The National Sea Rescue Institute (NSRI) has announced that a new 5.5-metre rigid-hull inflatable boat for Station 16 Strandfontein has been named the Spirit of Graham Howes. The boat was made possible by a fundraising effort, with Gemini Marine donating its hull and building the craft. Graham Howes was a well-known figure in the South African extreme sports community, remembered for his passion for kiteboarding and his advocacy for mental health awareness.
Graham Howes grew up in Johannesburg and developed a passion for kiteboarding, which took him to various parts of the world, including Dubai, New Zealand, and the Dominican Republic. He eventually settled in Cape Town, where he became known for his powerful riding and big-air tricks. Howes was also the founder of "Dirty Habits," a group that brought together riders of all levels and backgrounds.
Howes' impact extended far beyond his athletic achievements. He was a pioneer in breaking the silence around mental health in action sports, and his advocacy work had a lasting impact on the community. His brother, Craig, remembered him as one of the bravest fighters he knew, who struggled with stuttering as a child but went on to become a confident and charismatic figure in the kiteboarding world.
The Spirit of Graham Howes rescue boat is a testament to his life and legacy. According to Richard Howes, Graham's father, his son had a rare gift for making everyone feel seen, cared for, and valued. The boat embodies his devotion to saving lives in and out of the water and his mission to ensure no one fights their darkest battles alone.
Graham Howes was also a creative and reflective person who expressed himself through poetry and video posts. In his poem "There's a Place," he confronted his internal struggles with feeling constantly judged and his realization that the harsh critic he feared was his own internal voice. He later shared his personal struggles with mental health, including depression, anxiety, and epilepsy, in a bid to raise awareness and challenge the stigma around mental health in sport.
Howes' advocacy work had a significant impact on the kiteboarding community, and he was recognized for his efforts with the Global Kitesports Association's Social Contribution Award in 2023. His friend remembered him as a brave and vulnerable person who gave others permission to be real. Graham's brother, Craig, recalled the happy memories they shared, including laughing, crying, and praying together.
The Spirit of Graham Howes rescue boat is a fitting tribute to a man who lived a life of passion, energy, and kindness. His legacy continues to inspire others to prioritize mental health and to create a supportive community for those who need it. The NSRI's initiative to name a rescue boat after him ensures that his memory lives on and continues to make a positive impact on the community.
Key points
- The Spirit of Graham Howes rescue boat was made possible by a fundraising effort and will be used for rescue operations at Station 16 Strandfontein.
- Graham Howes was a renowned kitesurfer and advocate for mental health awareness who lost his life at sea in September 2025.
- The rescue boat embodies Graham's devotion to saving lives in and out of the water and his mission to ensure no one fights their darkest battles alone.
