Seven years later, the book was made into a major motion picture bearing the same title which released theatrically in April, and for home entertainment in August, 2011. In October 2004, Bethany shared her life story in her autobiography entitled Soul Surfer. Since losing her arm, Bethany’s story has been told in hundreds of media outlets and she has been recognized with numerous awards, public appearances, and various speaking engagements. Bethany has since participated in numerous ASP and World Tour Events with her major highlight being a second place finish in the ASP 2009 World Junior Championships. In 2007, Bethany realized her dream and turned pro. Just over a year after the attack she took 1st place in the Explorer Womens division of the 2005 NSSA National Championships winning her first National Title. With no intention of stopping, Bethany continued to enter and excel in competition. In January of 2004, Bethany made her return to surf competition placing 5th in the Open Womens division of that contest. Miraculously, just one month after the attack, Bethany returned to the water to continue pursuing her goal to become a professional surfer.

Lifeguards and doctors believe her strong water sense and faith in God helped get her through the traumatic ordeal. 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. The attack left Bethany with a severed left arm. This sparked a love for surf competition within her spirit.Īt the age of thirteen, on October 31, 2003, Bethany was attacked by a 14-foot tiger shark while surfing off Kauais North Shore. At the age of eight, Bethany entered her first surf competition, the Rell Sun Menehune event on Oahu, where she won both the short and long board divisions. Born into a family of surfers on February 8, 1990, on the island of Kauai, Hawaii, Bethany began surfing at a young age. Bethany Hamilton has become a source of inspiration to millions through her story of faith, determination, health, and hope.

Ask Bethany by Bethany Hamilton