News Summary
The Huntington Beach community came together to celebrate the life of Kolby Aipa, a local surfer who tragically passed away at age 20. Following a fatal e-bike accident, family and friends held an emotional tribute that included a paddle-out ceremony at Tower 2, symbolizing his legacy and impact on the surfing community. Kolby was posthumously inducted into the Surfers Hall of Fame, highlighting his connection to the beach culture and the love shared by those who knew him.
Huntington Beach Comes Together to Honor Kolby Aipa
This past weekend, the vibrant community of Huntington Beach gathered to celebrate the life of local surfer Kolby Aipa, who tragically lost his life at the young age of 20. Kolby passed away following a heartbreaking e-bike accident on August 5, a loss that has deeply affected everyone who knew him.
A Devastating Accident
Details of the incident reveal that Kolby was being towed on his e-bike when he lost control. This unfortunate event occurred near the bustling intersection of Seapoint Street and Pacific Coast Highway at around 10:08 p.m. PT on August 2. Despite being promptly transported to UCI Medical Center, Kolby succumbed to his injuries, leaving behind a community in mourning.
A Family’s Heartfelt Tribute
The tribute festivities for Kolby included an emotional paddle-out ceremony, where friends and family gathered to honor his memory. Conch shells were blown to signal the start of the event, while beautiful flowers were placed in buckets along the shore. Surfers hit the waves at Tower 2, a location that held special meaning for Kolby.
Adding to the legacy of this remarkable young man, Kolby was the beloved grandson of renowned surfboard shaper Ben Aipa, founder of Aipa Surfboards. His grandfather’s influence on his life and surfing career was evident as the community celebrated the unique bond they shared.
Induction into Surfers Hall of Fame
In an inspiring recognition of his talents and character, Kolby Aipa was posthumously inducted into the Surfers Hall of Fame on August 8, just days after his passing. A plaque honoring him was installed next to his grandfather’s famous handprints at Huntington Surf & Sport. This gesture symbolizes the incredible legacy he carved in his short life—one that will not be forgotten by the city.
During the induction ceremony, Kolby’s family spread his ashes around the plaque, which where later covered with cement, marking a permanent tribute to his life. His father expressed immense pride and love, highlighting the celebration of Kolby’s life rather than just mourning his loss.
A Community Comes Together
Those who knew Kolby took turns sharing stories that reflected his generous spirit and profound love for others. He was known for embodying the true spirit of aloha, and countless guests wore black T-shirts and hats displaying the hashtag #IAmKolby in tribute to him.
Kolby’s connection with the surfing world was evident, with many recalling how much he thrived in a team environment. He had built a remarkable legacy not only through his talent but also through the jobs he held at Huntington Surf & Sport and The Sugar Shack Cafe.
Members of organizations such as the Huntington Beach Boardriders Club shared heartfelt anecdotes about how Kolby represented their community with pride in competitions, further demonstrating how deeply he was cherished.
Community Support Shines
In the wake of this tragedy, a GoFundMe page was established by the Pai family to assist the Aipa family, which successfully raised over $74,000. The support and generosity displayed by the community highlights the strong bond that Kolby’s family has forged with those around them.
As the community continues to grieve, they also celebrate the warmth and love that Kolby Aipa brought into their lives. It’s a reminder of the lasting impact one young surfer had on so many, proving that although his time here was short, his legacy will live on forever in the hearts of those who loved him.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Tragic Loss in Huntington Beach: Kolby Aipa Remembered
Additional Resources
- ABC7 News
- Surfer Magazine
- Los Angeles Times
- People Magazine
- KTLA News
- Wikipedia: Surfing
- Google Search: Kolby Aipa
- Google Scholar: Kolby Aipa
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Surfing
- Google News: Kolby Aipa
Author: STAFF HERE HUNTINGTON BEACH
The Huntington Beach Staff Writer represents the experienced team at HEREHuntingtonBeach.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Huntington Beach, Orange County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Huntington Beach Surf City USA Marathon, the U.S. Open of Surfing, Fourth of July celebrations at the Huntington Beach Pier, and community festivals at Huntington Beach Central Park. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Huntington Beach Chamber of Commerce and Visit Huntington Beach, plus leading businesses in retail, hospitality, and outdoor recreation that drive the local economy. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAnaheim.com, HERECostaMesa.com, HERESantaAna.com, and HERELosAngeles.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Southern California's dynamic landscape.
