Before the sun would even rise, Kolby Aipa would pick up his board and run into the waves to surf until the sun set. For him, this had been a daily tradition since he was not even 10 years old. The son of Duke Aipa and grandson of Ben Aipa, took on the role to continue his grandfather’s legacy to raise the Hawaiian heritage in the surfing community as the descendant of shaping royalty. Despite the last name, as someone would leave Duke’s shaping garage, they would meet the modest, humble boy standing on the front porch.

His persona and, at times, his words, would just tuck into their memories. For his friends, he was the one who would even dance in a parking lot to make them laugh. But the news of the 20-year-old’s accident has struck everyone. The young surfer was returning home on Saturday night after the Snapt 5 world premiere in Huntington Beach on an e-bike, towed behind his friend’s vehicle. Kolby collided with the car as it came to a sudden stop near the intersection of Seapoint Street and Pacific Coast Highway.

Aipa, critically injured, was taken to UCI Medical Center after 10 pm and had been struggling on life support. But the family’s Tuesday post on social media confirmed that he had succumbed to his injuries. UFC bantamweight contender Marlon ‘Chito’ Vera, who had developed a strong, nearly family-like relationship with Duke Aipa through a passion for surfing, shared his condolences for Kolby.

On his Instagram account, Vera shared a picture of Kolby with the caption: “Rest easy, kid! Much love and strength to the Aipa family ❤️ @dukeaipa @valaipa @aipasurf.” The attached image was a screenshot of Duke’s message for his son that inspired individuals to continue his “gift of Aloha.”

It read, “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. Remember him and tell the world that #iamkolby.”

Following his death, Kolby’s mother, Val, turned her grief into sharing the message that she learned. “This a hard, painful lesson to the community of the dangers of electric bikes… Parents, encourage your kids and even your 20-year-olds to practice safety, wear helmets, and don’t treat these dangerous bikes as toys…because accidents will happen. Don’t be afraid to put your foot down, because you just may save your child’s life,” she said in a public statement.

It was a touching tribute that perfectly fit the legacy left behind by the young surfer. Kolby Aipa was a talented surfer who represented the Huntington Beach Boardriders club in the 2019 Usher Cup in Australia. Many described him as the kindest spirit in the lineup. Recognized for his modesty and kindness, Aipa had recently been promoted to store manager at Huntington Surf & Sport just days before the incident.

He was a quiet leader and a companion to everyone who knew him, embodying the aloha spirit without ever needing to say it. As paddle-out plans begin to form at Huntington Beach and the hashtag #iamkolby gains traction, the message is as clear as it can get: Kolby Aipa’s life, although short, surely created lasting ripples for future generations. As for the case, no arrests have been made but the area is sealed and investigation in on.

EssentiallySports expresses our heartfelt sympathies to the Aipa family and joins the surf and MMA communities in honoring Kolby’s legacy.