Actor Jason Momoa has revealed that a near-death surfing accident off the coast of Maui prompted him to quit smoking permanently. The incident occurred while he was surfing with friends, including actor Joe Flanigan and professional surfers Dave Kalama and Laird Hamilton.
Momoa, 46, recounted the experience during an appearance on the SmartLess podcast on August 11, where he was promoting his new Apple TV+ series, Chief of War. The Hawaiian native described paddling approximately 13 miles down the coast, nearly a mile offshore, when the leash connecting him to his surfboard snapped. He found himself in 10-foot Hawaiian waves without his board.
He explained that after being in the water for an extended period, exhaustion set in. “My body stopped. I couldn’t move my arms anymore,” he said, adding that he lost hope of rescue. His daughter was only three months old at the time, a detail he recalled vividly.
Laird Hamilton ultimately reached Momoa by paddling behind him, retrieving his board, and helping him back to safety. The two then paddled several additional miles to shore. During the ordeal, Momoa cut his feet on coral when he slipped beneath the water.
Prior to this event, Momoa smoked two to three packs of cigarettes daily. He stated that he had been unable to quit despite attempts motivated by his children and his then-wife, actress Lisa Bonet. However, the severity of the surfing incident ended the habit instantly. “The moment I came out, I never smoked again,” he said.
Reflecting on the event, Momoa admitted he was critical of his own actions that day, describing it as a difficult but defining learning experience. He acknowledged that his learning curves in life have often been severe.
Momoa, who shares two children with Bonet, continues to work actively in film and television. His latest project, Chief of War, is currently streaming on Apple TV+.
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