Riding the Waves

Some people are born real fighters. Bethany Hamilton is a surfer and started competing when she was just four years old. She surfs the huge waves in Hawaii.

Bethany lost her left arm in a shark attack when she was only 13 years old. She says it was very frightening to be bitten by a shark. Her friends say that she is a very brave, and very ambitious person. She has never given up. They believe she is amazing.

She did her best and never felt disappointed even after falling off her surfboard many times. She wasn’t lazy or bad-tempered. She kept practising until she reached her goal. Incredibly, she turned pro at the age of 18.

‘My family supported me a lot’, says Bethany, and continues;‘ I was so lucky that I had the support of a lot of amazing people.  When I was a kid I used to watch documentaries and I was interested in seeing the natural wonders of the earth,  discovering the secrets and the beauties of nature. Surfing on the beautiful waves was always my dream.  Life teaches you a lot of lessons and gives you a lot of opportunities. Don’t be impatient or give up.  Follow your heart and your dreams against all odds.’