“Thank You for Helping Us Bring Graham Home,” Says the Family of the Late Kite Surfer
- Friends and fellow ocean enthusiasts came together at Small Bay for a water-based ceremony to remember Graham Howes
- After a solo kite session, Howes did not return home. Rescue teams, volunteers, and local organisations later located his body offshore
- Howes created the Dirty Habits community, promoting adventurous living, creativity, and mental health awareness among extreme sports athletes
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Dozens of kite surfers and residents gathered at Small Bay in Bloubergstrand last Sunday, 14 September 2025, to pay tribute to Graham Howes.
Howes, 38, went missing on 7 September after heading out alone for a kite surfing session from Eden on the Bay. When he did not return by late afternoon, his family reported him missing.
His kite and board were found the next morning, and later that day, a private yacht assisting in the search recovered his body between Bloubergstrand and Dassen Island.
Source: Instagram
The search involved the National Sea Rescue Institute (NSRI), Metro Rescue, SAPS diving units, local fishermen, volunteers, and neighbourhood-watch groups. NSRI spokesperson Craig Lambinon said the coordinated efforts helped provide closure for the family.
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At the paddle-out ceremony, friends and fellow kite surfers formed a circle in the water and released flowers in his memory.
How did the surfers pay tribute to Graham?
During the tribute paddle-out, participants conveyed how much Graham Howes meant to them. Fellow surfer James Ryland described him as more than just a skilled kite surfer, explaining that Graham had a way of lifting everyone around him and that the ceremony was meant to celebrate that spirit.
Lindy Morris shared that being on the water, where Graham felt most at home, allowed them to feel a connection with him one final time, reflecting the farewell he would have wanted.
Kite surfer Kyle Slade highlighted the sense of unity within the community, noting that in moments of grief, people come together, just as they had during the search for Graham.
Source: Instagram
The Howes family thanked the public for their support and asked for privacy during their mourning.
“The past week has been difficult, but the support we have received has been appreciated. Thank you for helping us bring Graham home,” the family said.
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.”
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Briefly News previously reported that former Springbok fullback and Northam Rhinos head coach, Bevin Fortuin, 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
