In early August, Kolby Aipa was involved in a freak and tragic e-bike accident in Huntington Beach, CA. The grandson of legendary surfboard shaper, Ben Aipa, was put on life support, but ultimately passed away. He was 20 years old.
His death rocked the surf community writ large. And specifically in his hometown of Huntington. And so, following the tragedy, Kolby was honored with a posthumous plaque on the Surfers’ Hall of Fame, in addition to one next to his grandfather on the Surfing Walk of Fame, right across the intersection on Main Street, Huntington Beach.
Outside of Huntington Surf & Sport, family members and friends gathered to celebrate the life of Kolby and immortalize his life with the new plaque, beneath the watchful eye of modern surfing’s godfather, Duke Kahanamoku.
Previously, the Aipa family announced the tragic news: “This is the hardest post we will ever make,” they wrote. But they also remembered Kolby’s legacy fondly:
“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.”
Related: Kolby Aipa, Surf Royalty, Tragically Dies in E-Bike Accident
The Pai family, local legends and owners of Huntington Surf & Sport, also honored Kolby with a giant honorary photo of him in one of their window displays.
And a memorial paddle-out was held for the fallen on Saturday, September 20th on the northside of Huntington Beach Pier. More to come from that, but in the meantime, rest in peace, Kolby Aipa.
To support the family, donations can be made here.
Related: Kolby Aipa, Heir to Surf Royalty, Honored with Memorial Paddle-Out