Bethany Hamilton

Aloha. My name is Bethany Hamilton. I love the big, blue ocean. I live in a warm, sunny place called Hawaii where the waves are perfect for surfing. When I get on my special board, it feels like I am dancing on the water. The waves splash and the sun shines, and it makes me so happy. Surfing is my favorite thing to do in the whole wide world.

One day, something very different happened when I was surfing. A big shark came into the water and it bit my arm. It was a scary day, but I knew I had to be very, very brave. My family and my friends were there to help me. They took care of me and made sure I was safe. Their love helped me feel strong again.

Even though I only had one arm now, I still dreamed of the ocean. I wanted to surf again more than anything. It was not easy, but I learned how to get back on my board. And I did it. Today, I am still surfing on the big, blue waves. I even have my own family to surf with. My story shows that you can do anything you dream of, no matter what happens. Just keep trying and never give up.