Jason Momoa’s Near-Drowning Experience in Maui

Jason Momoa, widely recognized for his role as “Aquaman,” shared a harrowing personal experience from a surf trip in 2007 off the coast of Maui. During an episode of the podcast “Smartless,” he recounted nearly drowning in treacherous waters.

“I was doing this paddle and went to Jaws,” Momoa mentioned. He described a grueling paddle down the coast, covering 13 miles, while being nearly a mile offshore. At that moment, his leash snapped.

Despite fearing that he might never return to his daughter, who was just a toddler then, Momoa was initially comforted by his water training. “I was pretty well trained so it was fine,” he explained, though he faced waves as large as ten feet crashing over him.

He vividly recalled the chaos of being caught in the rough waters. “I was really on the outer reef, and they couldn’t see me,” he said, describing how he’d frantically waved his paddle to signal for help as the massive waves obscured him from view. The panic set in as he recognized his daughter’s image, leaving him feeling utterly alone and exhausted.

As fatigue took over, he began doubting his survival instincts. “I couldn’t move anymore,” he shared, explaining how he struggled to stay afloat as his body felt like it was giving up. Just when he thought it was hopeless, a friend finally spotted him, prompting a desperate fight to swim back to shore.

Momoa’s experience highlights not just the dangers of surfing but also reflects his deep love for his family, especially his daughter, Laura Iolani. “I just lost it, I was like, ‘Oh,’” he recalled, fear gripping him at the thought of leaving her behind.

Eventually, despite the brutal conditions, he made it to land. It’s a remarkable story that not only showcases his physical challenges but also reveals a window into his role as a father.

Momoa is currently dating actress Adria Arjona after they worked together in “Sweet Girl” back in 2021. He was previously married to Lisa Bonet, and they share two children, Laura and Nakoa Wolf. After separating in 2020, the couple filed for divorce in January 2024, agreeing to joint custody of their kids.