Bethany Hamilton has an estimated net worth of $2 million. The American professional surfer, author and motivational speaker built her wealth through her surfing career, sponsorships, books, media appearances and speaking engagements.
Hamilton became internationally known after surviving a devastating shark attack in 2003 that resulted in the loss of her left arm below the shoulder.
Rather than give up her surfing career, Hamilton returned to the water just one month after the attack. She later won major competitions and became an inspiration to people around the world.
Her life story was documented in her bestselling autobiography, Soul Surfer: A True Story of Faith, Family, and Fighting to Get Back on the Board. The book was later adapted into the 2011 film Soul Surfer, starring AnnaSophia Robb as Hamilton.
Hamilton has also written several other books and has built a career speaking about overcoming adversity, disability, faith and perseverance.
| Bethany Hamilton Net Worth | $2 Million |
| Date of Birth | February 8, 1990 |
| Place of Birth | Lihue, Hawaii |
Early Life
Bethany Meilani Hamilton was born on February 8, 1990, in Lihue, Hawaii.
She is the daughter of Cheri and Tom Hamilton and has two brothers, Timothy and Noah.
Hamilton was introduced to surfing at an exceptionally young age. She learned how to surf when she was just three years old and began competing at eight.
By the time she was 10, she had earned her first sponsorship.
Her mother homeschooled her during middle school and high school, while her father worked as a waiter at a local café.
Hamilton quickly developed into a talented young surfer and began competing at national events.
At age 12, she finished second in the Women’s Division at the National Scholastic Surfing Competition.
Bethany Hamilton Shark Attack
Bethany Hamilton’s life changed dramatically in October 2003.
At just 13 years old, she was surfing at Tunnels Beach in Kauai with her best friend, Alana Blanchard, and Alana’s brother and father.
While lying on her surfboard and talking with Blanchard, Hamilton was attacked by a tiger shark measuring more than 14 feet long.
The shark bit off Hamilton’s left arm just below the shoulder.
Alana’s father helped bring her back to shore and used a rash guard as a tourniquet to slow the bleeding.
Hamilton was taken to Wilcox Memorial Hospital in critical condition. She had lost more than 60% of her blood and was suffering from hypovolemic shock.
Her father was already at the hospital because he was scheduled to undergo knee surgery. However, he gave up his place in the operating room so doctors could treat Bethany.
Hamilton survived the attack and began the long process of recovery.
The shark believed to have attacked her was later identified after fishermen caught a large tiger shark near the area. Authorities compared the shark’s mouth measurements with Hamilton’s damaged surfboard.
Her surfboard and swimsuit from the attack are now part of an exhibit at the California Surf Museum in Oceanside.
Return to Surfing
Hamilton refused to allow the loss of her arm to end her surfing career.
She returned to surfing just one month after the attack.
Initially, she used a specially designed board that was thicker and longer than a standard board. It also had a handle that helped her paddle with one arm.
Hamilton taught herself how to surf again and soon returned to competition.
In early 2004, she entered the NSSA National Competition and finished first.
She won the competition again in 2005.
Over time, Hamilton returned to using standard competitive shortboards and continued pursuing a career in professional surfing.
Her comeback became one of the most recognized stories in sports.
Bethany Hamilton and Soul Surfer
In 2004, Hamilton co-wrote her autobiography, Soul Surfer: A True Story of Faith, Family, and Fighting to Get Back on the Board.
The book detailed the shark attack, her recovery and the worldwide attention that followed.
The story was later adapted into the 2011 feature film Soul Surfer.
AnnaSophia Robb portrayed Hamilton, while Helen Hunt and Dennis Quaid played her parents.
Hamilton also performed all of her own stunt work for the film.
The success of the book and movie helped expand her international profile and created additional opportunities in publishing, speaking and entertainment.
Books
Hamilton has written and co-written several books throughout her career.
Her publications include Devotions for the Soul Surfer, Rise Above: A 90-day Devotional, Ask Bethany: FAQs: Surfing, Faith, and Friends, Body and Soul: A Girl’s Guide to a Fit, Fun, and Fabulous Life and Ask Bethany: Bethany Answers Over 200 Questions from Girls Like You.
She later published Be Unstoppable: The Art of Never Giving Up, Unstoppable Me and Surfing Past Fear.
Many of her books focus on faith, resilience, health, self-confidence and overcoming challenges.
Her mother also co-wrote Raising a Soul Surfer: One Family’s Epic Tale, which tells the family’s story surrounding the shark attack.
Media Career
Hamilton’s story has made her a regular presence in television and film.
She has appeared on programs including 20/20, Good Morning America, The Today Show and The Ellen DeGeneres Show.
In 2014, she competed on the 25th season of The Amazing Race alongside her husband. The pair finished third.
Hamilton also appeared on Are You Smarter Than a Fifth Grader?, Extreme Makeover: Home Edition and 19 Kids and Counting.
She played herself in the 2014 family film Dolphin Tale 2.
In 2018, her life and surfing career were featured in the documentary Bethany Hamilton: Unstoppable.
These appearances have helped Hamilton maintain her public profile beyond professional surfing.
Personal Life
Bethany Hamilton met youth minister Adam Dirks in early 2012.
The couple became engaged the following year and married on August 18, 2013.
Hamilton and Dirks have three sons: Tobias, born June 1, 2015; Wesley, born March 27, 2018; and Micah, born February 14, 2021.
In March 2023, Hamilton announced that she and Dirks were expecting their fourth child.
Her family life has also featured in some of her public work, particularly her discussions about faith, motherhood and balancing family responsibilities with her career.
Charity Work
Hamilton has also used her platform to support people living with disabilities.
She founded Friends of Bethany, a Christian organization focused on supporting young people and amputees while promoting her Christian faith.
The organization operates several outreach programs.
Beautifully Flawed is a retreat for women between the ages of 14 and 25 who have experienced limb loss.
Shine Forth is a community event centered on inspirational storytelling.
Anchored in Love is an annual conference for young women aged 12 and older in San Diego and features guest speakers.
The Forge is a retreat program designed for young male amputees.
Through these initiatives, Hamilton has continued using her personal experience to encourage people facing major physical and emotional challenges.
Author: Andrew Walyaula
Andrew Walyaula is a seasoned multimedia journalist. Email: [email protected]
