SAN CLEMENTE, CA. — Soul Surfer, Bethany Hamilton, is competing in the World Surf League‘s Swatch Women’s Pro surfing event being held at Lower Trestles in San Clemente, CA. Hamilton has also been awarded the wildcard for the competition. Hamilton said she was anxious to get back to surfing after the birth of her first baby and got her doctor’s approval five weeks after Tobias was born. Source: LA Times.
“I was getting really anxious, like, ‘I’ve got to get in the water already!’ But my trainer told me to wait another week to let my core kind of heal and give it some time before I start pushing it,” Hamilton said. “I remember my first session back, my stomach felt so weak, it felt totally different and off. But at the same time, it felt amazing to get back in the water. From there, I slowly worked my way back into it and started doing off-water training as well to re-strengthen my core and overall fitness… This kind of gave me something to works toward,” Hamilton said. “I grew up competing against all of these girls, so I feel right at home getting into a heat with them.”
“I’m super honored to receive the wildcard and to be able to compete at Lowers with all of the girls. It should be an epic time,” Hamilton, 25, told PEOPLE. “I really am just looking forward to getting into the jersey.”
Husband Dirks and their 3-month-old son Tobias will be watching. “They’re definitely going to come down and cheer me on,” she shares. “I’m so thankful for the support from my husband. He’s been so supportive — [I’ve been] training and prepping for the event — so I’m stoked to have them here.”
Hamilton says she’s been able to adjust well to parenthood..
“Life with one arm is pretty normal,” Hamilton said. “Adjusting to being a mom with one arm, I knew there’d be different challenges — changing diapers, holding him — especially when they’re young and their necks are so flimsy. There was some apprehension going into that, but now, I’ve kind of conquered it.”
Christian Speakers 360 is a booking agent for Christian athletes and celebrities. If you would like to book Bethany Hamilton for an appearance, contact Bethany Hamilton’s booking agent for speaker fees at 1.800.966.1380.
Speak Your Mind