South African Professional Kite Surfer Dies After Body Recovered off Cape Town Coast

• The body of Graham Howes has been recovered after the fearless Big Air rider went missing off Bloubergstrand on Sunday, September 7, 2025
• The kite surfer and entrepreneur failed to return home after the surfing event was over, which raised concerns over his whereabouts
• The death of the sportsman gathered different reactions on social media, with netizens paying tribute and consoling his family

The extensive search for South African pro kite-surfer Graham Howes ended in tragedy on Monday, September 8, 2025, when a motor yacht crew discovered his body at sea in Cape Town.

The 38-year-old, who was the founder of the kite-surfing lifestyle brand Dirty Habits, was last spotted kiteboarding off Eden on the Bay in Bloubergstrand, Cape Town, on Sunday, September 7, 2025.

Howes' failure to return home that evening after the event led to an alarm being raised and triggered a wide-ranging rescue operation.

Read also

"Suffering from success": Springboks fan’s hilarious take on loss to All Blacks sparks laughter

Howes found dead at sea

The spokesperson for the National Sea Rescue Institute (NSRI), Craig Lambinon, gave an update concerning the unfortunate event.

“On Monday morning, the kite-surf sail and kite surfboard were located close to Robben Island,” he said.

“Later in the day, the body of Graham Howes was located and recovered at sea in the search area by the crew of a local motor yacht that had also joined in the extensive search efforts.”

Dirty Habits released an official statement on their Instagram page to confirm the death of their founder.

"Graham Howes has inspired so many of us. Now he will keep inspiring us from somewhere else 🙏🏼," the statement reads.

"His legacy will live on forever through this amazing community he built. RIP Graham, forever a legend ❤️. Pray for Graham🕊️"

Friends and fans are remembering fearless kite surfer Graham Howes with heartfelt tributes on social media.

Read also

DJ Chymamusique's family breaks their silence following fatal car crash

candace.jane.liu said:

"17 special years with my love 💔💔💔💔💔💔💔💔💔💔💔💔💔💔💔💔 Life will never be the same without this beautiful soul. Forever in my heart."

jesserichman wrote:

"What an absolute LEGEND. Gosh, we will all miss you greatly. Thank you for all you brought. Not once did anyone feel left out around you, you simply made the world more fun, cheers to you my bru. ❤️❤️❤️

courtintheact shared:

"A soul that moved through life with me on many ways, inspiration, strength and enthusiasm for life. His time here left waves and memories that will last more than a lifetime 🫶🫡🤟🕊️."

naish_kiteboarding responded:

"Rest easy Graham, you will be missed on the water 💔 thoughts are with your friends, family and your @dirtyhabitstv @jacobsen_kites crew!/ Naish team."

kevinlangeree reacted:

"Will never forget your smiles and great talks. Love you my friend ❤️❤️"

Paul Brauteseth commented:

"So so sad. Still a young man. Condolences to family and friends"

Read also

Phumeza and Mnqobi Shoba's Divorce: Contract agreement, division of assets and spousal maintenance

Mary Proust mourns:

"This is very sad news. How awful for his loved ones.!"

Ina Veltman added:

"Non of these outdoor sport should be done alone, so that if things turn wrong there can be help!!!! The young people are just far to ignorant. Sorry for the,loved ones, God's grace upon you all."

The news about Howes' death comes after two coaches were punished for the death of a young rugby player in Cape Town, and also the death of New Zealand rugby star Shaine.

Source: Briefly News