Graham Howes’ Family to Honour Late South African Kite Surfer Days After His Passing
- Graham Howes' family are set to honour the late South African professional kite surfer months after his death
- The 38-year-old passed on in September after drowning in the sea in Bloubergstrand, Cape Town
- The SA professional kite surfer's mother, father, and brother explained the reason behind the decision to honour him
The family of kiteboarder Graham Howes is working on a new action in honour of the late South African athlete. Howes passed on at the age of 38 in September 2025 after he failed to return home at the conclusion of a surfing event in Bloubergstrand, Cape Town.
Source: Instagram
A search was initiated after he went missing during his last event, only for the motor yacht crew to discover his body at sea in Cape Town.
A series of in-depth investigations, supported by three independent autopsies, led coroners to determine that the creator of the Dirty Habits kitesurfing label lost his life when he was attacked by a whale.
Investigators confirmed that Howes had ridden his kiteboard toward a group of whales when one of the huge animals collided with him. The blow, reportedly carrying more than a ton of force, knocked him unconscious and caused him to drown.
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Family launches fundraiser in honour of Howes
The family of the globally celebrated kiteboarder Howes has launched a fundraising initiative to support the construction of a new National Sea Rescue Institute (NSRI) rescue vessel, which will bear his name as a tribute. This announcement comes as the Red Bull King of the Air competition kicks off at Kite Beach in Blouberg, widely regarded as the pinnacle of big-air kiteboarding events worldwide.
With kiteboarders and fans from around the world gathering in Cape Town, the Howes family hopes to harness the shared spirit of ocean adventure to support the life-saving initiative.
Graham's mother, Gerry Howes, says it would be meaningful to have an NSRI rescue boat named in her son’s memory, reflecting his passion for the sea and ensuring that he continues to have a presence in the world.
Richard Howes, Graham’s father, says that people consistently describe Graham as someone full of life, energy, and kindness. He explains that Graham had a rare ability to make anyone around him feel seen, cared for, and valued.
When Graham went missing during a kiteboarding session in September, the NSRI’s Station 18 team in Melkbosstrand launched an immediate and persistent search. For the family, the NSRI’s efforts became a vital source of strength.
Graham’s brother, Craig, recalls feeling deeply grateful that every possible step was taken to find him. Although the outcome was not what they had hoped for, he believes that locating Graham provided a sense of closure. He says this reflects Graham’s own spirit of helping others, which is what the NSRI represents.
Source: Instagram
Graham’s mother added that no one truly understands the pain of losing a child until they experience it themselves. When the NSRI eventually found Graham, she says their support brought the family comfort and peace, helping them make it through an unbearable night.
Water-based ceremony held for Howes
Briefly News also reported that friends and fellow ocean enthusiasts came together at Small Bay to remember Howes.
At a special water-based ceremony, friends and fellow kite surfers formed a circle in the water and released flowers in his memory.
Source: Briefly News
