'Soul Surfer' Inspires at Westmont Chapel
Bethany Hamilton, whose autobiography, “Soul Surfer: A True Story of Faith, Family, and Fighting to Get Back on the Board,” inspired the 2011 film “Soul Surfer,” spoke to more than 1,200 people in a special chapel service April 10 in Westmont’s Murchison Gym.
Later that evening, Westmont hosted a sold-out Night of Champions, sponsored by the Santa Barbara Fellowship of Christian Athletes (SBFCA), which included special guest Britt Merrick.
Hamilton, a native of Kauai, Hawaii, began surfing and growing in her Christian faith at a young age. At age 8, she entered her first surf competition, where she won both the short-and long-board divisions and realized she had an immense love for surfing and a competitive spirit.
“My parents threw me in the ocean before I could even walk and taught me how to surf,” she said. “Basically they had ulterior motives so that they could keep surfing, keeping all the kids out there so they could stay in the water, doing what they loved.”
Even at age 10, she knew she was going to be a professional surfer. “That was where I was going and there was no doubt in my mind,” she said. “I think having something to work toward kept me headed that way and I was driven to take steps each day to get better at surfing. I also knew that I wanted to honor God with my life.”
On Oct. 31, 2003, Hamilton was 13 and surfing off Kauai’s North Shore when a 14-foot tiger shark attacked her and completely severed her left arm. She lost more than 60 percent of her blood and underwent several surgeries. Lifeguards and doctors attributed her positive attitude and recovery to her strong water sense and her firm faith.
“One minute it’s the most beautiful day in the world and the next minute my arm is gone and I am just hoping to survive,” she said. “I remember paddling into the shore that day and praying, asking God to help me get through this. I could have died, but I guess God had different plans for my life. I remember being in the hospital and thinking maybe God has a reason for this and I can bring hope to other people through this.”
One month after the attack, Hamilton got back into the water to pursue her goal of becoming a professional surfer. She returned to competition in January 2004 and won the Explorer Women’s division of the 2005 NSSA National Championships 19 months after the attack.
Hamilton is also a motivational speaker, lifestyle advocate and writer. She started a charity foundation, Friends of Bethany, which supports shark-attack survivors and traumatic amputees and serves to inspire others through her story.
She advocates healthy living, specifically emphasizing the importance of balancing both physical and spiritual health.
In 2013, she married Adam Dirks, a Christian youth minister, and the couple expects their first child in June. Dirks joined Hamilton on the stage and answered questions from Westmont students Tyler Lisea and Carly Holly.
Lisea asked the couple if in 18 years in the future, their baby boy was to be accepted to both Biola and Westmont, which one would they nudge him towards. Holly then gave Hamilton two Westmont baby outfits. “I’m leaning toward Westmont,” Dirks replied.
“Even though the waves are a little cold here, I think he might want to be closer to Rincon and the good surf around here,” Hamilton said. “Maybe Junior will go here.”