Bethany Hamilton
Professional surfer and shark attack survivor
Bethany Hamilton
Biography
Known as one of the most powerful comeback stories of our time, Bethany Hamilton has become synonymous with resilience, faith, and purpose. Her story of determination and hope has inspired millions around the world.
At just 13 years old, as a rising surf star, Bethany lost her left arm in a shark attack that threatened to end her surfing career. Remarkably, she returned to the water just one month later—and within two years, she won her first national surfing title. At 17, Bethany achieved her lifelong dream of becoming a professional surfer, and she continues to compete and pursue her passion for surfing today.
Bethany’s foundation of faith has been her backbone and source of strength through every season of life. Beyond surfing, she is a bestselling author, speaker, and host of the All Things Possible podcast, where she shares real conversations about faith, perseverance, and living boldly through life’s challenges.
She is also deeply committed to serving others through her nonprofit, Beautifully Flawed, which supports amputees and individuals facing physical challenges, and through hosting surf experiences that empower people to overcome fear and rediscover what’s possible.
Today, Bethany is a wife and mother of four, and she continues to inspire audiences worldwide—on land and in the water—by living out her belief that with faith, courage, and perseverance, all things truly are possible.
Bethany Hamilton
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Frequently Asked Questions
Quick answers to some of the most common questions about booking Bethany Hamilton for your event.
How do I book Bethany Hamilton for my event?
Booking Bethany Hamilton with Premiere Speakers Bureau is a streamlined 4-step process:
- Availability Check: Contact us with your event date and budget to verify if your desired speaker is available.
- Hold Date: We place a temporary "hold" on the speaker's calendar while you finalize internal approval.
- Contracting: We issue a contract outlining the fee, cancellation policy, and event expectations.
- Logistics: Once signed, our event management team handles all travel booking, itinerary, and AV requirements.
Why should I partner with Premiere Speakers Bureau rather than contacting speakers directly?
Partnering with Premiere Speakers Bureau provides a comprehensive safety net for your event that direct booking cannot match. You get the same speaker for the same price, but with a dedicated team with over 30 years of event experience handling contracts, logistics, and are prepared for any emergency. We know what it takes to run an excellent event.
What makes Premiere Speakers Bureau unique compared to other agencies?
Premiere Speakers Bureau distinguishes itself by having over 30 years of experience while partnering with more than 35,000 events. PSB has also built a streamlined, fully online process that makes booking a speaker, handling travel and payments extremely easy for anyone looking to plan a speaker led event.
How does Premiere Speakers Bureau's 'Zero Cost Service' model work?
Premiere Speakers Bureau operates on a 'Zero Cost Service' model for event planners. Our services—including research, booking, and logistics—are always free to the client. The speaker covers our commission from their standard honorarium as payment for our role in marketing and managing their engagements.
How are speaker fees structured, and what is typically included?
A speaker's fee typically covers the keynote presentation, a pre-event planning call, and standard customization. Travel expenses are usually billed separately.
What are the standard policies for speaker travel and expenses?
Travel expenses are negotiated during contracting. We generally recommend a flat travel fee for simplicity, though we also offer line-by-line invoicing when preferred. PSB ensures these expenses adhere to professional standards, and our Event Portal allows for easy tracking and invoicing.