Celebrating the Legend of Spearfishing, Jay Riffe - with the Riffe Ohana and Kimi Werner in Hawai’i.

Jay Riffe was a legend and innovator of the spearfishing world. He recently passed away.
Jay’s daughters Jill and Julie, along with his wife and granddaughters return to Hawai’i to celebrate Jay’s birthday, spread his ashes in the ocean and live out the legacy he left.
Kimi Werner has been part of team Riffe for over a decade and met up with the Riffe ohana for a dive. While Julie and Kimi spear menpachi to fry for Jay’s ceremony, his granddaughter Sierra, tags along to learn the ropes of hunting fish in Hawai’i.
Jay’s celebration of life feels intensely special and immensely beautiful as friends gather with flowers, leis, great food and a lifetime of wonderful memories. It’s beyond clear that Jay’s legacy will live on forever through his daughters, granddaughters and everyone touched by the path he paved. Aloha Jay.
Mahalo to everyone who helped make this special video:
Directed by: Nicole Gormley
Cameras: Justin Turkowski, Nicole Gormley
Underwater Camera: Nicole Gormley, Kimi Werner
Editor: Daniel Jones
Music: Gregory Johnson ‪@AcousticLabs‬
Check out RIFFE here:
speargun.com/
Follow Kimi on Instagram:
/ kimi_swimmy. .

[@billgardyne7328]

Beautiful video, but surpassed by the happy and proud smiles on his granddaughters’ faces.

[@ernsthorn2788]

Beautiful Kimi. I'm teary-eyed, but ina good way.

[@warriorrootsbullies]

Awesome Sierra! Saltwater force is strong in this young Jedi😁🤙🏽 Doing what comes natural from your spearfishing bloodline! Mahaloz Kimi for posting the awesome footage🙏👍🤙🏽 Love,Aloha,Respect and Condolences to the Riffe Ohana. A little salt is good for the soul...Blood,sweat,tears and the sea....

[@leannecuster1490]

Buddy loves mommie so much how sweet.

[@diveanddine]

very nice video! these young kids dont know the pioneers of their own waters

[@jazzy802]

Jay sounds like an amazing person. Thank you Jay for doing so much so my youngster self can enjoy the sport and thank you Kimi for this awesome video teaching us of him and sharing his sprit.

[@Eliel7230]

What a beautiful story. Thank you for sharing it with us. Aloha.

[@eyeballs306]

Beautiful. Thank you for sharing this beautiful legacy and life with us.

[@Sinned03062003]

WOW!!! KIMI, I DONT SPEARFISH, BUT YOUR VIDEOS ARE SOOO VERY HEARTFELT!!! IM WRITING FROM HAWAII AND I CAN TRULY SAY FROM MY HEART AND SOUL, THANK YOU!!!

[@jpallen719]

The story really touched me, goes without saying that Kimmy and anyone associated with her are some of the greatest people on the planet, but it reminded me of those early days in Hawaii on the big island when we were diving with friends sharing meals, some of the best times in my life. The ocean brings people together….forever…

[@miketexas4549]

I have a $120 Riffe dive knife, and I dropped it into 8 feet of water stepping onto my boat in the marina. I was devastated! For weeks I searched down there in the gloomy, dark water and thick mud, the second you touch the ground visibility was zero so it was all by feel. Then one day I finally found it! So stoked.

[@siliconiusantogramaphantis2122]

Sierra has caught Kimi's eye and praise for her heart of the sea. Lucky girl, Kimi is a living legend.

[@besearchingforwisdom6267]

Kimi, you are a legend of the type Jay Riffe was. He was an innovative artist and set an awesome standard for the betterment of the people who were fortunate enough to give him the reverence and respect of a loved legend. The Riffe spearguns caused us all to set higher standards and influenced me. It doesn't matter if someone else can excell, he got it right. RIP Jay Riffe And God bless you always

[@marvinkamei7007]

feeds the soul! good videos always1

[@bali.to.niseko]

Mahalos Kimi for a look into Jay's life and his legacy. well done.

