Surfing World Mourns Kolby Aipa After Tragic E-Bike Accident
It’s a heartbreaking time for the surfing world as we say goodbye to Kolby Aipa — a rising star and part of one of Hawaii’s most iconic surf legacies — who passed away at just 20 years old following a tragic e-bike accident.
Kolby, the grandson of legendary surfboard shaper Ben Aipa and son of Duke Aipa, was hit by a vehicle while riding his electric bike home from the Snapt 5 world premiere in Huntington Beach. He was placed on life support immediately after the crash, but despite the wave of support, prayers, and a GoFundMe campaign that quickly gathered momentum to help with his medical costs, Kolby’s condition sadly worsened. His family confirmed his passing just days later.
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His mother, Val Aipa, made a powerful plea in the wake of the tragedy, urging parents to talk to their kids about safety — even their adult children. “Accidents will happen,” she wrote, “and this is a hard, painful lesson to the community about the dangers of electric bikes.”
Kolby wasn’t just another young surfer — he was already carving a meaningful path of his own. As a competitor for the Huntington Beach Boardriders Club and participant in the 2019 Usher Cup in Australia, Kolby had begun making a name for himself, not just through his skill on a board but through his humility, grace, and connection to his Hawaiian roots. Friends and mentors often spoke of his calm presence, his giving spirit, and his deep sense of Aloha — the kind that left a lasting impression on everyone he met.
In addition to surfing, Kolby had recently stepped into a leadership role as the store manager at Huntington Surf & Sport, and he also worked at the iconic Sugar Shack café on weekends. He was a well-known face at Huntington Pier, both in the water and around the neighborhood.
In the days after the accident, hundreds gathered at the hospital — friends, surfers, and family — sharing stories and holding prayer circles led by pastors Christian Hosoi and Jason Robbinet. Hawaiian filmmaker Kuio Young called Kolby “one of the most humble, solid, respectful, and caring people I know.”
A paddle-out ceremony is being planned in his memory by the Pai family of Huntington Surf & Sport. It will take place at Kolby’s beloved home break — the Northside of Huntington Beach Pier.
His passing is a devastating loss, but the legacy of kindness, humility, and aloha that Kolby carried forward from his legendary family will not be forgotten. His wave may have ended too soon, but his spirit continues to ripple through the surf community.
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