The Unstoppable Soul Surfer
by Bethany Hamilton
Bethany Hamilton recounts the shark attack that cost her an arm when she was thirteen and the determined process through which she returned to surfing. The narrative focuses on resilience, family support, courage and the refusal to let a life-changing event end a dream.
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- Attack: A tiger shark suddenly attacks Bethany while she is surfing in Kauai, Hawaii.
- Immediate Response: Holt and Byron remain calm, control the situation and help stop the bleeding.
- Doubt: After surgery Bethany briefly wonders whether she will ever surf again.
- Determination: Her family encourages her, and she decides to attempt surfing again.
- Return: After repeated attempts, she learns to stand on the board with one arm and experiences overwhelming joy.
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The unexpected shark attack
Bethany is thirteen and surfing in the calm waters of Kauai. Without warning, a massive tiger shark bites the board and her left arm. She initially feels pressure rather than pain and soon sees that her arm has been bitten off almost to the shoulder.
Survival and emergency care
Holt and Byron reach Bethany quickly and remain composed. Holt pushes her board toward the reef and ties a rash guard tightly around the injured arm as a tourniquet. He keeps her talking so that she does not lose consciousness. In hospital, Dr Rovinsky explains that the immediate focus is saving her life.
Doubt followed by determination
Bethany's mother stays by her side while her father deals with reporters. Bethany briefly believes her surfing career may be over and imagines becoming a surf photographer. Her family and brothers help her regain confidence, and she soon begins thinking about surfing again.
Learning to surf again
Bethany faces the practical difficulty of getting to her feet with one arm. Her first attempts fail and she becomes discouraged. Her father repeatedly encourages her to try once more. Eventually she catches a wave, pushes up with her hand and stands. The achievement removes the small doubt that had told her she would never surf again.