Watch: Bethany Hamilton at Teahupoo

Stu Nettle (stunet)
Swellnet Dispatch

This past October the first big swell of the 2018 season hit Teahupo’o. When Bethany Hamilton spotted it on the charts a week prior, she immediately booked flights, got her boards ready and flew to Tahiti. She’d been waiting for the chance to get solid Teahupo’o, and she wasn’t about to miss the opportunity.

“A week or so before the swell hit my brother Tim texted me about the forecast, and it looked amazing,” Bethany told us. “I was hoping it was a bit bigger to whip a few but it wasn’t. It was a fun challenge to paddle with some of the guys though! I’m always game to go to beautiful Tahiti! It’s such a beautiful and intimidating wave. For me, positioning and direction of swell is super important for catching waves.

“Over the years I’ve learnt that you’ve got to be willing to try the so-called ‘impossible’ and hold true to who you are and what gets you fired up.”

Video courtesy of Rip Curl

Comments

tangles 65 Friday, 23 Nov 2018 at 10:39 am new

amazing

ringmaster Friday, 23 Nov 2018 at 10:57 am new

Fuck.............makes me feel a bit inadequate.

Craig Friday, 23 Nov 2018 at 10:59 am new

Yeah that's just incredible! Mind boggling.

gcart Friday, 23 Nov 2018 at 11:01 am new

Legend !

goofyfoot Friday, 23 Nov 2018 at 11:22 am new

Unbelievable, what a maniac.

Rabbits68 Friday, 23 Nov 2018 at 11:24 am new

Wow! Awesome! Amazing skill & courage.

Ian Croucher Friday, 23 Nov 2018 at 11:29 am new

Some of those drops though...

Island Bay Friday, 23 Nov 2018 at 11:42 am new

How the hell does she do it? Enough volume to do the dunk/pop no paddle I would have thought, but it looks like she strokes into them.

Well done, you strong woman.

spenda Friday, 23 Nov 2018 at 12:29 pm new

That footage inspires in a way that few surf films can. No excuses!

crg Friday, 23 Nov 2018 at 12:53 pm new

That's as good as it gets.
Especially that last one...late drop, slotted, come out and a little chaka...gold.

redmondo Friday, 23 Nov 2018 at 01:15 pm new

Late drop no paddling specialist. I can't believe my eyes actually. Inspiration. I would give my left leg to do that.... Sorry not funny.

Duesouth Friday, 23 Nov 2018 at 01:52 pm new

Super inspirational, it’s unreal how she gets the paddle speed and pop up, try doing it!

jezza64 Friday, 23 Nov 2018 at 02:44 pm new

Saw her live at 8ft Padang Padang in 2012, out surfed the boys for sure. Can't really see it in this footage,but I noticed that she really kicks her legs hard. Good lesson for everyone.

redmondo Friday, 23 Nov 2018 at 02:44 pm new

Her spirit and faith is the shining light. Thank you Bethany.

Peter Micale Friday, 23 Nov 2018 at 05:49 pm new

Commitment !!!

simba Friday, 23 Nov 2018 at 06:21 pm new

The most inspirational person in surfing without doubt....full legend

dimdim Friday, 23 Nov 2018 at 06:38 pm new

Simba got it right.

mr mick Friday, 23 Nov 2018 at 08:16 pm new

RESPECT!!

Gonesurfing Friday, 23 Nov 2018 at 08:31 pm new

...and she has a young Bub, would have to be sleep deprived...what a champion

stunet Saturday, 24 Nov 2018 at 08:39 am new

Two young bubs!

Billyw Saturday, 24 Nov 2018 at 07:25 am new

Fark that is epic

Blowin Saturday, 24 Nov 2018 at 09:56 am new

I’m not a religious person and I’m quick to jump on the short comings of the various organised religions, but I can’t help but think that at least some of the credit for Bethany’s resilience lies with her faith.

Bnkref Saturday, 24 Nov 2018 at 08:00 pm new

Hats off to Bethany. That’s really something else.

shorebreak Saturday, 24 Nov 2018 at 08:33 pm new

This girl is the Goddess of the waves....."go you good thing" ....wonderful...!....!

ashwitty Saturday, 24 Nov 2018 at 09:28 pm new

Every time you think you can’t - watch this, and know you can. Beth is a ‘once in a lifetime’ special person.

Optimist Sunday, 25 Nov 2018 at 06:18 am new

I had the pleasure of surfing with Bethany and enjoying some good conversation with her. Her love for God, family, people and the sea are the way in which real Christian people behave. Never be put off God by the imposters who use the title for their own gain. She’s one of my favourite humans and inspires me to dig a little deeper whether in the sea or in prayer.

mrkook Sunday, 25 Nov 2018 at 08:22 am new

Absolute legend, never ceases to amaze me just how skilful and determined she is. An incredible human being.

truebluebasher Friday, 13 Mar 2020 at 01:02 am new

All this & more! Beth is going 'round again.
International Women's day
10th March 2020 Beth is in Sydney competing on QS -CS circuit .
2021 WSL Championship Tour is her Goal.
https://www.surfertoday.com/surfing/bethany-hamilton-eyes-2021-wsl-cham…

Sydney Pro Results.
Beth finished in 17th Place with 2,000 points ( An excellent Start in tough comp!)
(Compare to our Team Aust Men #1/2 > 49th (seeded) Place with 400 points)