There are names in kiteboarding that echo far beyond the water. For me—and for so many others—that name is Graham Howes. I never had the privilege to meet him in person, but like thousands of riders around the world, I felt his presence. Through Dirty Habits, his fearless riding, his podcasts, and his unfiltered honesty, Graham wasn’t just another pro kiteboarder—he was a leader, a voice, and a bridge between the highs of adrenaline and the raw truth
When I scroll through the tributes pouring in, I realize why his loss feels so heavy. Graham wasn’t just doing megaloops over Cape Town seas—he was reshaping what kiteboarding culture could be.
The Rider Who Refused to Blend In
Cape Town has given us some of the biggest names in Big Air, but Graham stood out. Not just for his fearless style in the water—though let’s be honest, his sessions often looked like they were pulled straight from an action movie—but for the energy he carried.
While many riders chased competition trophies, Graham built something bigger: a movement. His brand, Dirty Habits, wasn’t just a clothing line or a crew—it was a statement. It was about living unapologetically, pushing limits, and building a tribe where everyone, from pros to weekend kiters, felt like they belonged.
Every time I saw Dirty Habits in action—those insane videos of kiters flying over piers, boats, or even dreaming of jumping planes—I could feel that spark. It wasn’t polished marketing; it was raw, real, and magnetic.
More Than Stunts: A Voice That Mattered
But what made Graham truly a leader wasn’t only his riding. It was his willingness to show up as human. In a sport that glorifies fearlessness, Graham broke the silence about something we rarely talk about: mental health.
Through his talks and the unforgettable Dirty Habits Podcast, he opened the conversation about depression, panic attacks, and the inner battles so many athletes face behind the scenes. I remember listening to him describe how he had his first panic attack while kiteboarding—his happy place. That kind of honesty hit deep. It made me respect him even more.
By speaking out, Graham gave permission to the rest of us to be real. He reminded us that strength isn’t only measured in how high you can jump, but in your ability to share your struggles and keep going.
A Culture-Maker, Not Just a Kiter
The beauty of Graham’s vision was how he blended sport, lifestyle, and storytelling into something unforgettable.
- Through Dirty Habits, he built a tribe that went global. Wearing one of their hoodies wasn’t just about style—it was about belonging.
- Through his podcasts, he pulled back the curtain on the lives of elite athletes, showing us not just the glory, but the doubts, the wipeouts, the laughter in the car rides between sessions.
- Through the documentary “We Need to Talk”, he shone a light on mental health in extreme sports, gathering voices from kiting, mountain biking, wingsuit flying, and more.
He knew that kiteboarding wasn’t just about tricks—it was about culture. And he gave that culture an identity, one that was fun, rebellious, and unapologetically real.
Why He Was a Leader
Leadership in our community doesn’t come from podiums or prize money. It comes from authenticity.
Graham was a leader because he dared to do what others didn’t:
- Ride fearlessly, but also admit fear.
- Build a brand, but keep it rooted in community.
- Push the sport forward, but also pause to talk about what really matters in life.
That’s what true influence looks like. It crosses oceans, time zones, and even personal connection. Graham made kiteboarding bigger than just a sport—he made it a culture you wanted to be part of.
Personally, Why He Inspired Me
As someone who’s been in the kite scene for years, I’ve always admired athletes who give more than just performance. Graham gave perspective. His Dirty Habits podcast was one of the few places I found raw, unfiltered conversations about what it means to live this life—its highs, its chaos, and its shadows.
When he spoke about mental health, it didn’t feel like a lecture. It felt like a friend saying, “Hey, I’ve been there too.” And that kind of honesty in extreme sports? It’s rare. And it’s powerful.
Saying Goodbye, Celebrating Forever
It’s hard to say goodbye to a legend. But the truth is, Graham Howes won’t ever really leave kiteboarding. His influence is stitched into the fabric of our community.
He’ll be remembered for the crazy stunts, yes—but more importantly, for the courage to speak up, to connect, and to inspire. He taught us that being a kiteboarder isn’t just about how high you fly, but how real you are when your feet are back on the ground.
So here’s to you, Graham. Thank you for giving our community soul. Thank you for the laughs, the loops, the podcasts, the honesty. Thank you for reminding us that kiteboarding is about more than kites and boards—it’s about people, stories, and the freedom to be ourselves.
Fly high, legend.
Your wind will never stop blowing through us.
Ciao
LaGioKite
