Survivor, surfer and serious slayer at life! As she celebrates her 26th birthday, we check out Bethany Hamilton’s incredible journey.
At 26 years old, it’s hard to believe the Hawaiian stunner has fit so much into her life.
Not only is she an accomplished surfer, an ESPY award-winner, a successful author, a prolific motivational speaker, charity worker and proud mother to son Tobais – she’s also the embodiment of a true survivor.
In 2003, when she was only 13, Bethany was attacked by a shark during a morning surf with her best friend at Tunnels Beach, Kauai, in Hawaii.
“All of a sudden this shark just came up, it was only like two-three seconds at the most. It jerked me back and forth and then it just let go and went under the water. Right at that moment, the first thing I saw was red water. I just started paddling in,” she recalled during a 2003 interview with Oprah.
“Right away I knew [I’d lost my arm],” she calmly remembered.
Indeed, the pro athlete’s left arm was savagely bitten off by a tiger shark. Close to death, she was rushed to hospital and lost 60% of her blood.
Miraculously, she made a full recovery and just four weeks later she was back in the water and surfing. “I knew I’d be back out there!”
Her story reads like that of a movie script, so it’s no surprise that in 2011 it was brought to life on the big screen. Actress AnnaSophia Robb played Bethany in Soul Surfer and it was a hit at the box office.
Nearly 13 years since the attack, Bethany’s positive disposition and can-do attitude is stronger than ever.
In 2013 she married her soul mate Adam Dirks and last year they welcomed a gorgeous baby boy called Tobias.
She’s also continues to chase her big surf dreams and has conquered well-known spots such as Teahupoo in Tahiti, Banzai Pipeline and Pe’ahi, both of which are in Hawaii.
Click through the gallery to check out her most amazing moments!
“Adventure time with Tobias!” The pro surfer is making sure her little one inherits her love of the outdoors and shared this sweet new snap of them playing at the beach on Saturday.
Bethany has become a role model for thousands.
“Courage, sacrifice, determination, commitment, toughness, heart, talent, guts. That’s what little girls are made of, the heck with sugar and spice.”
“Doing everything with one arm, being well-known, and having a book and a movie, it’s fairly abnormal. As far as just not having to worry about past experiences, I’ve healed very well.”
Her energy and passion for making the most of life is truly unstoppable.
The Hawaiian local, pictured during her recovery in 2003, never contemplated not returning to the water following the shark attack.
“Surfing for me is more than my lifestyle – it’s my passion, my love, and it’s a part of me,” she has mused.
The 26-year-old pro surfer is living proof you can achieve your wildest dreams. “Whatever your situation might be, set your mind to whatever you want to do and put a good attitude in it, and I believe that you can succeed. You are not going to get anywhere just sitting on your butt and moping around.”
In January this year, the sports star kicked yet another huge goal – surfing the 50-foot waves at infamous spot Pe’ahi in Hawaii, aka Jaws. “I’ve always had a passion for big waves and pushing my ability. Today, that’s what I got to do. It’s an amazing feeling to be surrounded by people I love, who support and believe in my ability,” she said at the time.
“My path is dedicated to living a healthy lifestyle! Being active, eating clean, and surfing keeps me feeling amazing. That feeling helps me to stay motivated even when I’m tired or my schedule is crazy,” she revealed of staying fit.
But don’t be fooled – this new mum isn’t touting any unrealistic body image messages. In fact, last August she won praise for her positive approach to her post-baby body.
“I find it silly for us as women to worry about our body as we grow a human being inside of us. It is such an amazing feat to go through pregnancy. It takes 9 months for our bodies to change and grow. So I can say it’s alright to take your time, maybe about 9 months, to get back to the new, healthy, beautiful, and normal you,” she penned alongside this snap.
Last year, she and husband Adam Dirks welcomed a son named Tobais. Bethany describes motherhood as her “best adventure yet.”
“When I first held him in my arms it was just immediate love, and you just know you would die for him,” the Soul Surfer author told the Daily Mail of motherhood.
“It was instant love and so magical to hold a child that has grown inside me, knowing I had brought another life into the world.”
“As soon as he’s old enough, I’m going to explain how I ended up with one arm, but then tell him life got even better because of what happened to me. I want to show him a shark might have bitten off my arm, but that doesn’t stop you in life, it just makes you even more determined and stronger.”
Bethany Hamilton announces her pregnancy
The star has loved the ocean ever since she was a young girl and she’s already shared her passion with her own water baby, Tobais.
“I guess I just like to challenge myself and push myself harder to do things that I don’t think I can, to do things that other people do not think I can. It pushes me. I push my own personal limits.”
“Having fun is so much more important than being the best!”
The surfer also works tirelessly for a variety of charities. One of her most treasured ventures is the Beautifully Flawed retreat, which helps other people who have lost limbs overcome adversity.
Another source of encouragement and support is her husband, Adam Dirks, who works as a youth minister.
“Adam sees my talent, passion and ability, and has been encouraging me to take steps to keep improving.”
Happy birthday Bethany!
Bethany Hamilton is unstoppable
