Kolby Aipa, Descendant of Shaping Royalty, Passes Away
“This a hard painful lesson to the community of the dangers of electric bikes…” writes his mother, Val Aipa.
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Kolby Aipa, son of Duke Aipa and grandson of legendary Hawaiian shaper Ben Aipa, has tragically passed away after being struck by a vehicle while riding his e-bike home from the Snapt 5 world premiere in Huntington Beach. He was just 20 years old.
Following the accident, Kolby was placed on life support. A GoFundMe was launched to help cover medical expenses, but today brought the devastating news that Kolby did not make it.
A gifted surfer in his own right, Kolby represented the Huntington Beach Boardriders club in the 2019 Usher Cup in Australia. Kolby had recently graduated from high school and came from one of surfing’s most respected families. His grandfather, Ben Aipa, was the Honolulu-born surfer, boardmaker, and coach who created the iconic Sting design. He was inducted into the Surfing Hall of Fame in 2009 and named one of the “Top Ten Shapers of All Time” by Surfing Magazine in 2004.
Kolby’s father, Duke, is widely regarded as one of the leading figures in modern board design. He shaped a variation of the Sting for last year’s Electric Acid Surfboard Test with Dave Rastovich.
Duke and his wife Val raised two children — Kolby and his sister Sky — both known for their kindness, humility, and strong ties to their Hawaiian heritage.
Kolby was an integral part of Huntington Beach community, known for his respect and talent in the lineup at the pier and could be seen everyday down at Huntington Surf & Sport, where he had just been promoted to store manager a few days before his accident — he was also bussing tables at the Sugar Shack on the weekends.
“Kolby is one of the most humble, solid, respectful, and caring people I know,” wrote Hawaiian freesurfer and filmmaker Kuio Young.
Hundreds of friends visited him at the hospital on Sunday to share stories of how Kolby had impacted their lives in amazing ways. He was showered in love and graced with prayers of hope from pastor Christian Hosoi , Pastor Jason Robbinet…and prayer call after prayer calls coming in from all over the world.
Several more heartfelt tributes have begun to emerge as news of Kolby’s passing continues to spread. The surf community is heartbroken. Our thoughts are with the Aipa family and all who knew and loved Kolby.
His mother Val says, “This a hard, painful lesson to the community of the dangers of electric bikes… Parents, encourage your kids and even your 20-year-olds to practice safety, wear helmets, and don’t treat these dangerous bikes as toys…because accidents will happen. Don’t be afraid to put your foot down, because you just may save your child’s life.”
Kolby’s dad , Duke says this of his son as a final message of his son’s extraordinary life.
“Kolby always had a way with touching the lives of whoever he met. His acts of kindness and caring was his gift of Aloha to friends and strangers alike. To everyone that reads this… pass his Aloha on. So, how Kolby treated you, treat others in that same way…in this, you are continuing his legacy of Aloha. And you too can be like Kolby. Remember him, and tell the world that #iamkolby.“
The Pai family at HSS has graciously offered to coordinate a paddle out in Kolby Aipa’s memory at his home break, the Northside of HB Pier, with details forthcoming on the @hsssurf and @aipasurf social media channels.
Our thoughts are with the Aipa family and all who knew and loved Kolby.
Contribute to the Gofundme here.
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