Soulful surfer talks life, grad advice

By Ray Finefrock

Published: June 5, 2008

The morning of Oct. 31, 2003, 13-year-old Bethany Hamilton went surfing with friends along Tunnels Beach in Hawaii. She was lying on her surfboard waiting to catch a wave when a 14-foot tiger shark attacked her, biting off her left arm just below the shoulder.

For the next several weeks the teenage surfing champion captured the country’s attention with her positive outlook and determination. Just three weeks after the accident she began surfing again.

Since then, Bethany has not only regained the surfing excellence she displayed before the shark attack, but she has also traveled around the world sharing her Christian faith which sustained her during her ordeal and continues to be an integral part of her life. She is currently ranked in the top 10 in the World Qualifying Series of surfing.

Now the once-shy teenager is an 18-year-old graduating high school. To tell her story and inspire other teens, Bethany has released “ConGRADulations! Class of 2008,” a CD/DVD and 48-page gift book package with her testimony and the music and testimonies of a dozen top Christian artists such as tobyMac, Stellar Kart, Britt Nicole, Switchfoot, Reliant K and Leeland.

The DVD also contains comments from 2008 graduates as well as from graduates in previous years who offer “real, road-tested advice,” according to a news release.

“We used Bethany’s video story and testimony as the topic for our once a month ‘chat night’ at our Vortex youth group meeting,” said Dave Wheatley, Culpeper Baptist Church minister of youth. “The main response of the youth to the program was that God has the wisdom to choose how He will work through your life to reveal his glory and his love for everyone. The youth see Bethany as an honored servant in the kingdom of God.”

Wheatley said he thinks the way she handled her accident can teach others “patience and faithful endurance.”

Last week, the Star-Exponent interviewed Bethany via e-mail:
CSE — What scripture verses best helped you understand the tragedy and deal with the “why” of something like this happening?

BH — Jer. 29:11, which says “For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord, ‘Plans to prosper you and not to harm you, to give you a future and a hope.’ That verse really helped me trust God.

CSE — How did you deal with having to face that your life had suddenly changed?

BH — At first, I was thinking about going into another professional sport — like soccer — or maybe trying snowboarding or learning to do surf photography so I could still be in the ocean with my friends.
But I realized I didn’t want anything to change — I couldn’t bear to think of not having surfing in my life. I think that’s when I began to really be excited about trying to surf again! I’d never heard of anyone surfing with one arm, but that didn’t mean it wasn’t possible.!

CSE — Did people treat you differently after the accident? Do they still?

BH — At first, I think my family and friends were trying to be sensitive to what I wanted to do or not do (like surfing and getting back in the ocean). But they still treated me the same. Strangers treat me differently though, they get all weird cause they don’t know how to act around me. But my family and friends have been so awesome; they just moved on with me — no one dwells on the fact that I only have one arm — they actually forget most of the time. It doesn’t make me a different person.

CSE — What are you the most excited about in your future?

BH — Serving God and representing Him through my surfing and everyday life!

CSE — What do you hope to be doing in five years?

BH — Surfing on the Women’s Championship Tour of surfing.

CSE — Are you going on to college?

BH — At this point in time, no. I’m focusing on professional surfing.

CSE — How long did it take to get used to seeing yourself with one arm and accepting it?

BH — I’d say it took a few months to get used to seeing myself with one arm.

CSE — How do you think the accident has given you a better chance to minister to others?

BH — Well, the media was so into my story, so they wanted to write and do shows about it. I got a lot of publicity, which God enabled me to use to encourage others and give Him the glory! And He’s
continued to give me a ton of different ways to help and inspire people.

CSE — What was the biggest obstacle in your recovery?

BH — Dealing with media and public attention.

CSE — Who has inspired you?

BH — Jesus Christ. Also, Mike Coots (a surfer who lost a portion of his leg surfing in 1997), Titus Kanehe (another surfer) and many others.

CSE — What is your greatest challenge now?

BH — Dealing with media and public attention. I’m starting to get used to it now, but I don’t always like it.

CSE — What has been your proudest moment?

BH — Some of the highlight moments of my life were catching that first wave with one arm, winning the 2005 NSSA National Championship and recently getting third at the Roxy Pro Surf Festival in Australia.

CSE — What is your greatest fear about the future?

BH — I don’t fear the future, I trust God.

CSE — Do you have a life verse?

BH — I really like this verse that I learned recently: “Physical training is good, but training for godliness is much better, promising benefits in this life and in the life to come.” I Tim. 4:8.

CSE — Why don’t you use a prosthetic arm?

BH — I’m in the water a lot and wearing tank tops a lot (cause it’s so hot in Hawaii), so the prosthetic that I had just didn’t really work for my lifestyle. Plus at this point, there isn’t a functional prosthesis for an injury like mine. So, I’ve gotten used to just functioning with one arm and I don’t feel like I need (a prosthetic).

CSE — What would you like to say to seniors graduating this year?

BH — As you move on with life, always be yourself. Don’t give up, love others and enjoy life! It’s important not to let other people define you. When we run into challenges in life, we can learn and grow from them if we don’t give up! Loving others is the greatest thing you can do — also one of the hardest things sometimes, but always worth it. And enjoy life — all the good and bad times, they make us stronger! Just know that God has a plan for you and allow Him to work in your life!

Ray Finefrock can be reached at or 825-0771 ext. 111.