Bethany Hamilton: Shark attack survivor, traumatic amputee, & serves to inspire others
Program Titles
- Bethany was attacked by a 14-foot tiger shark while surfing
Bethany Hamilton has become a source of inspiration to millions through her story of faith, determination, health, and hope.
She won both the short and long board divisions. This sparked a love for surf competition within her spirit.
At the age of thirteen, Bethany was attacked by a 14-foot tiger shark while surfing off Kauai 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 of becoming a professional surfer.
Bethany returned to the 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, miraculously, just one month after the attack, Bethany returned to the water to continue pursuing her goal of becoming a professional surfer.
Just over a year after the attack, she took 1st place in the Explorer Women’s division of the NSSA National Championships, winning her first National Title.
Bethany realized her dream and turned pro. She has since participated in numerous ASP and World Tour Events, with her major highlight being a second-place finish in the ASP 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 and public appearances.
Bethany shares her life story in her autobiography, Soul Surfer, which was made into a major motion picture bearing the same title.
Bethany was the inspiration behind Becky Baumgartner’s 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 decided 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 supports shark attack survivors and traumatic amputees, serves to inspire others through her life story, and is involved in numerous charitable efforts.
Bethany’s story continually grows as she strives to be the best at whatever God calls her to do.
Books by Bethany Hamilton
- Soul Surfer
- Devotions for the Soul Surfer
- Rise Above
- A Soul Surfer Bible
- Ask Bethany
- Clash, Burned, Storm, and Crunch
Book Bethany Hamilton for your Event!