Andrew Johns - the owner and man behind Xelerator kiteboards passed away this weekend. Husband, Father, Kiter, Windsurfer, Surfer, Business owner and a super nice guy. Born 2 July 1976 and passed away on 5 August 2007 when he slipped on a mountain in Ceres and fell 150m down a Gorge.
I will remember Andrew as a humble, polite and funny guy who was always a pleasure to be around with. He was incredibly funny and didn't have a bad or aggressive bone in his body. He never said anything bad about anyone.
While doing an article on him and his company I was busy taking pictures of him. He interrupted me and said - "please take some pictures of the other workers in the factory, they are just as important as I am." When he moved down from Jeffreys Bay to Cape Town to establish Xelerator Kiteboarding in Cape Town (with nearly no money in his pocket) he brought down Richard - a poor black man who was previously unemployed. Andrew paid for his housing and gave him a car. He always put others before him.
I remember Andrew as someone with a good heart. Always friendly, humble and considerate towards those around him. He was incredibly funny too. He left an impression on me as I am sure he has left on the lives of many others.
He was an incredible waterman and a genius at the craft of making boards, but he was a far greater person.
May you rest in peace, we will always remember you.
Winter is a hard time for board manufacturers and Jessica is now facing life without Andrew and a deep financial mess. Andrew was a fun loving care-free young man with his life ahead of him and didn't plan to move on so soon. There is a large void left by Andrew and his family needs financial help whilst finding their feet. If you are in a position to help, albeit a small amount, please take some time to do so.