[@ewendonald8911]

What a great tribute to a legend of the Tribe. Rest in Peace Ocean Brother.

[@CuriousClines]

I love this community. Kimi is a living legend and inspiration to current and future generations. Thank you

[@renanportodegalinhas3239]

Respect from Brazil. Thanks Riffe family for keeping alive this spirit. Thanks for sharing this whith us Kimi. 🇧🇷🔱💙

[@kailiarcher]

Thursday’s are my favorite because it means a new video from my favorite family🤩

[@bosilokal7608]

The best spearfishing channel 👌🏾

[@paulhoshi-nagamoto7566]

Of all of the great videos from this channel, this one is my favorite.

[@sarahsandmann3143]

Absolutely moving episode. Everything I'm trying to do is about conserving our oceans and teaching our children. It's so special to see that we actually just need to look to our elders to see how to do it. Less insta and more example.

[@jordandeamaral7946]

Well said.

[@okugotme]

Beautiful tribute MAHALO Rest easy Mr, Riffe

[@johncarpenter1476]

What a beautiful tribute to Jay and his legacy. It's a privilege to see the memories, respect, and traditions by the Hawaii tribe of spearos. The Long Beach Neptunes will forever remember and honor is legacy and contribution to spearfishing. RIP Jay and thank you again...

[@729kayla]

Makes me even more proud to say I own a riffe!! Thank you for sharing Kimi!

[@sr4591]

Nice to see the teacher side of you Kimmy ❤️

[@orlandor6504]

Thank you Kimi, the Riffe family, and to the Hawaiian spearfishermen for such a beautiful tribute and allowing us some special moments inside his service. I know others feel this way but I really feel like the Riffe family is my own having been fortunate enough to grow up amongst them. This is truly the closest you can be to him, in the water and amongst the divers he inspired and equipped, not just physically. Much love, Orlando Rojas.

[@ericmartin7979]

🤙Aloha,Happy Birthday Jay Riffe R.I.P 🙏 From 🇳🇿Aotearoa.

[@finswheels6663]

My gun is a riffe and it's an honour to have it! I'm sending love from island to island - Shetland to Hawaii! ❤️❤️❤️

[@ondaholo1568]

Still take my 20yr old Riffe out once and a while....been hunting with a RA roller lately but theres just something special about a Riffe teak gun. Mahalo for sharing this with us. !!LEGACY!!...I hope my legacy will look something like this.

[@devo2296]

Thank you for sharing The love and story of Jay and his family. I found your work a year ago and your videos have gotten me through the pandemic. I haven’t been able to get into the water yet but I buy my fish weekly now from our local San Diego fisherman at the Tuna Harbor Dockside Market and and it’s been nothing short of a life-changing blessing. Seeing this video today (in addition to all your other beautiful videos) has underscored the incredible ways that we are all interconnected to each other and the world around us. Thank you for the gift of sharing your family and your life. With deep gratitude....

[@lisaharrison5397]

I wish all kids could be taught how to enjoy nature and learn survival ,as well put down the cell phone and be in the real world. God bless. ✨✌️💜🙏

[@rebeccagilman2020]

I agree.

[@burning4rmwithin]

I mean... we're all using our phone to watch and comment this video. Not everyone has the time, mindset, money and privilege to live like that. It's all about balance and being diverse. I appreciate people like kimi as much as the people who are advancing technology and medicine as well. We all need the differences in each other to live in this modern world. I enjoy using my phone as much as I enjoy working in my garden and growing my own foods. As much as I want my son to be self-reliant, he can make his own choices in what he wants to do too. But I do hope he'll enjoy doing the things that we like to do... growing our own food and building what we need in our house and fixing what we can fix.

[@dumb2knot]

Mahalo nui loha 😎🤙I miss the island

[@tornadotiffany]

What a beautiful homage to his life 🥰

[@oregonboy9]

RIP Jay. Made me cry.

