“Literally Seconds Away From Drowning”: Amidst Surfing World’s Loss of 44-Year-Old Legend, His Survival Story From 23 Years Ago Unearthed

A few days back, the world woke up to tragic news. The legendary Hawaiin surfer, Mikala Jones, passed away after suffering an accident while surfing. During an expedition to the Mentawai Islands off the western coast of Sumatra, his surfboard fin cut into his femoral artery, resulting in death from blood loss. That day, the world lost a giant of surfing. As the sports community mourns the demise of the icon, an old tale of his survival has emerged.

In the year 2012, when Jones had already been surfing for nearly three decades, he experienced a gnarly wipeout. The experience was so horrific, in fact, that it seemed to be sheer luck that Mikala Jones survived. Hats off to the spirit of this heroic personality, to make it out alive of such mayhem in the water. This is the story of how Mikala Jones beat death once.

How Mikala Jones escaped his end while surfing

The legend was out on a secret Indonesian spot, catching some waves on a day the waves were angry and rowdy. By the time his companions joined him, he had already taken some beatings. But then came a wave that made Jones say, “I was literally seconds away from drowning.” A big double wave smashed against him, pulling him under with the sheer force of it. As the surfer twisted and turned, he prayed that his eardrums were intact and that he would not get vertigo.

While outlining the entire story for Surfer magazine that year, Jones described how the wipeout knocked him out and he even lost consciousness for a while. According to him, “I think I may have gotten knocked out for a moment because the next thing I remember is touching the bottom with my feet. I don’t know…all that happened pretty fast.” Mikala tried to escape the wrath of the water, however, the same seemed to be impossible. As soon as he was able to come up for air, another wave came crashing into him. He could barely scream ‘help’ before the lip landed right on him and he was once again, sucked underwater. It was the thought of not meeting his daughter again that finally helped him overcome this terrifying adversity.

Read more: ‘’I’m in So Much Disbelief’’: Daughter of 44-Year-Old Surfing Legend Mourns After Father’s Tragic Fate

Jones described the exact moment when he decided to keep fighting for his life. Tearing up during the interview, he said, “I hear my daughter’s voice, “Daddy, come home.” And then I came to. I don’t know how, but suddenly I’m out of the water.” According to the surfer, it almost felt like angels had pulled him out of the water and saved his life. As the next wave rushed toward him, he rode the whitewater to dry land. As he convulsed on the land and threw up water, he thought, “…better than going home in a bodybag.” Mikala Jones survived that day, however, this time around, death came to collect its dues.

An undying legacy of brilliance

During his lifetime, there is no doubt that Waves were Jone’s best friend. He might have almost lost his life because of them, but his perspective of the water was distinct and awe-inducing. Mikala Jones was an accomplished artist, known for his stupendous photos and videos from insider curling waves and barrels. In an interview after his passing, Jones’ father said in an interview, “He was a humble artist. His pictures were incredible.”

Surfing ran through the legend’s veins. Born in Kailua, Hawaii, he had started to surf by the meager age of 7-8 years. As an amateur, Mikala was able to bag two national championships. As his father was also a photographer, Jones was always interested in taking unique pictures while riding the waves. His social media showcases his talent, with pictures of beautiful sunsets peaking through barrels. Now, these photos and videos are what remains of a pioneer, a survivor.

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