Bethany Meilani Hamilton, widely recognized as a professional surfer and shark attack survivor, has built a life rich in personal fulfillment and community outreach. Born in Lihue, Hawaii, in 1990, Hamilton's journey extends far beyond her athletic prowess. Her strong Christian faith, her roles as a wife and mother, and her dedication to various charitable efforts form the bedrock of her life, influencing her professional career and inspiring countless
individuals. These aspects of her life are central to understanding the full scope of her impact.
Personal Life: Marriage and Motherhood
In early 2012, Bethany Hamilton met Adam Dirks, a youth minister, through mutual friends. Their connection quickly deepened, leading to their engagement in 2013. The couple married on August 18, 2013, in a ceremony held at an estate on Kauaʻi's north shore, close to where Hamilton grew up. Their marriage and the subsequent growth of their family have been significant milestones in Hamilton's life, profoundly affecting her professional surfing career, as discussed in her 2018 documentary, "Bethany Hamilton: Unstoppable."
Together, Bethany and Adam have four children, including three sons and one daughter. Hamilton's embrace of motherhood has added another dimension to her public persona, demonstrating her ability to balance a demanding professional career with a vibrant family life. Her personal journey, marked by faith and family, serves as an inspiration, showcasing how these elements have provided strength and perspective throughout her life's challenges.
Christian Faith and Mentorship
Central to Bethany Hamilton's life and resilience is her Christian faith. She openly attributes her strength and ability to overcome adversity to her beliefs. This faith not only guided her through the immediate aftermath of the shark attack but continues to shape her worldview and actions. Beyond her surfing career, Hamilton actively shares her faith through various platforms, including her books and public appearances.
In addition to her professional surfing, Hamilton now offers mentorship classes. These classes focus on faith, healing, personal health, and relationships, drawing from her own experiences and spiritual convictions. Her role as a mentor allows her to directly engage with and support others, guiding them through their own challenges with a foundation of faith and practical advice. She was also the keynote speaker for the March for Life, an annual pro-life rally and march in Washington, D.C., in 2025, further demonstrating her commitment to her beliefs.
Outreach Programs and Charitable Efforts
Bethany Hamilton is deeply involved in numerous charitable efforts, primarily through her own foundation, Friends of Bethany. This foundation is dedicated to reaching out to amputees and youth, encouraging them to overcome difficulties by offering hope through Jesus Christ. Her platform as a professional athlete is also utilized to promote a fit and healthy lifestyle, as evidenced by her 2014 book, "Body and Soul."
The Friends of Bethany Foundation operates several distinct programs. "Beautifully Flawed" is a retreat designed for young women aged 14–25 who have experienced traumatic limb loss, offering guest speakers, health tips tailored for limb loss, postural training, and surf lessons. "Shine Forth" is a community event featuring stories and inspiration to overcome challenges, including book signings by Bethany. "Anchored in Love" is a conference for girls and young women aged 12 and up, focusing on discovering beauty, purpose, and worth. Lastly, "The Forge" is a men's retreat for young male amputees, focusing on faith, fitness, and healthy living, run by Bethany, her husband, and a friend/mentor.