[@papichulo5552]

If Kimi calls you a legend, you a legend.

[@allanjr808]

My dad had his riffe island for over 20 years. It was given to him as a wedding gift. He still uses it today and is a testament to the amount of quality that was put into these guns.

[@darrynkushman1]

Thank You once again ,the video is great in so many ways .

[@dicungDon]

All strong-spirited women and men! Thanks, Kimi for sharing this amazing video. All the best to you and your family. Riffe was a true legend, he will always be missed. RESPECT!

[@shotgunaaron]

Beautiful episode, delicious fish! Thanks for sharing Kimi. Absolutely loved it 👍

[@stanleycates1972]

I love the Riffe family. Thank you Kimi.

[@leannecuster1490]

It's amazing how utube can carry love respect emotions all over the world Kimmie you are a great teacher and great women a legend.

[@debbieseenan3515]

Beautiful to watch thank you for sharing this 🌊❤️

[@reginaclifford6305]

What a beautiful video. Loved the Riffe ohana and what a homage to Jay. Mahalo ✨🌈🕊✨

[@kennfujioka]

What a special episode-mahalo!

[@quien9838]

I love you guys thanks for everything you guys do. kimi you are my idol thanks to the Jay families I'm in the water all the time.

[@michaelcrabtree7113]

Sorry to hear he passed away...such a passionate way to remember him...he Carrys a huge legacy!! Awesome way to keep his legacy alive. Great job and way to get those grindz!!!

[@leannecuster1490]

I did not Jay but Kimmie I cant hold back tears because he was a part of your becoming a top spearfisherman.Love to all.

[@baasantsetsegdorjtsegmed4702]

Kimi you're the humble Legend for me. Sending lot's of love from Mongolia:)

[@arthurianking9776]

Amazing person and Beautifulstory.

[@dumb2knot]

What a beautiful celebration thank you for sharing

[@nanitarkio4060]

thanks Kim for sharing along with the riffe family, you guys are awesome!!!!

[@mikenelson1387]

Simply beautiful

[@808Cummins]

this episode made me tear. When I go my ashes will spread out in the ocean off of Ka'u.... with all the great fishermen I grew up with and touched my life. Much Mahalo Kimi for displaying the life of a legend who was loved by many in a video so touching that would make a grown man cry.

[@ezgoin4132]

Hey, there is Buddy..love his local food...Always nice to see him and Mom Kimi together.

[@jakemats7]

Man this was such a heart felt episode....i still have and only use my C2X since 2005 and its still a killer gun ...rest ez MR.Jay🤙🏽

[@jakef1068]

This video was beautiful

[@ceciliagdb]

Beautiful video😍

[@Lambsear565]

So awesome! 💕🤙🏾

[@pngo1818]

This video was so heart warming. It shows your vision and hard work of teaching the younger generations to know their environments pays off. You and others like you have taught them that they can feed themselves and their love ones. To take pride but be respectful as well to their catches. Much love to you and your family 💜🌺🌟

[@susanf3110]

Thank you for sharing.

[@kikumasga8778]

Much love to you Kimi and the Riffe family❤ all the way from the CNMI🇲🇵

[@leogadget]

Lovely episode.

[@jocelynnguyen2812]

What a beautiful video. A perfect tribute to your friend. Thank you for sharing

[@govbradford]

Awesome tribute Kimi. That was beautiful and sad all at the same time.

[@user-hv8ex4de8i]

So Cool! Sorry for Your lost but so Happy You are all Celebrating He and His Families Life. Woo woo to the OGs! So Cool!

[@williamwayfairing5968]

love love LOVE this video! Kimi, I hope you realize that how you look up to Jay Riffe is how this next generation of spearfishers looks up to you!

