Bethany Hamilton

At age thirteen Bethany Hamilton was a rising surfing star. From her home in Hawaii she had everyday access to some of the world’s best waves and basked in the warmth of a loving family. But her tranquil beach surf life was shattered one morning when a shark completely bit off her arm. Only the immediate help of her friends, heroic work by doctors and an overwhelming peace kept her alive in the critical moments after the attack. That fact that she survived was a miracle.

What is one to do when your outward passion and purpose in life is seemingly taken away? Bethany looked inward to her relationship with Jesus, who renewed her spirit while also restoring her surfing ability, to even greater heights. Her story today is retold in the movie SOUL SURFER, and continues to inspire others to not give up on themselves..and God.

Halloween of 2003, I was thirteen years old and I was surfing with my best friend. It was a picture perfect morning. It was beautiful out and the water was perfect crystal clear blue. We were just surfing waiting for the waves and I was out further from everyone else, and within a split second the shark came and took my arm. I didn’t really have time to think much. Right away I knew I had to get to the beach to survive. My friends immediately came and helped me. I remember just laying there and praying the whole way in asking God for help.

I had lost about 60% of my blood and as I was getting into the ambulance there was a local paramedic and he whispered in my ear that God would never leave me or forsake me.

I gave my heart to God when I was 5 years old and being able to turn to Jesus during this crazy moment in my life gave me a sense of peace and calmness that I believe is one thing that kept me alive.

I am thirteen, I have dreams and goals and I was doing really well with surfing and I wasn’t sure if I would be able to surf again or not. There is something so special about surfing. The feelings you get when you’re on a good wave. Your adrenaline is pumping and the blood is just flowing through your body. Every wave is different, it’s not like every wave is the same. To be out in the ocean in God’s creation is a gift he has given us to enjoy.

I knew I wanted to continue surfing. It was more of waiting on the doctors orders to allow me to get in the water. But I got out there and it was a pretty amazing experience to learn how to surf with one arm. I knew how to surf, but it was learning how to do it with one arm. I ended up getting up on my third wave and I rode it all the way in! Right then I knew I would be surfing for a long time.

From what seems like such a horrible thing, God has been able to bring glory to himself through me. I’ve been able to be a light to people and share his love. I wake up everyday and honor God in everything that I do. I may fall short sometimes, but all I want to do is love Him.

My name is Bethany Hamilton and I am Second.