Tributes and condolences have poured in following the death of well-known Cape Town kite surfer Graham Howes, whose body was found in the sea on Monday.
Howes had gone missing on Sunday after kite surfing off Eden On The Bay.
An extensive sea and air search was launched, leading to the discovery of his kite surf gear and, later, his body.
One of Graham’s friends, Nick Southon, wrote on Facebook on Tuesday morning:
“I would like to extend my sincere gratitude to everyone who assisted in the search for our friend, Graham Howes. After the official search was called off in the early hours of Monday morning, several members of the aviation community, including pilots Martin Venn, Jean Tresfon, Derick Burger, David Lehr, Rihan Kleyn, Mike Paans, Glenn Poley, Warren Massey, Ingmar Boesenberg, Gunter Klampfl together with others who kindly joined the effort, generously dedicated their time and resources to continue the search from sunrise. To everyone who shared posts, spread the word, and kept watch along the coastline, your support has been invaluable. Your selflessness, professionalism and commitment during this difficult time have been profoundly appreciated. It is truly moving to see how so many came together in support of Graham’s family and friends. On behalf of all who knew and cared for Graham, thank you for your contribution and unwavering support. He will be dearly missed.
Blue skies G 💙”
Dean Cothill wrote:
“Just too surreal. Way too soon. Most people have gifts they bring and offer the world. Graham was one of the few people I’ve met that, didn’t just have gifts and talents, but Graham was a gift. To so so many people. Every room he walked into, you could tangibly feel the temperature and atmosphere change.
From Blouberg to the Faroe Islands and back again.
Love you Gray. Never forget. #dirty
Sending so much love to Craig Howes and the family 😭❤️”
The Atlantic Surf Shop also expressed its condolences:
“Thank You @grahamhowes for the Stoke you Shared with Us.
A friend , a leader and an inspiration to the Atlantic Team, Family and community 💔😭 Our deepest thoughts and prayers are with Your family , Jerry , Rich , Craig , Candice , Nick , Jason and the rest of the Howes and @dirtyhabitstv community. 🙏 Gone but not forgotten. Your legacy and commitment to community will be forever appreciated and remembered by Us 🙏❤️🔥 Thank you Graham 👑”
Friends from around the world shared how Graham had touched their lives. Robin Somogyvari wrote:
“From island hoping in the Persian gulf, gate crashing our wedding in Dubai, raining chaos down on Jbay, going for one “quick” drink after a kite sesh but coming home at sunrise with stupid grins on our faces, building sliders while blind drunk and then landing cover shots the next day, birthday bonfires on the beach, getting stung on the nutsack by a scorpion while camping at Witsands, no one lived life like you. The world has lost one of the best humans & Cape Town will never be the same.
Cheers for letting me be a part of your stoke bru.
Graham Howes
Thinking of you Richard Howes Craig Howes Mark Howes Candace Liu”
The 38-year-old Howes, was the founder of the kite-surfing lifestyle brand Dirty Habits.
The Dirty Habits store wrote on Facebook:
“@grahamhowes has inspired so many of us. Now he will keep inspire us from somewhere else 🙏🏼 His legacy will live on forever through this amazing community he built.
RIP Graham, forever a legend ❤️
Pray for Graham🕊️”