[@sailingpopao]

Beautiful guys, Jay's legacy is strong in those girls. They are such a loving family and it's an honour to have gotten to know them all over the years. Gosh, I can't believe how much they've grown, I just knew Sierra would grow into become an epic little hunter just like her mum

[@jrbruno1339]

Beautiful video and heart warming ♥ Thank you all.God bless you all

[@vanessafong1332]

Love n Hugs to the Riffe’s family. 💕 It is very touching to see Jay’s daughter spread a part of him into the Hawaiian sea. He truly belonged to the sea. RIP. 🙏🙏

[@DiveHard]

What a great episode. We would love to dive and learn from Kimi!

[@jl.c.8673]

Beautiful video.

[@terryyonashiro3735]

Kimi that was truly touching celebration for Jay Riffe may he rest in peace. Watching the video and seeing many familiar faces bought back so many memories from the past diving events. Take care Riffe Ohana Jay will be missed by the diving community.

[@autumnskye5882]

My escape from this ugly world!! Thank you!! 🤙

[@ianuaikaonohiokalanikoholu7253]

I really love this. I don’t know you Kimmi but thank you. Very deeply thank you.

[@mindless2374]

You are an amazing teacher. Im learning as I watch you as well.

[@kristopherking7550]

Absolutely beautiful story telling! The four portraits are a silver bullet!

[@kimiwerner]

I agree!!!

[@noahct4363]

You are awesome kimi! Roots run deep, RIP Jay! Your legacy lives forever with us, gratitude, appreciation and aloha always. Mahalo!

[@dudelemz3759]

How i wish you have a full spear fishing episode.... but still my wife and i enjoy your vlog....

[@npreschel]

Wow Kimi, wow! Surreal.

[@nombimsweli8643]

I actually shed a tear😂 this was such a beautiful episode

[@reapergrim76]

Awesome!

[@ricknielmarie862]

Favorite Family 😘😘😘 truly inspiring. New subscriber here. Much love ~ from kuwait 🇰🇼

[@suzyelbader3936]

Very special and heart warming tribute ♥️

[@josefraga1532]

Feliz Páscoa para a senhora e sua família amém boas pescaria

[@ThecaptsVLOG]

Wow Kimi and Justin! So glad you filmed this while they were there. RIP Jay and stoked to see the OG NSSF crew!

[@fishhunt9874]

Condolences and much respect to the Riffe family. Jay was a legend in many many ways. 😔

[@crazyforfishingsa]

Beautiful video Kimi 🙂🎣🎣 as always 🤙🏻

[@scottmadsen9063]

What a beautiful story. Mahalo for sharing 🤙

[@artedwards8536]

I'm not a spearfisher but I've always been fascinated by it. Jay seems like Fred Bear who inspired the bow hunting world. A giant who's shoulder other people stand on. Definitely felt my eyes water after watching this.

[@kenish1316]

another amazing video! the quote not quantity but the quality is a lesson we shud carry wid us.... God bless...

[@jonh.7661]

Wow... Beautifully done video tribute 😌🙏🏼

[@josephaguon703]

Kimi thank you for sharing this video it's great to reflect on our past the teachers/ instructors that we learn from and there skills.👍🤙😎mahalo

[@tracyraley4003]

That was great 👍🏽

[@stevesuarez1011]

Beautiful video

[@mickrose9633]

Was good to see not just me with tears of love for a good man. That is the best thing anyone can leave behind with our love ones and friends.

[@codycarothers3537]

So so good thanks for sharing, this made my day. Love and miss those girls and so stoked they got to have such an amazing experience with you and your crew. 🍻 to papa Jay 🤙🏼ALOHA🤙🏼

[@LIKAGRL28]

Although I never knew Jay I have great respect for his accomplishments. Kimi and Justin what a beautiful job representing and celebrating his life ....... this was so beautiful

[@jamesleleiwi8414]

This so awesome giving your advice to the young ones, so much blessing to you

[@TXPRiNCEZZ09]

This was so special!! So much love to everyone! ♥️