Aquaman Star Recalls Near-Death Drowning Experience

Hollywood star Jason Momoa has shared a chilling account of a near-fatal paddleboarding mishap that occurred in Hawaii.

During a podcast appearance, the 46-year-old Aquaman actor recounted the 2007 incident, which took place while he was paddling with friends near the notorious “Jaws” surf break — an area infamous for its enormous, treacherous waves.

As reported by Daily Mail, the group had embarked on a 13-mile paddle, but roughly seven miles into the journey, Momoa’s leash broke, leaving him stranded nearly a mile offshore in powerful winds.

Initially, he remained composed. However, when 10-foot waves began crashing over him and the shore stayed out of reach, fatigue and fear set in.

“I was stuck in this crazy spot on the outer reef. They couldn’t see me,” he said. “I was waving my paddle, but the waves were too big.”

The actor revealed that thoughts of his three-month-old daughter intensified his desperation, and at one point, his arms and legs gave out completely. “I literally gave up,” he confessed.

At that critical moment, his toe struck the reef, and a friend spotted him just in time to assist. They still faced seven miles of paddling in harsh conditions before finally reaching the shore.

By the end, Momoa’s feet were bloodied from the reef, but he was deeply thankful to have survived.

“Head down, just paddling with my ancestors,” he said.

A Gentle Reminder: Every obstacle is a stepping stone, every morning; a chance to go again, and those little steps take you closer to your dream.

Nnamdi Okoli