Bethany Hamilton is a surfing prodigy from Hawaii with a crazy story, who despite her struggles didn’t let anything hold her back. The biggest struggle she overcame that inspired others was the loss of her arm to a shark.

Bethany was very active in her communities with various groups and causes from a young age. Bethany volunteered for her church and would help her neighbors with odd tasks. In the beginning of Bethany’s autobiography her mother wrote a section all about how kind and helpful Bethany was even before her accident.

Bethany’s story began on a sunny day on the beaches of Kauai. Young Bethany Hamilton hit the waves early as she would do every day. However little did she know that day would change her life forever. Hamilton was paddling out to catch a wave when a shark took hold of her left arm and bit it off leaving 13 year old Bethany Hamilton floating in the waters. 

Promptly her friends tended to her wounds and called 9-1-1. Bethany received life saving medical treatment and with an upper arm amputation, she made a full recovery. Unfortunately the loss of an arm for a surfer is taxing on the mind and body because she only had one arm. It made surfing, the one thing she loved, almost impossible.

Over the following months Bethany made an impressive recovery mastering small tasks like cutting foods and doing school work. But her need to surf grew higher, with the help from her father and close friends Bethany made it back to the water. 

With her will, strength and perseverance Bethany re-learned the art of surfing.  Bethany went on to win multiple awards and titles soon after that. 

Along with multiple awards Bethany starts up her own causes and charities geared to help people that suffered natural disasters. Some of the causes she supports are Adoption, Fostering, Orphans, AIDS & HIV, Children, Health, Miscellaneous, Philanthropy, Physical Challenges, Poverty, Sports, Women.  Some of the Charities include friends of Bethany Surf aid, a foundation that helps coastal populations affected by hurricanes. Bethany’s foundation is known to bring smiles and warm arms and even the occasional surf lesson.

Bethany’s story continues to catch the attention of young people and old people alike. However to Bethany she is just “ surfing and spreading my love”. With the numerous charities and causes Bethany and her team has helped over 6 million people who suffered from natural disasters. Also Bethany’s foundation has inspired younger surfers to do the same. With approximately 3 foundations attributing their success to Bethany. It is clear that Hamilton is an amazing young woman and has done a lot of good for the world.