Bethany M. Hamilton

Bethany surfing in her home town, Kauai, Hawaii. (http://kinoticias.wordpress.com/2010/02/22/soul-surfers-la-historia-de-bethany-hamilton-al-cine/)

Surfing since she was 4 years old, Bethany has accomplished many dreams that even she didn't find possible. Bethany Meilani Hamilton was born on February 8, 1990 into a family of surfers. Born and raised on Kauai, Hawaii, surfing was a necessity of her family's and she picked it right up. On October 31, 2003, Bethany's world stopped. She was attacked by a fourteen foot Tiger Shark off the coast of Tunnels Beach, Hawaii and ended up losing one of the necessities needed for surfing. Bethany never let anything come in her way of surfing, not even losing her left arm. It was what she loved and enjoyed doing, and at the end of the day, she was exceptionally good at it. Bethany Hamilton is a hero because she never lost sight of her dream. Her determination remained strong even after losing her arm. The courage and faith she portrays is truly inspirational and reminds us to never give up on our passions and to never lose hope in our dreams because anything is possible.

Bethany with her favorite surf board. (http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/sport/bethanys-story-of-courage/story-e6frexni-1225817912629)

Surfing is not an easy sport to begin with, especially with only one arm. Hamilton knows best about what it takes to ride the waves, and that is all she wanted to do after the shark attack. She knew right after the attack she needed to be rushed to the emergency room, but once arriving at the hospital her next thought was, "When can I surf again?' (Hamilton, Bethany) Even though she had just gone through one of the most traumatic experiences of her life, Hamilton was already making plans to continue her surfing career. Hamilton was willing to push through everything in order to surf again, knowing that it would be one of the most difficult tasks she would face. Her strive to pick up the board without even thinking that one day this experience could occur again, shows true courage. "But I have to remember why I do it. I don't know how long I’ll be surfing competitively, but I’ll always be surfing. I’ll be surfing till I’m old." (Hamilton, Bethany) As she shows through her performances, she is an extremely good surfer. Hamilton has shown us all how much passion and dedication one person can have toward a sport, and the courage she built up to get back in the water. Bethany may have known she needed help patching up her injury, but she also knew she didn't need help getting back on the board; she was already determined to do so.

Bethany and her father praying. (http://www.lagunaphoto.com/surfing.html)

Bethany never lost her relationship with God before, during, or after the shark attack. Her faith never left her side, in or out of the water. “One thing hasn’t changed--and that’s how I feel when I’m riding a wave. It’s like, here I am. I’m still here. It’s still me and my board--In God’s ocean!” (Hamilton, Bethany) Through all the hardships and obstacles she went through, Hamilton’s faith remained strong. She knew that God had a plan for her, and she was willing to put all her faith in Him. Team Hamilton, a.k.a. Bethany’s family, has played a huge role in her success to this day. “Bethany’s true coaches are her parents. Her dad helps her with how to approach the waves and her mom guides her with the more spiritual side. At home, she’s simply Bethany, the girl her friends and family know her as.” (Blanchard, Alana) It’s hard to continue to be yourself, physically and emotional, after going through a horrible experience. Her positive attitude and support she receives from her friends and family helps her overcome everyday obstacles and improves her desire to make a difference. Hamilton’s faith is much more than a trait that she expresses. It is what keeps her alive and drives her to where she is now.

Bethany kissing a fish underwater. (http://www.tags-search.com/bethany-hamilton/tag.html)

To even be able to set foot in the ocean again following a life-threatening shark attack demonstrates true courage and a strong faith. Being a professional surfer with one arm isn’t easy. For Bethany, she makes it look like it may have been a blessing. Her faith in God is growing stronger each day and her friendship with Jesus Christ hasn’t changed. Hamilton’s aspiration to continue doing what she loves to do inspires not just girls, like me, who also surf, but girls, and maybe even boys, to continue with what they’re passionate about and are good at. Once you lose hope and faith, all else fails. Those are the two things Hamilton never lost sight of and worked to build the courage it took for her to get back to the waves. Still surfing to this day, Bethany continues to inspire people all over the world and reminds us that the drive for our dreams is always worth it in the end; it’s all part of the journey called Life.