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Soul Surfer
How Bethany Hamilton Turned a Life-Altering Event into a Business
Ryan Cox
September 21, 2024
Bethany Hamilton faced a challenge that would have stopped most people in their tracks.
But instead of letting it define her, she chose to push forward - almost as if nothing ever happened.
This is the story of how Bethany turned her darkest moment into fuel to reach the dreams that many believed were out of reach.
Table of Contents
Who is Bethany Hamilton?
Born in February 1990 in Lihue, Hawaii, Bethany Hamilton grew up in a surfing family.
Her parents, Tom and Cheri Hamilton, moved to Hawaii before she was born to enjoy the island’s surfing opportunities.
Bethany, along with her two older brothers, Noah and Tim, started surfing at a very young age.
She began surfing at just 3 years old to be exact, and was competing by age 8.
In 1999, she caught the attention of a surfing sportswear company at a Hawaiian junior event, earning her first sponsorship deal with Rip Curl at just 9 years old.
She joined the Hanalei Surf Co. team and started competing against more experienced surfers, quickly making a name for herself.
In the summer of 2003, Bethany won her age group at Hawaii’s Local Motion/Ezekiel Surf Into Summer event. A month later, she placed second in the women’s division of the NSSA National Championships.
However, on October 31, 2003, her life took a dramatic turn.
While surfing with her best friend Alana Blanchard and the Blanchard family, Bethany was attacked by a 14-foot tiger shark, which severed her left arm just below the shoulder.
The Blanchards acted quickly, using a rash guard to create a tourniquet and rushing her to Wilcox Medical Center.
Her father was already at Wilcox Medical Center, scheduled to have knee surgery that morning. By the time Bethany arrived, she was in hypovolemic shock, and her father gave up his place in the operating room so that his daughter could undergo emergency surgery.
Despite the trauma, Bethany's recovery was swift.
While many people would fear going back in the ocean after an incident like this, just 27 days after the attack, she was back in the water, adapting to a new style of surfing with a custom-made board.
“Surfing for me is more than my lifestyle, it’s my passion, my love, and it’s a part of me.”
By 2005, she won the National Scholastic Surfing Association Championships at age 15, and in 2007, she achieved her dream of competing professionally, winning her first competition at the T&C Surf Women’s Pipeline.
In 2016, Bethany solidified her legacy by defeating a six-time world champion in the World Surf League.
Her achievements earned her a place in the Surfer’s Hall of Fame in 2017.
Today, nearly a decade later, Bethany continues to pursue her passion for surfing while also embracing the challenges of motherhood.
Her surfboard and swimsuit from the attack are on display at the California Surf Museum in Oceanside, CA, paying homage to her incredible story.
“I don’t know how long I’ll be competing, but I’ll always be surfing. I’ll be surfing until I’m old.”
What is Bethany Hamilton’s Net Worth?
Bethany Hamilton’s net worth is estimated at around $2 million.
While specific details of her financial portfolio are limited, her income streams are evident through the physical and digital assets she has built over the years.
These ventures allow her to comfortably sustain her lifestyle while pursuing her purpose.
However, Bethany’s true wealth extends beyond monetary value. Her impact on the lives she has inspired is immeasurable, making her legacy far more significant than any financial figure.
Bethany Hamilton’s Business Ventures
Bethany Hamilton’s story is not only unique, but inspiring.
She has harnessed her story to fulfill her purpose: inspiring and supporting others who find themselves in challenging situations, just as she did at 13 years old while chasing her dreams.
Personal Brand
Bethany’s business ventures revolve around her personal brand.
She recognized that, although her story is unique, it may resonate with many who feel lost in life.
To share her journey and help others, Bethany created her own website, offering resources and guidance to those seeking to rise above adversity.
Unstoppable Life
Bethany’s website serves as a hub for a supportive community where people can find encouragement and knowledge on living a balanced life in mind, body, and spirit.
Central to this is her online course, Unstoppable Life, which focuses on mental and physical success.
The course includes 13 individual lessons, each featuring guest experts in various fields:
Anchor Your Identity (with Tim Tebow)
Bless Others (with Sarah Hill)
Forgiveness (with Dr. Kerry Dillberg)
Let Go of Comparison (with Arielle Estoria)
Live Intentional: Be Present (with Kate Merrick)
Live Your Passions (with Bob Goff & Mike Coots)
Optimize Your Health (with Dustin Dillberg)
Overcome Obstacles (with Nick Vuijicic)
Set & Achieve Your Goals (with Marie Forleo)
Tell Your Money Where to Go (with Rachel Cruze)
Train Your Mind (with Laird Hamilton and Gabby Reece)
Unstoppable Workout Series
Deepen Your Faith (with Bethany, Adam, and Pastor Bryan Wolfmueller)
The full course is available as a bundle, with access to all future content, while individual lessons can be purchased separately.
