Memorial Services Announced for Kite-Boarder Graham Howes in Bloubergstrand
- Memorial events will take place this weekend, including a service and a community gathering with a paddle out
- Howes, a well-known kite-boarder from Bloubergstrand, tragically passed away following a water accident
- Authorities and rescue teams praised the efforts of those involved in the search, while the family has asked for privacy
Family, friends and members of the sporting community will unite this weekend to celebrate the life of Graham Howes, the well-known kite-boarder and inspirational figure behind the Dirty Habits movement.
Source: Instagram
A memorial service will be held at Elkanah High School on Saturday, 13 September, at 2.30 pm. The service will also be live-streamed on the Dirty Habits YouTube channel for those unable to attend in person.
On Sunday, 14 September, a community tribute will take place at Small Bay Beach and later at the Dirty Habits Club headquarters.
The event will include a traditional paddle out, paying homage to Howes’s connection to the ocean, followed by a gathering where friends and supporters will share stories and memories of his life.
Howes failed to return from a kite-boarding session
Howes, aged 38, was reported missing last Sunday after failing to return from a kite-boarding session at Eden on the Bay.
A large-scale search operation was immediately launched, involving the National Sea Rescue Institute (NSRI), emergency services and private vessels, with the search area extending from Bloubergstrand towards Dassen Island.
On Monday, his board and sail were recovered at sea. Later that day, his body was found by the crew of a motor yacht that had voluntarily joined the search effort. His remains were subsequently taken into the care of the South African Police Service and Government Health Forensic Pathology Services.
The NSRI commended the collective effort of emergency responders, volunteers and residents who assisted in the search, describing their collaboration as remarkable. Authorities and rescue services have extended their condolences to Howes’s family, who have requested privacy as they mourn their loss.
Source: Instagram
What was Graham Howes about?
Graham Howes was a fearless adventurer and a talented entrepreneur whose energy and passion left a mark both on and off the water. A Big Air kite-boarder known for his relentless riding style, Graham lived life at full throttle, embracing challenges that most would shy away from.
He was also the visionary behind the Dirty Habits movement, a community that celebrates living life boldly, through extreme sports, creative expression, and unfiltered experiences. Graham’s approach inspired others to push their limits, embrace adventure, and “live your best life,” whether on the waves, in the air, or through the daring stunts he captured in his videos.
Beyond his extreme pursuits, Graham cared deeply about the well-being of his peers. Earlier this year, he launched a campaign focusing on mental health in extreme sports, urging athletes to seek support and reminding them that they were never alone:
“All I want is for you to know that you are not alone in your fight, no matter how small or big it may seem.”
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 Shane Christie.
Former Springboks fullback dies
Briefly News previously reported that former Springbok fullback and Northam Rhinos head coach, Bevin Fortuin, has tragically passed away at the age of 46.
Fortuin earned two caps for the Springboks, debuting against Ireland in 2006 and featuring against Australia during the 2007 Tri-Nations series.
Source: Briefly News
