The wind takes a legend. Goodbye, Graham Howes.

There are some news stories you'd never want to write about. News that leaves a heavy silence in the spots and a lump in the throat of the entire community. Today, the kitesurfing world mourns the loss of one of our own, a rider who flew higher than most and who, moreover, had the courage to speak out about the battles fought on land. Graham Howes has passed away.

The Rider from "Dirty Habits"

For those unfamiliar with him, Graham Howes, 38, a local from Bloubergstrand in Cape Town, was much more than a professional kiter. He was the personification of "Big Air." His style was unmistakable: aggressive, fearless, always pushing the limits of wind and height. Watching him ride was a spectacle.

It wasn't difficult for me to discover Graham and his legacy. He not only lived his passion, but also spread it. He was the creative mind and founder of the Dirty Habits movement. Through his YouTube channel and brand, he didn't just sell products; he promoted a philosophy of life. With each video he produced, he inspired us all to "live our best lives," to make the most of every session, and to enjoy the journey.

The courage to speak loud and clear

And it's here that Graham became a towering figure, far beyond his megaloops. In a world of extreme sports, where social media often only portrays success and adrenaline, he had the courage to bring a taboo subject to the table: mental health.

His documentary "We Need To Talk" was a first step, but it was in his own creations where he opened his soul to us. In one of his most personal videos, while navigating a narrow channel, almost like a refuge for his thoughts, he confessed what he felt. He spoke of the fatigue of feeling judged, the fear of failing and disappointing others. 00:57 ]. But his harshest reflection was inward, recognizing that it was not others, but himself, who was his own most severe judge [ 01:11 ]. The video ended with a longing that resonates more strongly than ever today: her desire to be free [ 01:49 ].

With that courage, Graham taught us that mental injuries are as real and need as much care as a torn ACL. His campaign was a beacon of hope for many, a reminder that in our community we must look out for one another, both in and out of the water.

The tragic farewell at Bloubergstrand

On the afternoon of last Sunday, September 7th, the sea that had brought him so much joy became the scene of tragedy. Graham went out to sail his spot, Eden on the Bay. He was carrying a white kite with red lettering. But that afternoon, he didn't return.

Her family's alarm triggered a massive search operation. The National Sea Rescue Institute (NSRI) combed the coast by sea and land, while drones with infrared cameras tracked from the air throughout the night. The community rallied around, hoping for a miracle that, sadly, never came.

The search ended with the worst possible news. Although the exact circumstances are still under investigation, the outcome is what no one wanted to hear.

Graham Howes leaves a huge void. He will be remembered for his relentless piloting and stratospheric flights, but his true legacy is his courage to speak out, to break stigmas, and to remind us that strength is not only measured by the height of a jump, but by the ability to be vulnerable.

From Suelta la Barra, we send our deepest condolences to his family, friends and the entire "Dirty Habits" community.