helping you know what's out the back so you can time up your perfect set wave. Pura Vida!

A huge nod of respect and gratitude to a legend with Endless Pura Vida and an Architect of Stoke!