Back in the Swim of Things
The story of a young girl who overcomes the catastrophe of getting her arm torn off by a tiger shark
Bethany Hamilton and Alana Blanchard arrived at Tunnels Beach, Kauai, for an early morning surf to practice for upcoming competitions. As they entered the salty ocean, the girls and their surfboards were prepared for a full day of enjoyment. The balmy sun, crystal clear water, and private location showed it was the perfect day to be in the water. With the help of monstrous waves, both Bethany and Alana, as well as Alana’s father and brother, were able to surf for hours before the sea decided to give the group a rest.
As they laid on their surfboards, turtles were circling beneath them and the ocean was still and calming. Bethany dangled her left arm into the water for relaxation as she and Alana engaged in conversation. Suddenly the area became a red body of water as it contained over sixty percent of Bethany’s blood. A fourteen-foot-long tiger shark had decided that Bethany’s dangling arm was going to be the shark’s mid-morning snack.
Due to a combination of adrenaline and shock, Bethany did not even shed a tear but was slightly confused on what just occurred. The Blanchards collectively paddled Bethany away from the pool of blood and back to shore. Without hesitation, Alana’s father ripped a surfboard leash and tied it around the leftover stump of Bethany’s arm. After getting her back to the Blanchard’s form of transportation, Bethany was then rushed to Wilcox Memorial Hospital. However, Bethany’s father, who was scheduled to have knee surgery that day, was already at the hospital, and Bethany had to take his place in the operating room.
At this point, Bethany had entered into hypovolemic shock and needed blood back in her body. A nearby doctor staying in a hotel came to the rescue, and Bethany was rushed into the long process of surgery.
Bethany Hamilton was born in Lihue, Hawaii, to a family of surfers. She grew up surfing and always dreamed of becoming a professional. Because of her passion for the water, Bethany and Alana spent their free time together riding the waves and participating in competitions. With the support of her family, she was on the way to becoming the best young surfer in Hawaii.
Once the shark attack happened, however, it suddenly became more difficult for Bethany to enjoy her fervor for breaking waves. She was in the hospital for a week after the attack and spent the next month wishing she still had two arms. On the other hand, Bethany was determined to get back in the water. After just a month of recovery, Bethany began to train again so that she could return to her norm of surfing.
With just one arm, returning to her level of skill was strenuous work. She acquired a custom-made board that would make it easier for her to surf. The board was longer and thicker than standard surfboards, and it even incorporated a handle for her to duck under waves when necessary. With the help of her family and friends, Bethany trained without ceasing and learned to cope with the fact that she only had one arm. After much practice, Bethany entered herself into major surfing competitions and eventually reached her goal of becoming a professional surfer.
Being a Christian, Bethany claims that she would not be where she is today without God, saying,
“It was Jesus who gave me peace when the shark severed my arm.”
Her youth minister, Adam Dirks, also played a major role in Bethany’s recovery. Once the attack occurred, Adam assisted Bethany in seeing that God has a plan for every situation, and after trusting Adam’s words of advice, Bethany decided to turn her hardship into that of learning.
Since her experience at Tunnels Beach, she has transformed from a shark attack victim into an influential role model. Bethany has appeared in many television shows and even has a movie based off of her attack. She has given back to the community in many ways and is always open to telling her story. Bethany has gone on mission trips, has helped around her local community, and has given hope to those who may relate to her incident.
In 2004, Bethany wrote a book about her situation and her life before and after the shark attack titled Soul Surfer: A True Story of Faith, Family, and Fighting to Get Back on the Board. In the same year, Bethany received accolades for her bravery and determination. She was bestowed the ESPY Award for Best Comeback Athlete and the Courage Teen Choice Award. Bethany truly shows her character by not letting her shark attack stand in the way of who she wished to become. Instead of giving up her dream of surfing, she worked even harder to achieve it. Bethany Hamilton’s story depicts a reflection of how with diligent effort, any adversity can be overcome.
Works Cited
Bethany Hamilton before her shark attack. A great role model for girls. N.d. Hawaii. Pinterest. Web.
“Bethany Hamilton Quotes.” Brainy Quote. Brainy Quote, 2007. Web. 9 July 2017.
Dawber, Brad. Tunnels Beach, Kauai. N.d. Kauai, Hawaii. Hawaii Gaga. Web.
Hamilton, Bethany. “An amazing day in the ocean…” Instagram. 24 Oct. 2016.
Hamilton, Bethany. “Playing on a trampoline! Photo-my mom.” Instagram.
How does Bethany Hamilton surf with one arm? 2016. Hawaii. Still Stoked. Web.
