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‘Fly High, My Friend’: Ocean Community Mourns Kite-Surfing Legend Graham Howes
The South African kite-surfing community is reeling after the death of Graham Howes, a larger-than-life figure whose fearless approach to the sport made him both a local icon and an international name. The 38-year-old’s body was recovered off the coast of Bloubergstrand on Monday, bringing a heartbreaking end to a massive search effort that gripped Cape Town’s ocean-loving community.
A Search That Gripped Cape Town
Howes, who launched from Eden on the Bay on Sunday, 7 September, never returned home. Alarm bells rang quickly, sparking a multi-agency rescue operation that stretched toward Dassen Island and included rescue crews, aircraft, volunteers, and even private yachts.
On Monday morning, his kite and board were spotted near Robben Island. Hours later, the devastating discovery was made when a motor yacht crew located and recovered his body at sea.
NSRI spokesperson Craig Lambinon thanked everyone who joined the search, underscoring how the collective effort reflected the deep respect Howes commanded within the community.
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Tributes to a Fearless Rider
News of his passing prompted an outpouring of grief on social media:
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“Fly high, my friend,” wrote Dave Kay.
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“What a massive loss to our community of ocean lovers,” shared Tasha Mentasti.
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“A true legend. Very sad news indeed. You will be truly missed, Graham,” added David Behan.
Messages ranged from shock to heartfelt farewells, all painting a picture of a man who was not just admired for his skill but loved for his spirit.
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More Than a Surfer: The Dirty Habits Legacy
Howes wasn’t only known for his jaw-dropping stuntslike kite-looping over a plane flying at 200 kphbut also for his entrepreneurial vision. He founded Dirty Habits, a lifestyle brand that began in Cape Town 15 years ago and has since expanded globally, most recently into France.
Fellow kite-surfer Cedric Vandenschrik described him as “a real character” who was always pushing boundaries, both in sport and in life. “Dirty Habits has grown into a core kite-surfing brand worldwide because of Graham. He lived the brandcommunity, adrenaline, and living your best life.”
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A Shock Felt Beyond South Africa
Internationally, Howes was celebrated as a “fearless Big Air kiter” with a relentless style that inspired younger riders. He was more than an athlete, he was a showman, content creator, and mentor whose videos and events drew in not just kite-surfers, but thrill-seekers of all kinds.
The timing of his passing, right at the start of Cape Town’s windy spring seasona period kite-surfers wait for all year adds another layer of heartbreak for the local community. Bloubergstrand, where he last launched, has long been considered one of the world’s premier kite-surfing spots, making his loss feel all the more poignant.
A Family’s Grief, A Community’s Farewell
While friends and fans continue to celebrate his legacy online, Howes’s family has asked for privacy as they navigate this difficult time.
Still, his impact is undeniable. For Cape Town’s ocean lovers, his name will forever be tied to the waves and the wind. For the kite-surfing world, Graham Howes remains a symbol of courage, creativity, and freedom.
As one mourner wrote: “Rest in paradise, legend. The sea will never forget you.”
{Source: The Citizen}
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