Overview

Bethany Meilani Hamilton, born on February 8, 1990, is an American professional surfer, author, and motivational speaker. She was born and raised in Lihue, Hawaii, and began surfing at a young age with her family. By the age of 8, she was already competing. At age 13, she faced a life-altering shark attack in 2003, during which she lost her left arm. Despite this traumatic experience, Bethany remarkably returned to surfing just a month later, showcasing incredible courage and determination. She went on to win a national surfing title in 2005 and has since become a professional surfer, competing in numerous World Surf League (WSL) events. Bethany’s story has inspired millions worldwide. She has written several books, including her autobiography ‘Soul Surfer: A True Story of Faith, Family, and Fighting to Get Back on the Board,’ which was adapted into a film in 2011. She has also been involved in various charitable efforts through her foundation, Friends of Bethany, supporting amputees and youth. Beyond surfing, Bethany is a public speaker, sharing her experiences and inspiring others to overcome challenges. She is married to Adam Dirks and has three sons and a daughter.
What Is Bethany Hamilton’s Net Worth?

What Is Bethany Hamilton’s Net Worth?

Bethany Hamilton, the American professional surfer and author, has accumulated a net worth of $2 million. This estimation reflects her earnings from a multifaceted career that encompasses professional surfing, writing, public speaking, and various media appearances.

Sources of Bethany Hamilton’s $2 Million Net Worth

Hamilton’s income streams are diverse, originating from her accomplishments in surfing competitions, her literary works, endorsements, and media engagements. While specific figures for each income source are not publicly detailed, a breakdown can be inferred from her career trajectory.

Surfing Career: Bethany Hamilton’s surfing career is a significant contributor to her net worth. Even prior to the shark attack in 2003, she had already secured a sponsorship by age 10 and achieved competitive success, such as placing 2nd at the National Scholastic Surfing Competition in the Women’s Division when she was 12. Her victory at the same competition in 2005, coupled with her participation in other surfing events over the years, has undoubtedly generated income through winnings and sponsorships. She boycotted World Surf League events in early 2023 due to the decision to allow transgender women to compete with other females, this decision may have influenced her revenue from Surfing Career.

Author and Speaker: Her autobiography, “Soul Surfer: A True Story of Faith, Family, and Fighting to Get Back on the Board,” published in 2004, became a bestseller and was adapted into a film in 2011. Hamilton did all the stunt work for the film “Soul Surfer,” generating income. This book, along with her other publications, including “Devotions for the Soul Surfer” (2006), “Rise Above: A 90-day Devotional” (2007), “Ask Bethany: FAQs: Surfing, Faith, and Friends” (2007), “Body and Soul: A Girl’s Guide to a Fit, Fun, and Fabulous Life” (2014), “Ask Bethany: Bethany Answers Over 200 Questions from Girls Like You” (2014), “Be Unstoppable: The Art of Never Giving Up” (2018), “Unstoppable Me” (2018), and “Surfing Past Fear” (2022), have contributed to her income through royalties and sales. Her speaking engagements, where she shares her story and faith, also generate revenue.

Media Appearances: Beyond her books, Hamilton has made numerous media appearances that have boosted her net worth. She has been featured on shows such as “20/20,” “Good Morning America,” “The Today Show,” and “The Ellen DeGeneres Show.” In 2014, she and her husband competed in “The Amazing Race,” finishing third. She also appeared on “Are You Smarter Than a Fifth Grader?” and reality shows like “Extreme Makeover: Home Edition” and “19 Kids and Counting.” She played herself in “Dolphin Tale 2” (2014) and was the subject of the documentary “Bethany Hamilton: Unstoppable” (2018).

Bethany Hamilton’s Career Milestones and Financial Highlights

Early Career and Sponsorship: Bethany Hamilton began surfing at the age of 3 and started surfing competitively at 8. By 10, she had already gained her first sponsorship.