Bethany uses a free training video on building confidence and her blog as top of funnel for her course.
She regularly writes on topics ranging from recipes and workout tips to overcoming challenges and sharing personal experiences.
During the 2020 pandemic, she generously gifted 2,500 memberships to support her community through difficult times.
Philanthropy
Bethany’s commitment to helping others extends to her nonprofit organization, the Beautifully Flawed Foundation, formerly known as Friends of Bethany.
The foundation provides resources and hope to amputees and young people, encouraging them to overcome life’s toughest challenges. The foundation’s outreach programs include:
Beautifully Flawed: A retreat for women aged 14-25 who have experienced limb loss.
Shine Forth: A community event centered around inspirational storytelling.
Anchored in Love: An annual conference in San Diego for women aged 12 and up.
The Forge: A retreat for male amputees.
Beyond her foundation, Bethany is involved with Save the Storks, a nonprofit that inspires women to embrace motherhood. She recently served as a keynote speaker at the Inspired for Life event in Key Largo, Florida, in April 2024, where she connected with women facing doubts about motherhood by sharing her own experiences.
"I could not wait to be a mom, but not that day. All of a sudden, I felt like I was rejecting motherhood. Sometimes I feel so ashamed of that version of me. Why didn't I want to be a mother?...Cultural mindset says we have to go live our life and have a career. Motherhood can come later. I was led on by this…I struggled through the first half of my pregnancy. [But when my son was born], I had this overwhelming feeling that I would give my life for [him]. No one can truly explain that feeling...If there is one thing that motivates you, it is your children."
Bethany accepts speaking engagements through her website, participating in both paid and unpaid events, depending on the nature of the occasion.
She truly is an athlete who has used her platform and experiences to spread positivity and help others lead meaningful lives after trauma.
Media
Bethany Hamilton has expanded her presence in the media landscape for decades, becoming a New York Times bestselling author.
Since 2003, she has authored or co-written 10 books:
Soul Surfer: A True Story of Faith, Family, and Fighting to Get Back on the Board (2004): Bethany’s New York Times bestselling autobiography details her journey after the life-changing shark attack.
Surfing Past Fear (2022): This Christian children’s book, in partnership with BRACE books, features Olivia the Otter and teaches kids to overcome their fears.
Be Unstoppable: The Art of Never Giving Up (2018): A picture book that aligns with Bethany’s personal brand, encouraging readers to embrace life and take risks.
Unstoppable Me (2018): Co-written with her husband, Adam Dirks, this book follows Makan the Lion and inspires children to believe in themselves and never give up.
Body and Soul (2014): A guide to living a fit and healthy lifestyle, including workouts, recipes, and tips for staying stress-free.
Soul Surfer Devotions: A collection of inspiring stories from different women.
Rise Above: A 90 Day Devotional (2007, 2014): A devotional focusing on topics relevant to young girls.
Ask Bethany: A book where Bethany shares advice on a wide variety of topics.
Raising a Soul Surfer: Co-authored with her mother, Cheri Hamilton, this book details their family’s story.
Soul Surfer Series: A 4-novel series about Bethany’s various life experiences.
Bethany’s influence extends beyond the written word, as her story has been brought to the big screen on three occasions, each receiving high remarks:
Heart of a Soul Surfer (2007): A documentary based on her book Soul Surfer, chronicling her return to the water after the shark attack.
Soul Surfer (2011): A major motion picture dramatizing Bethany’s story.
Unstoppable (2019): A documentary produced by Lieber Films, highlighting Bethany’s journey to becoming one of the world’s top professional surfers. The film earned nominations at several film festivals, including the 2019 Newport Beach Film Festival, the 2018 Catalina Film Festival, and the 2018 LA Film Festival.
Bethany has also ventured into acting, playing herself in the movie Dolphin Tale 2.
In addition to film, Bethany continues to share her story through appearances on popular TV shows such as 20/20, Good Morning America, The Today Show, and The Ellen DeGeneres Show. She has also participated in reality TV shows like The Amazing Race, Are You Smarter Than a Fifth Grader?, Extreme Makeover, and 19 Kids and Counting.
The Success Strategies of Bethany Hamilton
Never Give Up: Bethany's ability to overcome immense challenges showcases her unyielding determination, inspiring millions.
Personal Brand is the New Business: Bethany built a brand around her journey and the foundation of her success.She connects deeply with audiences, demonstrating how a strong personal brand can be a powerful business asset.
Help People to Help Yourself: Through her products, courses, and philanthropic efforts, Bethany empowers people to overcome their own challenges.
The Bottom Line
No matter where you are in life, it's never too late to turn things around.
Bethany Hamilton's story is a powerful reminder that with determination, you can achieve anything you set your mind to, and her journey also emphasizes the fulfillment that comes from giving back and helping others.
Ultimately, Bethany shows that success in sports, business, and life comes down to finding your "why?"
Do your best in all you do, even if you fall short.
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