The victim of the fatal collision in Huntington Beach was identified this week as Colby Aipa, the 20-year-old grandson of legendary surfboard Shaper Ben Aipa.
Police said Colby, who was called “Surf Royalty” by major surf publications, was holding the back of a Toyota Tacoma driven by a 20-year-old friend while riding an e-bike on the Pacific Coast Highway on Saturday night. According to the Huntington Beach Police Department, Colby manages to lose control while pulling, causing a collision with a friend’s pickup truck.
Officers responded to a report of the collision at 10:08pm near the intersection of PCH and Sea Point Street and found the 20-year-old driver not injured. Paramedics rushed Colby to a nearby hospital and he was on life support until his death from injury Tuesday, according to Surfer magazine.
Investigators said the Tacoma driver was not suspected of being disabled and no arrests were made. Police asked HBPD Traffic Investigator S. Flynn, 714-536-5666, to contact HBPD Traffic Investigator S. Flynn, 714-536-5666.
Colby’s grandfather, Ben Aipa, is originally from Hawaii, pioneered the infamous “Sting” surfboard designs and founded the brand AIPA Surf in 1970.
AIPA Surf paid tribute to Ben’s legacy on Wednesday, the day after Colby passed away.
Colby Aipa, grandson of the legendary surfboard shaper Ben Aipa, can be seen in this undated photo shared after his death in August 2025 at the age of 20 (@aipasurf on instagram)
“This is the most difficult post we’ve ever made,” read the beginning of AIPA Surf’s social media post. “We wanted to share the devastating news at AIPA Surf that our sweet boy @kolby_aipa has passed, at @dukeaipa @valaipa and @leilani_skysky.
According to a report from Surfer Magazine, following his long surfing lineage, Colby said he is the up-and-coming local surfer himself, sponsoring major surfing brands and a member of the Huntington Beach Board Rider Club.
“Thank you for loving our boy,” he continued with AIPA’s compliment. “Colby always had a way of experiencing the lives of those he met. His acts of kindness and compassion were a gift for Aloha’s friends and strangers.
The Pie Family, owners of Huntington Surf and Sports, has set up GoFundMe to support the AIPA family.
