Bethany Hamilton Family and Real Story

Bethany Hamilton family pictures shows her parents Tom Hamilton and Cheri Hamilton, and two siblings. Bethany grew up with brothers Noah Hamilton and Tim Hamilton.

Bethany is married to Adam Dirks and has four kids. Hamilton is a well-known professional surfer and writer.

In 2003, she survived a shark attack in which her left arm was bitten off. The tragic incident took place when she was just 13 years old.

Bethany Hamilton childhood was full of adventures as she learned to surf at the age of three. She gained her first sponsorship at ten.

The pro surfer was raised in a family of six in Hawaii. All the members of the Hamilton household are surfers. When Bethany was 23 years old, she started her own family with her spouse Adam Dirks and their four children.

Bethany Hamilton Parents Have Been Married For Over Four Decades

Bethany Hamilton mom and dad Cheri and Tom Hamilton got married in August 1979. The couple first met each other while surfing at the beach.

The pair appeared in a short biography named Heart of a Soul Surfer. Tom also served as a producer in the documentary.

The Hamilton couple is proud parents of three kids two sons and a daughter. They love their children immensely and are always there to support them.

According to Family Life Podcast, after six months of marriage, the pair became Christians with the influence of their surfing friends. They also taught their children about the love of God and enrolled them in Sunday school, religious education classes, and vacation Bible school.

Tom Hamilton

Bethany Hamilton dad Tom Hamilton grew up in Ocean City, New Jersey with his folks, two older brothers, and an older sister. He was the youngest among the four siblings.

His father was a dentist who specialized in oral surgery. He had bought Tom his first surfboard on his 12th or 13th birthday and it resulted in him being passionate about surfing. Tom’s first surf trip was in California.

He attended a junior college called Mesa College in San Diego. After moving to Hawaii, he transferred to the University of Hawaii.

Cheri Hamilton

Bethany Hamilton mom Cheri Hamilton was an accomplished surfer in her youth. According to her husband, she was the top four women surfer on the island of Hawaii.

Bethany created a program called Ohana Experiences to aid in restoring mothers as their daughters’ mentors and support in her life. The faith and support of her mom after the shark attack was one of the inspiration behind the program.

Cheri had homeschooled Bethany from sixth grade to high school. 

Bethany Hamilton Parents Job

Tom used to work as a waiter at a cafe located near their town. Cheri has been a homemaker and dedicated her life to her kids.

The couple has been private about their life with the public so they have kept their career life tight-lipped. 

Bethany Hamilton Siblings Are Older Than Her

Bethany Hamilton brothers are Noah Hamilton and Timothy Hamilton. Bethany is the youngest among the three of them.

While growing up, the siblings surfed together and played in the water most of the time. Currently, Noah and Timothy have successful careers in their respective field.

Noah Hamilton

Bethany’s brother Noah is a professional photographer and has his own studio called Noah Hamilton Photographers. His work has been featured in advertising campaigns, and magazines of international brands.

The photographer has worked with well-known publications such as Time, National Geographic, LA Times, People, and Simon & Schuster. Noah is also a personal photographer for his sister.

Hamilton has also served in the camera and electrical departments for several TV shows and movies. He has worked in television shows and films such as Are You The One?, Temptation Island, Jurassic World, and Soul Surfer.

He is married to a woman named Becky.

Timothy Hamilton

Bethany’s other brother Timothy is an actor by profession, he has appeared in films such as Breaking News and The Riot Club. He has performed stunts in the film Soul Surfer, a movie based on his sister’s life.

Timothy appeared as himself in the documentaries Bethany Hamilton: Unstoppable and Heart of a Soul Surfer.

In May 2012, he married a woman named Kyah Elise Schneider.

Bethany Is Married To Adam Dirks

Pro surfer Bethany Hamilton husband Adam Dirks previously served as a youth ministry and a substitute teacher.

Currently, he is a stay-at-home dad and a motivational speaker.

The couple has appeared in several television shows together. They competed on the CBS competition show The Amazing Race. 

Where Did Bethany Hamilton Meet Her Husband?

Hamilton and her partner Adam first met each other on the island. Dirks was there to help start a youth ministry and substitute teach.

Their first meeting together was adventurous. The daring and fearless side of Dirks intrigued Bethany and slowly their friendship changed into a romantic relationship.

How Did Bethany Hamilton Meet Her Husband?

Bethany met her spouse Adam for the first time through mutual friends. Their first date included jumping off the cliff and talking while swimming.

After their first meeting, the pair began hanging out often at the beach, hiking, playing tennis, and socializing with friends. As they grew close, Bethany knew that Adam was the one.

The lovebirds got engaged in 2013. They tied the knot at an estate on Kauai’s north shore in August 2013. Bethany and Adam have been married for ten years with four kids.

Bethany Hamilton Kids Names

Bethany Hamilton children names are Tobias Dirks, Wesley Dirks, Micah Dirks, and Alaya Dirks. Tobias is the oldest and Alaya is the youngest child of Bethany.

Tobias is the eldest son of Adam and Bethany, they welcomed him on June 1, 2015. Tobias is 8 years old. Three years later in 2018, they were blessed with their second child a son Wesley. Currently, he is five years old.

In 2021, they welcomed their third child named Micah. He celebrates his birthday on February 14 and currently, Micah is two years old.

Hamilton and Dirks welcomed their fourth kid and first daughter Alaya on June 2023.

Does Bethany Hamilton Still Surf?

Bethany is still an active surf competitor. Hamilton returned to surfing a month later after the shark attack in 2003.

Facing her fears, Bethany entered her first major competition on January 2004. Her courageous move has been an inspiration for many people.

Based on her life, the film named Soul Surfer was released on April 2011. Several documentaries such as Bethany Hamilton: Unstoppable and Heart of Soul Surfer highlight her life after the traumatic shark attack.

Bethany Hamilton Real Story

In October 2003, Bethany and her best friend Alana Blanchard were surfing at Tunnels Beach, Kauai. When Hamilton was lying on her stomach, a 14-foot-long shark attacked and bit her left arm.

Alana’s father used a rash guard as a tourniquet and wrapped it around the stump of her arm. The pro surfer had lost more than 60% and was in hypovolemic shock.

After surgery, Bethany revealed that she didn’t feel much pain from the attack but felt numb while going to the hospital.

Some FAQs

How Old Was Bethany Hamilton When She Lost Her Arm?

Bethany was 13 years old when she lost her arm in a shark attack. The incident happened in 2003.

What Made Nick Choose Bethany Hamilton As His Teacher To Learn Surfing?

Nick chose Bethany Hamilton as his teacher because her story inspired and motivated him. Nick Vujicic was born without arms and legs.

What Kind Of Shark Bit Bethany Hamilton?

The type of shark that bit Bethany Hamilton was a 14-foot-long tiger shark. It attacked her on October 31, 2003.

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