New NSRI rescue craft in Graham Howes' memory
The family of kiteboarder Graham Howes is raising funds for a new NSRI rescue craft to honour his legacy and protect ocean lovers.
Image: Supplied
The family of world-renowned kiteboarder Graham Howes has launched a fundraising drive to build a new National Rescue Sea Institute (NSRI) rescue craft that will carry his name.
The announcement lands as the Red Bull King of the Air kicks off at Kite Beach, drawing elite riders and fans from across the world. With global eyes on Blouberg, the Howes family hopes the shared stoke of the sport will fuel support for a lifesaving cause.
“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,” said his mother, Gerry Howes. “Just to know that Graham still has a presence in this world.”
Howes was more than a big-air pioneer. Through his brand, Dirty Habits, he built a worldwide tribe of riders, creators, and fearless misfits.
His death at sea sent shockwaves through the extreme sports community, triggering an outpouring of love.
“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.”
NSRI Station 18 in Melkbosstrand launched a major search when he went missing in September.
“I just remember how grateful I was that everything possible was being done to find my brother,” says Craig Howes.
“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 NSRI is.”
His mother added: “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.”
Every donation will go directly to building the Graham Howes Rescue Craft.
“To have a rescue craft named after Graham would be amazing,” says Richard.
Craig puts it simply: “You’re not actually donating for Graham. You’re donating for anyone else.”
Gerry hopes water-sport families will back it: “It could save their son.”
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