The family of internationally renowned kiteboarder Graham Howes has launched a fundraising campaign to build a new National Sea Rescue Institute (NSRI) rescue boat that will carry his name.
The announcement comes as the Red Bull King of the Air competition kicked off at Kite Beach, Bloubergstrand over the weekend — the same beach where Howes inspired countless athletes and fans through his fearless talent and infectious energy.
Red Bull South Africa has also announced that this year’s King of the Air edition will be dedicated to the life and legacy of Howes. As one of the sport’s most influential figures — both on and off the water — Howes helped shape the culture of big-air kiteboarding, making the tribute a fitting honour at the world’s premier event.
TygerBurger previously reported on Howes going missing during a kiteboarding session in September, his body later found after an extensive NSRI-led search. An autopsy later confirmed that his death was caused by a collision with a whale. Now, as the global kiteboarding community gathers in Cape Town, the Howes family hopes to channel that shared spirit of adventure into a life-saving initiative.
‘He still has a presence in this world’
For his mother, Gerry Howes, the rescue craft represents Graham’s enduring connection to the ocean and to helping others.
“He had the same passion as the NSRI, so it would be great if there were a boat in Graham’s memory that belongs to the NSRI,” she says. “Just to know that Graham still has a presence in this world.”
More than a decorated athlete, Graham was a mentor and a community builder who inspired thousands through Dirty Habits, the global extreme-sports culture he helped shape.
“When people speak of Graham, the words that come up again and again are life, energy, and kindness,” says his father, Richard Howes. “He had a rare gift. Whoever he was with felt seen, cared for, and valued.”
A search that brought strength — and closure
NSRI Station 18 in Melkbosstrand launched a full-scale search when Graham went missing. That response, his family says, provided comfort during the most devastating moments of their lives.
“I just remember how grateful I was that everything possible was being done to find my brother,” says Craig Howes, Graham’s brother.
“While it’s obviously not the result we were hoping for, I’m really glad we found him. You get a level of closure. It’s the spirit that embodied my brother — helping people. That’s what the NSRI is.”
Gerry adds: “People don’t realise until you’ve lost a child how difficult it is. When they eventually found him, they consoled us and gave us peace. We couldn’t have got through that night without the NSRI.”
A rescue craft that carries his name — and his purpose
Every donation received for the Graham Howes Rescue Craft will go directly toward building a new NSRI vessel as part of the organisation’s expanding fleet.
“To have a rescue craft named after Graham would be amazing,” says Richard. “Knowing Graham continues to sail the sea, helping others in distress.”
Craig emphasises that the fundraiser is about protecting the entire ocean community: “You’re not actually donating for Graham. You’re donating for anyone else — your family, a friend, or even yourself. One day, you might need a rescue boat.”
Gerry hopes families whose children participate in water sports will give what they can: “I would like families whose children do water sports to want to contribute, because it could save their son.”
To learn more about Graham’s story, support the rescue craft fundraiser, and watch a message from his family, visit www.nsri.org.za/support-us/grahamhowes.
