Learn what makes her such a charismatic individual, accomplished pro surfer, large wave surfer, captivating public speaker, and active author.
Explore Bethany Hamilton’s blue universe, a singular person with a strong sense of faith.
How Long Did Bethany Hamilton Survive The Shark Attack?
At the age of 13, Bethany Hamilton was aspiring to be a surfing superstar. She was driven to excel since her board was her life. But on October 31, 2003, she experienced a significant setback while surfing off the coast of her native Hawaii.
A 14-foot tiger shark clamped down on Bethany’s left arm while she was lying on the side of her board, cutting it just below the shoulder. Her friend’s father made a tourniquet out of a surfboard leash and wrapped it tightly around her bicep to try and halt the flow of blood after she managed to survive the attack and make it to shore.
The shark attack left Bethany with physical scars, but she didn’t let it affect her emotionally. Three weeks after losing her arm, she picked up her board again rather than spend the rest of her life being afraid of the ocean.
She won her first national surfing title a little over a year later. Her ambition of becoming a professional surfer came true in 2007, and since then, she has won many competitions, garnered countless awards, and been sponsored extensively.