Watch "Between the Waves" with Taylor Pai

Huntington Beach is one of the most iconic surf communities in the world. What makes it so iconic are the waves and its history, yes, but also because of its people, including surfers running generational businesses near the ocean.

This includes the Pai family, who run Huntington Beach Surf and Sport. Located just across the street from the Huntington Beach Pier, it's the ultimate surf shop. Not only can you get anything and everything you need, from t-shirts to boardies, surfboards and more; it's one of the best spots in the area to cruise because inside its doors, you can feel the true spirit of aloha.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3tAfO1wfWdE

That welcoming, inviting and stoke-filled vibe you feel inside the shop comes from the Pai family. Aaron Pai grew up in Honolulu and moved to Huntington Beach. Then, in 1978, Aaron was hired as Huntington Beach Surf and Sport's first employee, making $2.25 an hour selling surf accessories, and a year later, he had the opportunity to buy the shop.

After borrowing money from his parents, he became the owner and began to re-imagine the business in accordance with his vision. Along with his wife, Sher, they raised their children—Taylor, Trevor and Ashlyn—around the shop and the beach just across the street.

Today, Taylor is a co-owner, and currently seeks to perpetuate the aloha vibe to the next generation of surfers (oh, and it's worth mentioning that he rips, too).

Check out our video to see a never-before-seen day in Taylor's life, talking about his family legacy, what makes the annual US Open of Surfing a must-experience event, and his thoughts on why Huntington Beach is one of the most iconic surf cities in the world—a city that should be your next surf destination.