Bethany Hamilton's Surfer Lifestyle

Bethany Hamilton's Surfer Lifestyle

• Early Passion for Surfing

  • Began surfing at age 5.
  • By age 13, ranked 8th in the world for under-18 surfers.

• Life-Altering Event

  • Date: October 31, 2003.
  • Location: Tunnels Beach, Hawaii.
  • Incident: Bethany was attacked by a shark while waiting to catch a wave.

• Impact of the Shark Attack

  • Lost her left arm as a result of the attack.
  • Despite the injury, Bethany's love for surfing remained strong.

• Resilience and Determination

  • Returned to surfing just one month after the attack.
  • Continued competing and inspiring others in the surfing community.

• Legacy and Influence

  • Became a motivational speaker and advocate for resilience.
  • Authored books and appeared in documentaries about her life and surfing journey.

• Current Status

  • Continues to surf professionally and participates in various surfing events.
  • Promotes adaptive surfing for individuals with disabilities.

Early Passion for Surfing

• Began surfing at the age of 5, demonstrating a strong interest in the sport from a young age.
• Achieved a significant milestone by ranking 8th globally for under-18 surfers by age 13.

Life-Altering Event

• Shark attack occurred on October 31, 2003, at Tunnels Beach, Hawaii while waiting for a wave.

Impact of the Shark Attack

• Suffered the loss of her left arm, which posed a major challenge to her surfing career.
• Despite the trauma, maintained an unwavering passion for surfing, showcasing her fierce dedication to the sport.

Resilience and Determination

• Made an impressive comeback by returning to surfing just one month post-attack.
• Continuously competed in surfing events, serving as an inspiration within the surfing community and beyond.

Legacy and Influence

• Transformed her experience into motivational speaking opportunities, emphasizing resilience and overcoming adversity.
• Authored multiple books and has been featured in documentaries, sharing her journey and insights about surfing.

Current Status

• Actively competes in professional surfing events while promoting adaptive surfing for individuals with disabilities, highlighting inclusivity in the sport.