The Unshakable Comeback of Bethany Hamilton

Bethany was born and raised in Hawaii, she started surfing when she was 3-4 years old. She won her first competition at the age of 8. In July 2003, At the age of 13, she won her 2nd place in the NSSA National Championships.

The Moment Everything Changed

On Halloween, October 31^st 2003, 13-year-old Bethany Hamilton paddled out for a routine surf session off the coast of Kauai. A rising talent in Hawaii’s competitive surf scene, Bethany already had sponsorships and dreams of going pro.

Then, in a moment that would change everything, a 14-foot tiger shark attacked. In seconds, Bethany lost her left arm — and nearly her life. She was rushed to the hospital having lost over 60% of her blood, and doctors feared she wouldn’t make it. But, it was a miracle and she survived.

Back in the Water

After the incident, She was contemplating and thinking about what she was going to do, maybe move to the mountains and snowboard or become a photographer but deep down she knew that she wanted to be a surfer.

And less than a month later — on Nov 26^th, just 26 days after the attack — she was back in the water.

She was able to get up on her board on the third wave and that is when she knew that she will be surfing as long as she could. She relearned how to surf: how to paddle, pop up, balance — all with one arm. Her board had to be modified, and her entire style rebuilt.

But within months, she was competing again. And in 2005 she won 1st Place in NSSA National Championship.

Her story stunned the world. Not because of what she lost — but because of what she refused to give up.

Her Words Say It Best:

“I don’t need easy — I just need possible.”