Beloved Surfer Kolby Aipa Dies After Tragic E-Bike Accident in Huntington Beach: Community Mourns Loss of Surfing Legacy
HUNTINGTON BEACH, CA — The surf community is mourning the heartbreaking loss of Kolby Aipa, a 20-year-old surfer and proud heir of the legendary Aipa surfing dynasty, who tragically passed away after a devastating e-bike accident on Saturday, August 2, 2025.
Kolby was critically injured when he was reportedly being towed on his e-bike by a friend in a car near Pacific Coast Highway following the Snapt 5 surf film premiere. According to preliminary reports, Kolby lost control and was struck by the same vehicle that was towing him. The impact caused life-threatening injuries, and he was immediately transported to UCI Medical Center in Orange.
Despite the tireless efforts of medical staff and an outpouring of prayers from family, friends, and the wider surfing world, Kolby succumbed to his injuries. His passing was confirmed on August 4, leaving a deep void in the hearts of all who knew him.
A Life Rooted in Surf Legacy
Kolby Aipa was more than just a promising surfer — he was a symbol of surfing heritage. He was the grandson of Ben Aipa, the legendary Hawaiian surfboard shaper and founder of Aipa Surfboards, credited with inventing the iconic “sting” design that revolutionized board performance in the 1970s. Kolby carried this legacy forward with pride, competing on the Huntington Surf & Sport (HSS) Surf Team and participating in major youth surfing competitions across the coast.
Friends described Kolby as humble, warm-hearted, and fiercely dedicated — both to surfing and to his family. He was known for his magnetic smile, his deep connection to the ocean, and his willingness to support others in and out of the water. His family, including parents Duke and Val Aipa, had recently moved back to Huntington Beach from Hawaii to be closer to the HSS surf scene and help Kolby pursue his dreams.
In a public statement shared via social media, the Aipa family wrote:
“Please everyone pray for our son Kolby. He was in an accident and is fighting for his life. We need all your prayers.”
Sadly, the family later confirmed that Kolby had passed away, thanking the community for their continued support and requesting privacy as they grieve the unimaginable loss.
Community Shocked and Heartbroken
Kolby’s death has sent shockwaves through the surfing world, with tributes pouring in from professional surfers, industry leaders, fans, and friends.
Huntington Surf & Sport, where Kolby was a beloved team member, shared an emotional post:
“Kolby Aipa was a beloved son, brother, and friend whose presence touched so many lives. We are heartbroken beyond words. His love for the ocean, his family, and the surf community was unmatched. We’ll miss you, Kolby.”
Social media has since been flooded with memories, photos, and messages honoring his life. Fellow surfers described him as “a beam of light,” “a future legend,” and “a beautiful soul taken too soon.”
A Community Comes Together
To help support the Aipa family during this incredibly difficult time, the Pai family—owners of Huntington Surf & Sport—launched a GoFundMe fundraiser titled “Honoring Kolby Aipa’s Legacy.” The campaign has already raised over $40,000, with donations continuing to come in from supporters around the world.
GoFundMe page: https://www.gofundme.com/f/honoring-kolby-aipas-legacy
The fundraiser aims to assist with funeral and memorial costs, as well as any medical expenses incurred during Kolby’s hospitalization.
Plans for a public paddle-out ceremony and memorial event are reportedly in the works, where family, friends, and fellow surfers will gather to celebrate Kolby’s life in the way he would have loved—through the ocean and community.
Remembering Kolby
Kolby Aipa leaves behind a legacy far greater than his years. Though his time was tragically short, his impact will be felt for generations. His dedication to surfing, his embodiment of aloha spirit, and his connection to both his roots and his peers earned him a place in the hearts of many.
In the words of a close friend:
“Kolby was the type of person who made you feel like family, even if you had just met him. He had the heart of a lion and the soul of a surfer. He’s riding waves in heaven now.”
As Huntington Beach and the global surf community mourn, one thing is certain — Kolby Aipa will never be forgotten.
Rest in peace, Kolby Aipa. May your legacy live on in every wave.
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