Surfing inheritor Kolby Aipa dies at 20
The world surf group is mourning the tragic lack of Kolby Aipa, a promising younger surfer and descendant of certainly one of Hawaii’s most influential shaping dynasties. Kolby, 20, handed away after being struck by a automobile whereas using his electrical bike dwelling from the Snapt 5 world premiere in Huntington Beach.
“This is a hard, painful lesson to the community of the dangers of electric bikes,” wrote Kolby’s mom, Val Aipa. “Parents, encourage your kids and even your 20-year-olds to practice safety… because accidents will happen.”
Kolby was the son of famend board shaper Duke Aipa and the grandson of legendary Hawaiian surfer and innovator Ben Aipa — creator of the long-lasting Sting surfboard design. Ben Aipa was inducted into the Surfing Hall of Fame in 2009 and is broadly thought-about one of many biggest boardmakers of all time.
Kolby had already begun carving his personal path within the surf world. He competed for the Huntington Beach Boardriders Club on the 2019 Usher Cup in Australia, and was identified for his pure model, humility, and deep connection to his Hawaiian roots.
“Kolby always had a way of touching the lives of whoever he met,” stated his father, Duke. “His acts of kindness and caring were his gift of Aloha… Pass his Aloha on.”
Kolby had just lately been promoted to retailer supervisor at Huntington Surf & Sport and was additionally working weekends on the iconic Sugar Shack café. He was a well-recognized and beloved face at Huntington Pier — each out and in of the water.
On Sunday, a whole bunch of pals and surfers gathered on the hospital to share tales of Kolby’s generosity, energy, and style. Tributes poured in from around the globe, with prayer calls led by pastors Christian Hosoi and Jason Robbinet.
“Kolby is one of the most humble, solid, respectful, and caring people I know,” wrote Hawaiian freesurfer and filmmaker Kuio Young.
A paddle-out ceremony in Kolby’s honor is being organized by the Pai household of Huntington Surf & Sport and can happen on the Northside of Huntington Beach Pier — Kolby’s dwelling break.