Shark Attack and Recovery (2003): In October 2003, at 13, Hamilton was attacked by a 14-foot tiger shark, resulting in the loss of her left arm just below the shoulder. Despite this, she returned to surfing within a month.

Return to Surfing and Competitive Success (2004-2005): Bethany Hamilton began using a custom board after losing her arm, and in early 2004, Hamilton entered her first major surfing competition, the NSSA National Competition, and came in first place. Hamilton came in first again at the competition in 2005.

“Soul Surfer” Book and Film (2004, 2011): Her autobiography, “Soul Surfer: A True Story of Faith, Family, and Fighting to Get Back on the Board,” was published in 2004, detailing her shark attack, recovery, and media attention. The book was adapted into a 2011 film of the same name, starring AnnaSophia Robb as Bethany. Bethany Hamilton also did all the stunt work for the film.

Media Appearances and Partnerships: Hamilton competed in the 25th season of “The Amazing Race” in 2014, finishing third with her husband. She has also appeared on other TV shows like “Extreme Makeover: Home Edition” and “Dolphin Tale 2.”

Philanthropic Efforts and Friends of Bethany Foundation

Bethany Hamilton founded Friends of Bethany, a Christian organization that supports youth and amputees. The organization offers four outreach programs: Beautifully Flawed (a retreat for women with limb loss), Shine Forth (an inspirational storytelling event), Anchored in Love (a conference for young women), and The Forge (a retreat program for young male amputees). These efforts do not directly contribute to her net worth but reflect her values and dedication to giving back.

Bethany Hamilton’s Personal Life

Bethany Hamilton met youth minister Adam Dirks in early 2012 and married him on August 18, 2013. The couple has three sons: Tobias (born June 1, 2015), Wesley (born March 27, 2018), and Micah (born February 14, 2021). In March 2023, they announced they were expecting their fourth child. Her family life and commitments likely influence her career decisions and financial planning.

Real Estate Assets

Specific details regarding Bethany Hamilton’s real estate assets are not publicly available. However, it’s common for individuals with a similar net worth and career profile to invest in residential properties. Given that she and her family reside in Hawaii, it is possible that she owns property there.

Automobile Collection

Information regarding Bethany Hamilton’s automobile collection is not publicly accessible. As with real estate, it is likely that she owns vehicles suitable for her lifestyle and family needs. More details about her automobile collection cannot be confirmed through public sources.

Bethany Hamilton’s Early life experiences

Bethany Meilani Hamilton was born on February 8, 1990, in Lihue, Hawaii. She is the daughter of Cheri and Tom Hamilton, and she has two brothers, Timothy and Noah. She was just 3 years old when she learned how to surf, and she started surfing competitively when she was 8. By the age of 10, Hamilton had earned her first sponsorship. Bethany’s mother homeschooled her during her middle school and high school years, and Hamilton’s father worked as a waiter at a local café.

In October 2003, 13-year-old Bethany was surfing at Tunnels Beach, Kauai, with her best friend, Alana Blanchard, and Alana’s brother and father. While Hamilton was lying on her stomach on her surfboard, talking to Blanchard, she was attacked by a tiger shark measuring more than 14 feet long. The shark bit off Bethany’s left arm just below her shoulder, and after the Blanchards helped get her back to shore, Alana’s father used a rash guard as a tourniquet, wrapping it around the stump of Hamilton’s arm. By the time Bethany arrived at Wilcox Memorial Hospital, she was in hypovolemic shock and had lost more than 60% of her blood. Hamilton’s father was already at the hospital because he was scheduled to undergo knee surgery, but he gave up his place in the operating room for Bethany.

When news of Bethany’s attack broke, a family of fisherman showed authorities a photo of a 14-foot-long tiger shark they had caught approximately a mile away from where Hamilton was attacked. The fisherman had killed the shark, and they reported that it had pieces of a surfboard in its mouth. After comparing the measurements of the shark’s mouth with the measurements of Bethany’s broken surfboard, the police concluded that it was the shark that had attacked her.

© 2025 Net Worth Ranker / All Rights Reserved