The global surfing community is reeling after the heartbreaking death of Kolby Aipa, the 20-year-old grandson of renowned Hawaiian surfboard shaper Ben Aipa.
The tragedy occurred over the weekend in Huntington Beach, California, where Kolby was reportedly riding an electric bike while being towed by a car filled with friends when a devastating accident took place. Despite being placed on life support, his family has now made the painful decision to turn it off.
Kolby’s death has left a gaping hole not only in his family’s heart but in the wider surfing community. His passing was confirmed by a heartfelt message posted on the Aipa Surf Co. Instagram account, which is run by his uncles, the sons of the late Ben Aipa.
The post read, “This is the hardest post we will ever make. We are completely heartbroken.” It went on to express deep gratitude to those who offered love, support, food, donations, flowers, and kind words during the family’s darkest days.
Kolby, a promising young surfer and member of the Huntington Beach Boardriders Club, had been making his mark in the surf scene. He was sponsored by prominent brands including Avva and Dakine.
However, his family and friends have emphasized that it was not his surfing achievements but rather his generous spirit and kind heart that truly defined him. “Kolby always had a way with touching the lives of whoever he met,” the Instagram post continued. “His acts of kindness and caring was his gift of Aloha to friends and strangers alike.”
The post urged others to continue Kolby’s legacy by treating people with the same love and respect he was known for, concluding with the powerful message: “Remember him and tell the world that #iamkolby.”
Tributes have poured in from across the surfing world. The World Surf League honored Kolby with a touching Instagram tribute, while Australian surfing legend Mick Fanning responded with heartfelt emojis of prayer and love under a prior post that had asked people to pray for Kolby’s recovery.
Kolby’s grandfather, Ben Aipa, was a monumental figure in the evolution of modern surfing. Founder of Aipa Surfboards in 1970, Ben was both a visionary shaper and respected surfer.
His signature board designs and contributions to surf culture left an indelible mark on the sport. Ben passed away in 2021, but his legacy has continued through his family — and now, heartbreakingly, that legacy includes Kolby.
The loss of such a bright and caring soul at such a young age is a devastating blow. In honoring Kolby Aipa, the surfing world is reminded of the deep connections that bind it together — not just through waves and boards, but through love, kindness, and the spirit of Aloha that Kolby so effortlessly embodied.
His memory now lives on through every kind gesture, every wave ridden in his name, and every person who chooses to carry forward his legacy.
