Bethany Hamilton Reflects on Shark Attack 20 Years Later

Two decades ago, Bethany Hamilton was attacked by a shark.

On October 31st (spooky), in 2003, Hamilton was surfing her home spot, Tunnels Beach, Kauai, with her best friend, Alana Blanchard. That’s when tragedy struck.

She was chomped by a 14-foot tiger shark, which resulted in her losing her left arm. Since then, Hamilton has been an inspiration – as well as a controversial figure due to her political beliefs – in the surfing world in terms of perseverance in spite of diversity. And now, 20 years later, Hamilton is reflecting on the experience.

On social media, she wrote:

“This month marks 20 years since one of the most impactful moments of my life when a shark took my arm while on a surfing off the coast of Kauai, my birth place. Many people could look at the incident back in 2003 as a major setback for me, but God had so much in store for the future! 🤙🏼

“It’s absolutely wild to think how my life started and where it is now and all the amazing yet challenging things in between. I didn’t wake up in the hospital thinking I was invincible and was gonna get back to surfing. After getting a hint of inspiration, I had to dream it up, flip my mindset and be willing to do what I had not seen anyone else do. This was a challenge to live in faith. And I am so glad I was willing to try and give it my best shot! 🙏🏼 Now I get to surf with my two eldest sons Tobias and Wesley and my hubby! I get to enjoy these sweet moments with my newborn daughter. There is so much to be grateful for, and these past 20 years have been filled with incredible moments and huge overcoming seasons. 💛

“When you have your “Shark Attack” moments in life. I hope you’re willing to try, and give life your best shot! You too CAN OVERCOME!”