Bethany Hamilton has become a source of inspiration to millions through her story of faith, determination, and hope. Born into a family of surfers on February 8, 1990, on the island of Kauai, Hawaii, Bethany began Surfing at a young age. At the age of eight, Bethany entered her first surf competition, the Rell Sun Menehune event on Oahu, where she won both the short and long board divisions. This sparked a love for surf competition within her spirit.
At the age of thirteen, on October 31, 2003, Bethany was attacked by a 14-foot tiger shark while surfing off Kauai's North Shore. The attack left Bethany with a severed left arm. After losing over 60% of her blood, and making it through several surgeries without infection, Bethany was on her way to recovery with an unbelievably positive attitude. Lifeguards and doctors believe her strong water sense and faith in God helped get her through the traumatic ordeal.
Miraculously, just one month after the attack, Bethany returned to the water to continue pursuing her goal to become a professional surfer. In January of 2004, Bethany made her return to surf competition; placing 5th in the Open Women's division of that contest. With no intention of stopping, Bethany continued to enter and excel in competition. Just over a year after the attack she took 1st place in the Explorer Women's division of the 2005 NSSA National Championships - winning her first National Title.
In 2007, Bethany realized her dream and turned pro. Bethany has since participated in numerous ASP and World Tour Events with her major highlight being a second place finish in the ASP 2009 World Junior Championships.
Since losing her arm, Bethany's story has been told in hundreds of media outlets and she has been recognized with numerous awards, public appearances, and various speaking engagements.
In October 2004, Bethany shared her life story in her autobiography entitled Soul Surfer. Seven years later, the bookwas made into a major motion picture bearing the same title which released theatrically in April, and for home entertainment in August, 2011. Other books Bethany has written include "Devotions for the Soul Surfer," "Rise Above," A "Soul Surfer" Bible, "Ask Bethany," and "Clash," "Burned," "Storm," and "Crunch." Further, Bethany was the inspiration behind Becky Baumgartner's 2007 documentary entitled Heart of a Soul Surfer.
From a young age, Bethany's parents instilled their faith in Jesus Christ; and at age 5, she made the decision to have a personal relationship with Him. Bethany's foundation of faith has been her backbone; her source of truth, hope, and strength.
Out of the water, Bethany has grown from a young teenage girl with aspirations of becoming a professional surfer into a twenty-year old professional surfer with aspirations of becoming a beacon of inspiration and hope. Through the platform of professional sport, Bethany has been able to touch a large number of people with her message, charitable efforts, and overall spirit. Bethany just launched her own foundation, Friends of Bethany, which supports shark attack survivors, traumatic amputees, and serves to inspire others through her life story, and is involved in numerous other charitable efforts.
Bethany's story is continually growing as she strives to be the best at whatever God calls her to do. The future is truly wide open for this young soul surfer!
on october 31 2003 bethany whent for a morning surf with her best friend
alana blanchard alanas brother byron and alanas dad holt around 7 30 am
with numourous turtles in the area alana was not but 10 feet away from
bethany and thats when a 14 15 foot tiger shark attacked her ripping bethanys
left arm off just below the sholder she lost 60 percint of her blood and survied
and she still is a pro surfer today
Bethany Hamiltons full name is Bethany Meilani Hamilton.
Bethany Hamilton is a christian.
Bethany Hamilton's father is Thomas "Tom" Hamilton.
Bethany hamilton is not related to him.
Bethany Hamilton does have a phone.
Bethany Hamilton's father, Thomas Hamilton, was born on April 14, 1949.
Bethany Hamilton has 3 children
Bethany Hamilton has 3 children
No, Bethany Hamilton is not married
Yes. In fact, Bethany Hamilton and her family helped fund for the film and to give the creators opinions and actual facts in order to make the film as accurate as possible
Bethany Hamilton was hospitalized for seven days
Bethany's parents are Tom and Cheri Hamilton