Being able to turn to Jesus after the shark attack kept me alive.
BETHANY HAMILTONBeing able to turn to Jesus after the shark attack kept me alive.
BETHANY HAMILTONMy favorite thing [about surfing] is being creative on waves; it’s like an art form. You can do whatever you want on that wave if you work hard at it and just have fun out there.
BETHANY HAMILTONLike, with one arm I know I can surf, but competitive surfing can be really frustrating, and sometimes you don’t do as well as you want to. It can be discouraging at times. But whenever I do get frustrated, I just focus on God.
BETHANY HAMILTONI just try to be myself and not conform to something I’m not and just continue doing what I do. I just try not to think about the fact that I’m an inspiration for people.
BETHANY HAMILTONI just love being on the ocean and being creative on the waves and the feeling you get when you’re surfing. All around it’s beautiful and fun.
BETHANY HAMILTONI think passion is something that’s more powerful than even love. It’s something that you’re not willing to let go of, and you’ll work really hard to make sure that stays a part of your life.
BETHANY HAMILTONBesides surfing, I play tennis, volleyball, I swim, I run hills, or I do high-intensity, high-interval workouts. I’m up at 5 A.M. every day.
BETHANY HAMILTONI think it doesn’t matter if you are the best surfer in the world. I’m going to try to be the best surfer I can be. It’s not all about competing and being the best. It’s more about having fun and just doing what you love.
BETHANY HAMILTONYou don’t need easy, you just need possible.
BETHANY HAMILTONI don’t need easy, I just need possible.
BETHANY HAMILTONLearning how to deal with people and their reactions to my life is one of the most challenging things… people staring at me, people asking rude questions, dealing with media, stuff like that.
BETHANY HAMILTONI don’t really want people looking to me for inspiration. I just want to be a sign along the way that points toward Heaven.
BETHANY HAMILTONIt’s been amazing to touch people’s lives.
BETHANY HAMILTONI believe in Jesus Christ, and I believe He gave me the passion and determination to continue surfing. You fall off the horse, and you get back on. I had to go for it.
BETHANY HAMILTONDoing everything with one arm, being well-known, and having a book and a movie, it’s fairly abnormal. As far as just not having to worry about past experiences, I’ve healed very well.
BETHANY HAMILTONSurfing is very special and unique. It’s really hard to explain unless you’ve tried it. It’s being out in the ocean in the sun, the water on your skin, and the adrenalin rush when you catch a wave. You have to be creative so it’s like an art form in a way.
BETHANY HAMILTON