Resilient Surfer Set to Deliver Her Inspirational Message of Perseverance and Resolve
The California Family Council has welcomed surf icon Bethany Hamilton as the guest speaker for their 2025 Annual Evening Gala on October 4 at the Hilton Orange County in Costa Mesa.
The organization’s mission is to advance the biblical principles in public policy to strengthen families and promote religious freedom in the state of California.
Hamilton’s journey as a professional surfer was forged through a harrowing experience when she garnered international fame after surviving a shark attack in 2003 at age 13, where she lost her left arm. Despite the injury, she returned to competitive surfing, winning events like the NSSA National Championships in 2004 and 2005. She’s also an author, motivational speaker, and voice for shark attack survivors, with her story detailed in her 2004 autobiography “Soul Surfer” and the 2011 film of the same name. Hamilton continues to surf professionally.
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She has also been a strong supporter of protecting the integrity of women’s sports even in the face of inclusivity. When the World Surf League (WSL) introduced a policy allowing biological males to compete in the women’s division, she felt compelled to stand up for her belief that men should not compete with women. She has not competed in a WSL event since.
“If I ever have a daughter and I don’t stand up for her and she has the opportunity to compete, I want her to have the opportunity to win a world title without competing against males,” Hamilton said on Allie-Beth Stuckey’s show “Relatable”.
Hamilton continues being an advocate for women’s sports and pro-life values as a brand ambassador for EveryLife and spoke alongside prominent figures at the National March for Life in January 2025. She currently has a podcast called “All Things Possible” where she talks about faith, family, and health.
For more information on how to experience her keynote go here.
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