Bethany Hamilton began her career as a surfer with her first competition at age 11. By age 13, she was an accomplished surfer and well-respected in the surfing world. Her lifelong dream of becoming a professional surfer was interrupted on October 31, 2003, as she was attacked by a 14-foot tiger shark while surfing off Kauai’s North Shore. The attack left Bethany with a severed arm but did not destroy her eagerness and courage to continue to pursue her dreams.

Bethany has chosen to use her experience to become an inspiration and help others to overcome adversity, no matter how great. “People I don’t even know come up to me. I guess they see me as a symbol of courage and inspiration. One thing hasn’t changed—and that’s how I feel when I’m riding a wave. It’s like, here I am. I’m still here. It’s still me and my board—in God's ocean!”.   

Now she has a book released on October 5, 2004. Following will be a movie that will start filming in 2005.

Bethany has also continued to pursue her dream in the surf world too. Everyone was surprised to see Bethany surfing so soon after her accident. But no one expected her to win 5th place at the National Surfing Championships. Since her attack, Bethany has made numerous finals and has won three contests. In August, at the first stop on the Hawaii NSSA circuit, she took first in the Open Women's division placing ahead of 2003-04 National Champion, Carissa Moore.

Bethany continues to compete in the most challenging waves in the world and amaze everyone by achieving the unimaginable.