Has Graham Howes been buried? Where is his body now? Here’s all to know

The South African kite-boarding community was thrown into mourning after the death of Graham Howes, a 38-year-old professional rider and founder of the Dirty Habits collective, who was found deceased at sea following an extensive search off Bloubergstrand, Cape Town.

Howes went missing on Sunday, 8 September, while kite-boarding off Eden on the Bay. When he failed to return to shore, friends and fellow riders raised the alarm, prompting a multi-agency operation led by the National Sea Rescue Institute (NSRI). The search involved rescue boats, private vessels, aircraft, and drones sweeping the waters towards Dassen Island.

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Has Graham Howes been buried? Where is his body now? Here’s all to know

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On Monday afternoon, search teams recovered Howes’s kite and board. Later that day, a motor yacht participating in the search discovered his body. The NSRI confirmed the recovery and extended condolences to his family and friends.

Community tributes

News of Howes’s death sent shockwaves through local and international kite-boarding circles. Widely regarded as one of the sport’s most fearless riders, he was celebrated for his big-air style and for founding Dirty Habits, a lifestyle brand and community that brought together thrill-seekers across South Africa.

Fellow riders described him as “a living legend” and “the soul of the Cape Town kiting scene.” Tributes poured in on social media, with many recalling his generosity, humour, and openness about mental health struggles, which he often spoke about to encourage others facing similar battles.

Funeral and memorial

Following the recovery, family and friends announced that a memorial service would be held on Friday, 13 September, at Elkanah High School. A paddle-out ceremony was also organised by the kite-surfing community to honour his life on the water. At the time of reporting, details of his final burial had not been publicly disclosed, though memorial arrangements allowed the global kiting community to pay respects both in person and online through livestreams.

Broader concerns

Howes’s death highlighted the risks of extreme water sports. Rescue officials urged kite-boarders to take extra precautions, including checking equipment, avoiding solitary rides, and ensuring that someone onshore is aware of their session. They also advised riders to carry safety and communication devices when heading out in unpredictable conditions.

For a man who lived on the edge of wind and wave, Graham Howes’s passing left a void in the kitesurfing world. His legacy, through Dirty Habits and the countless riders he inspired, is set to endure long after the winds of Bloubergstrand settle.

FAQs around Graham Howes

1. Who was Graham Howes?

   • Graham Howes was a 38-year-old professional kite-boarder from South Africa and the founder of Dirty Habits, known for his daring riding style and influence in the global kitesurfing scene.

2. When did Graham Howes die?

   
   
   

   • He went missing on 8 September 2025 while kite-boarding off Bloubergstrand. His body was recovered at sea the following day.

3. Has Graham Howes been buried?

   • A memorial service was held on 13 September at Elkanah High School, with a paddle-out by the kite-surfing community. Burial details have not been publicly disclosed.

4. What caused Graham Howes’s death?

   • Authorities confirmed his body was recovered at sea. While the cause of death has not been publicly detailed, the incident underscored the dangers of extreme water sports.

5. What legacy did Graham Howes leave behind?

   • Beyond his sporting achievements, Howes inspired riders globally through Dirty Habits, his openness about mental health, and his role as a mentor in the kiteboarding community.