Bethany Hamilton — Learning to Ride the Waves Again
Name: Bethany Hamilton | State: Hawaii | Known for: Professional surfer, author, Soul Surfer
Bethany Hamilton grew up on the Hawaiian island of Kauai, where surfing was one of the most important parts of her life. She began competing at a young age and dreamed of becoming a professional surfer.
On October 31, 2003, Bethany went surfing with friends. While she was lying on her surfboard, a shark attacked her and severed her left arm just below the shoulder. She was only 13 years old.
Bethany lost a tremendous amount of blood and required emergency surgery. When she awoke, she faced a reality that would have overwhelmed almost anyone: she would have to learn how to perform everyday activities with one arm — and her future in surfing was suddenly uncertain.
Bethany experienced fear, pain and frustration, but she refused to let the injury determine what she could accomplish. With encouragement from her family, friends and Christian faith, she began rebuilding her strength.
Only weeks after the attack, Bethany returned to the ocean. Surfing with one arm was extremely difficult. She had to develop a new way to balance, paddle and push herself onto the board. She fell repeatedly, but every time she fell, she tried again.
Bethany eventually returned to competition and became a successful professional surfer. Her life inspired the autobiography and movie Soul Surfer. She has also used her experience to encourage amputees, young people and others facing life-changing challenges.
Bethany's recovery did not mean that everything suddenly became easy. It meant learning to move forward despite fear, disappointment and uncertainty. She could not change what had happened, but she could choose how she responded.
The Every Choice Matters Lesson
An illness or injury can change your plans, your abilities and even how you see yourself. It is normal to feel frightened, angry or discouraged. Asking for help and accepting support are signs of courage, not weakness.
Bethany's story reminds us that an injury may change the way we pursue our dreams without taking those dreams away. Healing happens one decision, one attempt and one day at a time.
We cannot always choose what happens to us, but we can choose to keep believing, keep adapting and keep moving forward.
This is a true story based on Bethany Hamilton's documented account of losing her arm at age 13 and rebuilding her surfing career. Learn more from Bethany Hamilton's official website.