R.I.P. Ben Aipa (1942-2021)
Photo: Jeff Divine
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When Ben Aipa’s big heart finally stopped beating on Friday, January 15th after the man succumbed to multiple health issues including heart problems, diabetes, strokes and dementia, the surfing world lost one of its most remarkable characters — and in some ways, one of its least-appreciated. Not due to any lack of respect. Ben commanded respect without even asking for it, from the moment he first took to the waves at Waikiki as a burly 23-year-old. But he wasn’t exactly shy. No other three-letter athlete from Farrington High, semi-pro football player and blue-collar truck driver could get by without occasionally puffing a few lips — let alone learn to surf in Hawaii as a full-fledged adult.