Soul Surfer: The Bethany Hamilton Story -- Inspiring People, Books and Films

World-class athlete. Role model. Inspiration. Soul surfer. People often use these words to describe Bethany Meilani Hamilton, a professional surfer who lost her arm in a shark attack when she was just 13 years old.

Hamilton's story of faith, hope and determination has inspired people around the world. It was the basis for a bestselling book, a documentary film and a major motion picture called Soul Surfer, starring AnnaSophia Robb as Hamilton.

Born into a family of swimmers and surfers in Kauai, Hawaii, Hamilton started surfing at a young age. A first place finish in a statewide contest ignited her passion for the sport's competitive nature. The surfing world soon recognized Hamilton as a rising star with a real shot at a professional career.

But something happened on the morning of Halloween 2003. Something completely out of the blue. And it changed Bethany Hamilton's life forever.

While surfing off Kauai's North Shore, the teenage surfer girl was attacked by a 15-foot tiger shark. The attack took a huge chunk out of her red, white, and blue surfboard. Tragically, it also severed her left arm near the shoulder.

As Hamilton recalls, everything happened "in a split second." She remembers the pressure, the lightning-speed tugs on her arm and her shock as the water turned bright red around her.

She remembers the ambulance ride and the paramedic who whispered in her ear, "God will never leave you or forsake you." And she knows how right he was.

Hamilton says that Jesus gave her peace during the shark attack and strength as she fought to recover from the ordeal.

"The peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus," she says, quoting Philippians 4:6-8.

Despite a 60-percent blood loss and many surgeries, Bethany Hamilton survived the shark attack with remarkable strength and courage. The lifeguards and doctors credit her strong water sense and unwavering faith in God.

Hamilton was back in the water within weeks of the attack, and she returned to competitive surfing in January 2004. Not only did she survive the loss of her arm, but she seemed to thrive without it. Hamilton continued to enter surfing competitions and excel in the sport, winning her first national title in 2005.

Two years later, Hamilton realized her dream of turning pro. She now travels the globe as a world class surfer. Her professional endeavors have taken her from Hawaii to Europe, South America, South Africa, Australia, Indonesia, Fiji and Tahiti.

Hamilton shared her story in a 2004 autobiography called Soul Surfer: A True Story of Faith, Family and Fighting to get Back on the Board. Co-authored with Rick Bundschuh and Sheryl Berk, Soul Surfer became a national bestseller. Hamilton has written other inspirational books as well, including a Christian devotional for young adults.

Her story inspired an award-winning 2007 documentary called Heart of a Soul Surfer: The Bethany Hamilton Movie. This film created a wave of inspiration for the 2011 feature film Soul Surfer, starring AnnaSophia Robb, Helen Hunt, Dennis Quaid and Carrie Underwood.

In 2009, Hamilton launched her own foundation, Friends of Bethany Hamilton, to support shark attack victims and traumatic amputees. The non-profit organization also shares the hope and love of Jesus Christ through the stories of Hamilton and others like her.

"Let all that I am praise the Lord; may I never forget the good things He does for me." (Psalm 103:2).

This Scripture verse graces the pages of Bethany Hamilton's website. The surfer girl is outspoken about her spiritual beliefs. Ask what her faith in Christ means to her, and she will usually answer with one word: "Everything!"

Many people do not think about their faith until they are older or tragedy strikes. Hamilton was about five years old when she made the decision to believe in Jesus. Today she acknowledges God as her source of truth, hope and strength.

Hamilton and her brothers grew up in a Christian home with parents who read Bible stories to their children and taught them about Jesus. But she is quick to point out that a relationship with God is personal, and that a Christian family does not automatically make a Christian child. Each person makes his or her own decision to follow Christ.

Are you interested in knowing Jesus the way Hamilton knows him? The professional surfer explains how to have a personal relationship with Christ in Connecting With God.

Heart of a Soul Surfer is a short documentary film with an inside perspective on the Bethany Hamilton story. It features exclusive surf footage and home movies taken before and after the shark attack.

Heart of a Soul Surfer chronicles Hamilton's surfing comeback and her quest to discover her life's purpose. Digging deep into her Christian faith, it asks hard questions like, "Why does God allow bad things to happen in our lives?"

This award-winning documentary was directed by Becky Baumgarten for Walking on Water Films. It was an official selection at more than 25 film festivals around the world, and it won three film awards in 2007.

When you come back from a loss, beat the odds and never say never, you find a champion.

That's the movie tagline. Jeremiah 29:11 is the theme: "For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."

The extraordinary Bethany Hamilton story was the inspiration for Soul Surfer, a TriStar Pictures film that premiered April 8, 2011. Directed by Sean McNamara, this sports-action drama stars AnnaSophia Robb (Because Of Winn-Dixie, Bridge To Terabithia) as Hamilton.

Oscar winner Helen Hunt plays the role of Hamilton's mother, Cherilyn, and Dennis Quaid portrays her father, Thomas. Ross Thomas and Chris Brochu star as Hamilton's older brothers, Noah and Timmy.

Carrie Underwood, a country music superstar and American Idol winner, made her film debut in Soul Surfer. She portrays Sarah Hill, a youth leader at Hamilton's church.

Soul Surfer is rated PG for thematic elements and an intense accident sequence. The shark attack scenes may be too scary for young children, but parents can reassure them ahead of time by explaining that Hamilton survives the attack.

The Soul Surfer novels are four books based on the life of Bethany Hamilton. They are classified as Christian or inspirational fiction.

Each book follows Hamilton and her friends, who discover God's love as they ride the waves of life. The stories depict various adventures, and the girls learn valuable lessons along the way.

Hamilton wrote the Soul Surfer series with Rick Bundschuh, the teaching pastor at Kauai Christian Fellowship in Koloa, Hawaii. The books are published by Zonderkidz, a division of the Zondervan media company.

• Friends of Bethany Hamilton. (n.d.). "About Friends of Bethany." Friends Of Bethany Hamilton. Retrieved April 8, 2011.
• Hamilton, Bethany. (n.d.). "Bethany Hamilton: Biography." Bethany Hamilton Official Website. Retrieved April 8, 2011.
• Heart of a Soul Surfer. (n.d.). "The Story of Bethany Hamilton." Heart Of A Soul Surfer. Retrieved April 8, 2011.
• Sony Pictures. (2011). Soul Surfer: the Movie. Retrieved April 8, 2011.
• Discovery Channel contributor. (2011). "Discovery Channel Shark Week: Tiger Shark." Discovery Communications. Retrieved April 8, 2011.

Copyright © 2011. Annette R. Smith. All rights reserved.

Published: April 8, 2011 / Modified: April 27, 2012.