SOUL SURFER
An interview with Bethany Hamilton
 Bethany Hamilton is definitely not your average 18-year-old! An inspiration to many people, young and old alike, Bethany is showing the world that with God on your side all things are possible.
On October 31 2003, Bethany went for a morning surf with her friends and was attacked by a tiger shark. The shark ripped off her arm just below the shoulder and Bethany lost a lot of blood. However, she did not let this get her down and she immediately began to think about how and when she would be able to get back on her surfboard and ride them gnarly waves.
She knew that God had plans for her life “plans to prosper you and not harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” (Jeremiah 29:11) She has never lost faith or hope in Jesus and has achieved a great deal in the five years since the attack. We spoke to Bethany about her life, , her Faith the attack and her plans for the future:
First off, thanks so much for doing this interview, we appreciate it and are sure all the Blaze readers will too.
Q: Let's start at the beginning- could you give us a bit of background on your birth, early life and family?
A: I was born in Kauai, Hawaii to avid surfer parents (Tom & Cheri) and I have 2 older brothers (Tim & Noah). I basically lived at the beach and I was in the water almost every day growing up. I am very athletic and competitive – surfing, swimming, soccer… I love anything active!
Q: And when did you first start surfing?
A: Pretty much before I could walk. But on my own at age 7 or 8.
Q: When did you become a Christian?
A: Around age 5.
Q: Now, could you tell us the details about the day of the shark attack?
I went surfing early in the morning with my friend, Alana, and her dad and brother. We were out for about 40 minutes when all of the sudden I saw a flash of grey and felt some pressure on my left arm. I knew it was a shark right away, but it vanished instantly. I yelled to my friends that a shark had just attacked me.  They acted quickly and helped me get to the beach, using a surf rash guard and leash as a tourniquet. They called the paramedics who came and drove me to the hospital.
Q: It must have been an absolutely life-changing experience- could you tell us about your recovery and adjusting back into professional surfing?
After a few days in the hospital, all I could think about was getting back in the water with my friends. I wanted to try surfing again to see if it could be done with one arm. So as soon as the doctor let me, I went surfing. I rode a long board first, then transitioned to shorter boards, and finally to a performance size that I could ride in competition. About a month and a half after surfing again, I competed in an amateur surf contest and made the final! That was when I knew my dream of being a pro-surfer could become a reality!
It’s taken a lot of hard work and training to be where I am now, but it’s what I love to do!
 Q: Would you say that your Faith in Christ was a major influence in helping you to recover and get back into professional surfing?
A: Yes, definitely! God gave me the hope that He had a good plan for my life, so I was able to trust Him confidently. He has guided me along the way and given me joy in what He has enabled me to accomplish!
Q: Could you tell us about some of your surfing achievements?
A: - Surfing with one arm - 2003!
1st place at the NSSA National Championships - 2005.
3rd place at the Roxy Surf Festival in Phillip Island, a 6-star (the highest level) ASP World Qualifying Series (WQS) event - 2008.
Q; You are seen by many people as a role- model and an inspiration, how does this make you feel?
A: Blessed. Humbled. And undeserving – God is the one who is modeling His power & hope, and inspiring people through me.
Q: You are also the spokesperson of "World Vision", a charity organisation, could you tell us more about it and what it's all about?
A: World Vision helps kids in foreign countries by providing food, clothing, prosthetics, wheel chairs, education, or whatever is needed
Q: I read your autobiography, Soul Surfer, a few years ago and it was really inspirational- could you tell the readers more about it? There are also devotionals and other books that you have written?
A: “Soul Surfer” is my autobiography, which tells all about my story, family, Faith, etc. Then there are two devotional books: “Rise Above” and “Devotions for the Soul Surfer”. Also a “Soul Surfer” themed Bible, “Ask Bethany” (a Q&A book), and a fictional adventure series.
I also made a documentary, which is on DVD and shows in select screenings around the world, “Heart of a Soul Surfer”. And there’s a bunch of other projects I’m involved with which you can check out on my website: www.bethanyhamilton.com
Q: And now there's a movie in the making- it has been described as "Blue Crush meets Rocky meets Chariots of Fire" Tell us more about it and how progress is going? Any news with regards to casting? When will it be coming out?
A: It’ll be a family film about my story as an athlete who faces adversity but finds a way to overcome it, it’s based off my book “Soul Surfer” and inspired by my documentary “Heart of a Soul Surfer”. The plan is to start filming this fall (2008).  No roles have been cast yet, but you can check for weekly updates on my website: www.bethanyhamilton.com
Q: You must keep really busy? What is a typical day in the life of Bethany Hamilton like?
A: I try to maintain a ‘normal’ lifestyle when I’m home. Wake up, go surfing, eat healthy, do school, surf again, get some exercise (run, swim, tennis, jiu jitsu, or whatever) or stretches/workouts (alternating days), and bible study/church with friends …I also have to make time to work with Becky on ‘fanmail’ or interviews and prepare for upcoming trips and contests. This year I’m traveling more than I’m home though.
Q: Any plans to ever come to South Africa?
A: Ya, there’s a contest in Durban that I’ll probably do each year and one year I would love to travel all over the SA coast and surf!
Q: What advice would you like to give to all the readers and the Youth in general?
A: Follow and love Jesus with all your heart! Take life one day at atime. Be yourself, be thankful for all you have, and Love life!
Q: Where to from here? What do you hope to do with your life in the years to come?
A: I’m trying to qualify for the ASP Women’s Championship tour (WCT). So that’s what I’m focusing on right now. Overall, I want to serve God and represent Him through my surfing and everyday life!
A couple of quickies --
Favourite Scripture:
Jeremiah 29:11 “For I know the plans that I have for you”
declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you,
plans to give you a hope and a future”
A recent movie that has inspired you:
Invisible Children
Favourite Christian music artists:
Olivia the Band, Chandelle, POD…
Most inspiring Bible character, apart from Jesus:
Mary (the mother of Jesus), she was so courageous and trusted God!
A person, dead or alive, who you would like to meet:
Jesus (in person)
Favourite hobby/activity, apart from surfing:
Cooking/jiu jitsu
Thanks again so much and God Bless
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