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. .

[@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

[@Eliel7230]

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

[@billgardyne7328]

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

[@kailiarcher]

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

[@hawaii.freedivers1951]

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

[@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....

[@ernsthorn2788]

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

[@eyeballs306]

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

[@paulhoshi-nagamoto7566]

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

[@leannecuster1490]

Buddy loves mommie so much how sweet.

[@diveanddine]

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

[@renanportodegalinhas3239]

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

[@bosilokal7608]

The best spearfishing channel 👌🏾

[@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.

[@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.

[@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…

[@okugotme]

Beautiful tribute MAHALO Rest easy Mr, Riffe

[@ewendonald8911]

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

[@tornadotiffany]

What a beautiful homage to his life 🥰

[@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!!!

[@mikenelson1387]

Simply beautiful

[@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...

[@oregonboy9]

RIP Jay. Made me cry.

[@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. ✨✌️💜🙏

[@AlaskaPirates]

It’s all about balance. Technology is a powerful tool to communicate the information to help inspire the youth to help save our oceans.

[@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.

[@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.

[@ericmartin7979]

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

[@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.

[@AlaskaPirates]

RIGHT!?

[@jordandeamaral7946]

Well said.

[@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.

[@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! ❤️❤️❤️

[@CuriousClines]

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

[@papichulo5552]

If Kimi calls you a legend, you a legend.

[@729kayla]

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

[@dumb2knot]

Mahalo nui loha 😎🤙I miss the island

[@sr4591]

Nice to see the teacher side of you Kimmy ❤️

[@debbieseenan3515]

Beautiful to watch thank you for sharing this 🌊❤️

[@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.

[@johnpaulsamia7599]

A hui hou Mr. Riffe

[@nanitarkio4060]

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

[@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.

[@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....

[@satriapetualang]

Amazing girls spearfishing

[@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!

[@darrynkushman1]

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

[@derekblas4841]

Right on kimi. R.I.P bredren j. Memorias ginen GUAHAN

[@stanleycates1972]

I love the Riffe family. Thank you Kimi.

[@jrbruno1339]

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

[@jocelynnguyen2812]

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

[@mindless2374]

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

[@kikumasga8778]

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

[@susanf3110]

Thank you for sharing.

[@jl.c.8673]

Beautiful video.

[@leogadget]

Lovely episode.

[@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!

[@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.

[@shotgunaaron]

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

[@npreschel]

Wow Kimi, wow! Surreal.

[@reapergrim76]

Awesome!

[@DiveHard]

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

[@suzyelbader3936]

Very special and heart warming tribute ♥️

[@reginaclifford6305]

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

[@arthurianking9776]

Amazing person and Beautifulstory.

[@ianuaikaonohiokalanikoholu7253]

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

[@stevesuarez1011]

Beautiful video

[@pjbiggleswerth8903]

Love your films too. Really really wonderful.

[@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!!!

[@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 💜🌺🌟

[@Allirys]

Amazing.

[@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

[@dumb2knot]

What a beautiful celebration thank you for sharing

[@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.

[@lexgray7291]

Kimi you made me cry...

[@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🤙🏽

[@darganslayer]

Jay was an absolute legend. Got to meet him in person at Riffe HQ when I picked up my Euro120 gun.

[@jpallen719]

Reminds me of my kid days in Kapoho bay which is no more from the lava flow….. remembering the good people and times spent in the ocean…

[@kenish1316]

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

[@scottmadsen9063]

What a beautiful story. Mahalo for sharing 🤙

[@tracyraley4003]

That was great 👍🏽

[@kennfujioka]

What a special episode-mahalo!

[@johnelicker3967]

thank you so much for sharing that lovely story very touching

[@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.

[@peterthermocline]

God Bless Him a Legend, May Father Neptune watch over him🔱

[@jillcraft9898]

That was beautiful. Thank you for sharing.

[@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.

[@zfilmmaker]

Beautiful tribute...nicely done!

[@coreymurray8422]

Beautiful

[@jonh.7661]

Wow... Beautifully done video tribute 😌🙏🏼

[@susitinastipich6195]

Beautiful kimi

[@jakef1068]

This video was beautiful

[@stevanuswanmang6207]

I Really Like Spearfishing.🙏🙏✌️💪

[@leonotto3253]

I just ordered my first riffe gun. Riffe euro 110! Gonna be thinking of the riffe family when ever I get it out in water! RIP Jay!

[@baasantsetsegdorjtsegmed4702]

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

[@ezgoin4132]

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

[@fishhunt9874]

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

[@josefraga1532]

Feliz Páscoa para a senhora e sua família amém boas pescaria

[@ceciliagdb]

Beautiful video😍

[@foodtripnijep]

Outstanding!

[@nombimsweli8643]

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

[@govbradford]

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

[@dudelemz3759]

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