Bethany Hamilton is no stranger to overcoming adversity. A world-renowned professional surfer, Bethany’s journey of resilience and triumph began at just three years old when she first took to the waves. Today, at 33, she continues to inspire millions with her courage, determination, and unwavering passion for surfing. Her story took a dramatic turn when, at 13, a tiger shark attack changed her life forever, resulting in the loss of her left arm. Yet, Bethany chose to embrace life with gratitude, turning her challenges into opportunities to inspire others.
Bethany’s journey is nothing short of extraordinary. Let’s dive into her story—a tale of strength, self-acceptance, and her enduring love for the ocean.
The Shark Attack That Changed Everything
At the age of 13, while surfing off the coast of Hawaii, Bethany was attacked by a tiger shark, leaving her without her left arm. It was a harrowing moment that could have ended her surfing career and profoundly altered her life. Yet, just one month after the attack, Bethany returned to her surfboard.
Relearning to surf with one arm was no easy task. Bethany faced the challenge of maintaining balance on the board without the use of her left arm. Her father, Tom, created a custom handle to help her paddle more effectively, a small innovation that made a huge difference. Despite the obstacles, Bethany’s love for the ocean pushed her to persevere.
In 2004, she published her autobiography, Soul Surfer: A True Story of Faith, Family, and Fighting to Get Back on the Board, which chronicled her recovery and return to competitive surfing. The book became a bestseller and was adapted into the 2011 film Soul Surfer, further cementing her status as an icon of resilience.
“I Wouldn’t Change What Happened to Me”
Bethany’s outlook on her shark attack is nothing short of extraordinary. When asked if she would prevent the attack if given the chance, she responded, “I wouldn’t change what happened to me because then I wouldn’t have this chance, in front of all of you, to embrace more people than I ever could have with two arms.”
Her perspective reflects an inspiring level of gratitude and acceptance. Instead of dwelling on what she lost, Bethany focuses on the doors the incident opened—allowing her to inspire countless individuals worldwide.
Bethany’s Relationship with Her Body and Beauty Standards
Bethany’s passion for surfing not only propelled her back into the water but also offered her invaluable life lessons. She likened surfing to life itself, saying, “When you get caught in the impact zone, you need to get right back up because you never know what’s over the next wave… and if you have faith, anything is possible.”
However, Bethany has not been immune to societal pressures, particularly around body image. Losing an arm as a teenager was a significant adjustment, and Bethany admitted to feeling shy and self-conscious, especially at the beach. Over time, though, she shifted her focus from societal standards of beauty to appreciating her body’s remarkable capabilities.
Bethany often emphasizes the importance of inner beauty, saying, “Kindness, compassion, thoughtfulness, determination, honesty, and just being a good friend—these are what make someone beautiful.” She encourages others to value these qualities over physical appearance.
Today, Bethany celebrates her body and inspires others to do the same. She shares, “I’m happy with the way that I look, and I don’t need an arm to be beautiful. Instead of focusing on what I didn’t like about my body or my limitations, I choose to be grateful for the remarkable body that I have.”
Finding Love and Building a Family
Bethany’s journey of resilience and self-discovery led her to find love with Adam Dirks, a youth minister she met through mutual friends. Their connection was immediate. As Bethany fondly recalls, “The first thing we did was jump off a cliff together! And you could say it was love at first cliff jump.”
In 2013, the couple tied the knot in Hawaii. Bethany expressed her joy on social media, writing, “I met an amazing man, now we will spend the rest of our lives together, and I’m so excited! I love you, Adam!”
Together, they have three sons: Tobias, born in 2015; Wesley, born in 2018; and Micah, born in 2021. Their life and love story were featured in the 2018 documentary Bethany Hamilton: Unstoppable, which showcased her journey as a surfer, wife, and mother.
Bethany often shares her thoughts on marriage and love, emphasizing the importance of choice and commitment. “I choose him every day,” she writes. “I believe love can be a choice beyond just a ‘falling in love feeling.’ Faithfulness, commitment, and forgiveness lead to beautiful things.”
Motherhood: A New Wave of Joy
For Bethany, becoming a mother was a dream come true. She describes motherhood as “better than I even dreamed.” Balancing her professional surfing career with raising her three boys is no small feat, but Bethany embraces the challenge with grace and gratitude.
She encourages other mothers to find routines and practices that support their health and well-being, reminding them to focus on self-care rather than external beauty standards. “Don’t focus on trying to be ‘skinny’ or looking a certain way,” she advises. “Instead, take care of yourself and celebrate what your body can do.”
Inspiring Others Through Resilience and Faith
Bethany’s story is one of profound strength and faith. Despite the challenges she’s faced, she has consistently chosen gratitude, determination, and love. Her resilience has inspired people worldwide, proving that even the greatest obstacles can be overcome with the right mindset.
Bethany’s journey is a reminder that setbacks can lead to growth, and challenges can reveal untapped potential. She continues to compete professionally, share her story, and inspire others to embrace their own journeys, no matter how difficult.
Conclusion: Riding the Waves of Life
Bethany Hamilton’s life is a testament to the power of resilience, faith, and love. From surviving a shark attack to becoming a world-class surfer, wife, and mother, she has shown that challenges can be transformed into opportunities for growth and inspiration.
Her message is clear: life is like surfing. You might get knocked down by the waves, but what matters is getting back up and riding them with courage. Bethany’s story reminds us all to embrace life’s challenges, celebrate our unique journeys, and inspire others to do the same.
