“Can Spot an Idiot”: Colin Jost Recalls How Jimmy Buffett Once Helped Him Almost Escape a ‘Surfing Death’

The world is mourning the loss of iconic singer Jimmy Buffett. The legendary American singer, who also had a passion for surfing, passed away after battling Merkel cell cancer for years. On September 2, the hit song ‘Margaritaville’ singer’s family announced the tragic loss of the legend at the age of 76. According to the family, Buffett ascended to heaven peacefully in his home in Sag Harbor, New York, surrounded by his loved ones and his dogs.

Following this sad update, many celebrities have poured out their heartfelt tributes to the singer. Longtime friend and surfing partner Kelly Slater also mourned the singer’s loss on social media. Interestingly, amid these tributes, a heroic story of Buffett has come to light. SNL comedian Colin Jost revealed how Buffett saved his life during a surfing mishap.

Jimmy Buffett’s heroic attempt to save Colin Jost

In his memoir, A Very Punchable Face, released in 2020, SNL comedian Colin Jost revealed the heroic story of the late Jimmy Buffett. According to Jost, in 2014, while spending New Year’s with his then-girlfriend, Carmel Lobello, on a Caribbean island, the comedian encountered the singer Buffett at a dinner. After the dinner, Jost, who quickly came into the good graces of the singer, received an invitation from Buffett to spend a day with him on the beach and catch some waves in the Caribbean waters.

Interestingly, the next day, Colin Jost, who was geared up to tackle the barrels of the Caribbean, was advised by Buffett to be careful around the rocks surrounding the shore. However, Colin, who considered himself to be a “decent” surfer, chose to ignore the advice, as he wrote in his book: “I remember acting nonchalant and saying, ‘Oh yeah. Rocks. Hahaa. Totally” and decided to head for the waves.

After some time while tackling 4-5-foot huge barrels, Josh realized the blunder of ignoring Buffett’s advice. The comedian, who was trying to lift his board, had stuck his leash between the rocks of the shore. Amid this concerning situation, Buffett, “who can spot an idiot from fifty feet away,” spotted Josh struggling in the water and immediately came to his rescue.

According to the memoir, Buffett started to paddle in the water “and then looks horrified when he sees me pinned against the rocks by my own leash.” Colin, who had a mouthful of seawater and was about to drown, was rescued by Buffett as he cut the leash off the surfboard with a knife. Lastly, Buffett, due to his experience in tackling the surfing mishaps, was able to save Jost from a “surfing death.”

After facing this near-death experience, Colin who felt extremely guilty for ruining Buffett’s vacation swam back with his injured foot and told the singer, “I’m super apologetic for not only interrupting his family vacation, but also for destroying his leash.” In response to this, Buffett handed the comedian the surfboard and pointed him towards the low-tide area of the water whilst telling him that he might find the waves of his speed over there.

Surprisingly, apart from tackling waves with Jost, the singer has also been spotted hanging out with some of the staunchest names in the world of surfing. Buffett was an avid surfer and shared a great bond with the GOAT of surfing, Kelly Slater. Recently, Slater also honored the late singer for his passion for surfing in a heartfelt tribute.

Surfing legend Kelly Slater pays tribute to Jimmy Buffett

On September 3, Kelly Slater paid tribute to his surfing friend Jimmy Buffett. The athlete posted a few pictures while hanging out at a buffet with a note in his caption. While sharing his admiration for Buffett’s music, Slate stated, “I really don’t believe such a fine man is gone, but I’m thankful and lucky for the times we had.

The surfer also shared a picture of the text he received from Buffett in January. In the text, 76-year-old Buffett, who had the fuel of surfing still burning inside of him, shared his experience of riding the waves at St. Bart as he told Slater that he was “back in surfing shape.”

Also read: Upsetting Incident Involving 60-Year-Old at Birthplace of Surfing Sends Shiver Down Spines

From saving a life to keeping his passions for singing and surfing alive until his death, Jimmy Buffett was truly a force to be reckoned with. Further, the legendary singer’s attempt to save Jost’s life also highlights the necessity of balancing pursuing a passion while keeping safety in mind.

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