Bethany Hamilton
Mackenzie Luca
Childhood
- Born February 8, 1990 in Hawaii
- Began to surf when she was 4 years old
- When Bethany was 5 she made a decision to have a personal relationship with Jesus
- Eventually became home schooled
- At the age of 8 she entered her first competition where she won both her short and long board divisions
- By the age of 9 she received her very first sponsorship from Rip Curl and Tim Carroll surfboards
Obstacles
- In 2003 while surfing with her best friend Bethany was attacked by a shark
Left arm severely severed nearly to the shoulder
- Career in surfing is put on pause, may not ever return or be able to surf following the attack
- Having to learn how to do simple things like get dressed and surf
Overcoming Obstacles
Determined to get back into surfing
- Resumed surfing just after one month of the attack
- Practiced day to day to become the surfer she was before the accident
First place at Surf and Sea Pipeline Women’s Pro Event in March of 2014
First place Explorer Women’s division at the 2005 NSSA National Champions
Began competing on the pro circuit in 2007
Views
- Demonstrated that the loss of an arm was not an obstacle stopping her from reaching her goals in the future
- Used her story to inspire others and encourage others to never give up or lose hope