New NSRI rescue boat named after late kitesurfer Graham Howes
A new NSRI rescue vessel bearing the name of kiteboarder and Dirty Habits founder Graham Howes will honour his influence on extreme sport, mental-health advocacy and water safety.
The National Sea Rescue Institute (NSRI) has commissioned a new rescue boat named after late kitesurfer Graham Howes. The Spirit of Graham Howes, a 5.5-metre rigid-hull inflatable boat, will be stationed at Station 16 Strandfontein. The project received enough funding to make the necessary arrangements after Graham's passing in September 2025.
Gemini Marine donated the hull of the boat, which will be built by the NSRI. Graham Howes was born in Johannesburg and later developed a passion for kiteboarding, which took him to Dubai, New Zealand, and the Dominican Republic. In Cape Town, he gained recognition for his powerful riding and big-air tricks. Graham's father, Richard, recalled his son's fear of sharks when he was 14 years old.
Graham founded Dirty Habits, an extreme sports community that brought together people from various backgrounds, fostering a sense of belonging and acceptance. He was a pioneer in breaking the silence around mental health in action sports, openly discussing his own struggles with depression, anxiety, and epilepsy. Graham's impact extended beyond his athletic achievements, as he created a family-like environment for his fellow athletes and supporters.
His legacy lives on through the Spirit of Graham Howes, a vessel dedicated to honoring his life and mission.
Written by urgent.news from IOL's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
