Jason Momoa recalls Maui surf escape that led to quitting smoking

Jason Momoa has described a life-threatening surf escape off Maui that left him clinging to survival and, years later, shaped a decisive turning point in his health. Speaking on a popular podcast, the actor recounted paddling roughly 13 miles along Peʻahi, Maui’s infamous Jaws break, when his leash snapped about seven miles into the voyage. The event, he said, unfolded in winds that made the open ocean dangerously unpredictable, with waves reaching about 10 feet as he fought to stay afloat far offshore. The harrowing account concludes with a rescue and a personal vow that would alter his daily habits for good.

The incident began as Momoa and a group including Dave Kalama, Joe Flanigan, and Laird Hamilton embarked on a lengthy paddle. He noted that he was “probably a half mile offshore” when disaster struck, and the leash on his board snapped in churning, windy conditions. He described taking a series of heavy blows from the waves as he battled to keep his head above water, recounting how he was “stuck in this crazy spot,” likely on the outer reef, with his paddle in hand and no one able to see him. “I was out there for a while, and I just couldn’t see anyone coming to get me. I...