Surfer Bethany Hamilton has wowed fans by demonstrating a ‘simple’ one-arm ‘hack’ for tying up her hair. The professional surfer, renowned for her resilience after losing her left arm in a shark attack at the age of 13, shared a video on Instagram showcasing her hair-tying skills.
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In the video posted on August 27, Bethany Hamilton revealed her technique for effortlessly putting her blonde hair into a knot with just one arm. Clad in a red and white floral-print swimsuit, she gracefully gathered her hair with her right hand, twisted it into a secure topknot, and left a few loose strands for a relaxed look. The surfer also added a straw sun visor as a stylish accessory to complete her beach-ready look.
Responding to a fan’s query about how she manages to style her hair with one arm, Hamilton shared her ‘hack’ in the caption, stating, “my hack is I have to start upside down but other than that, it’s quite simple! 😉” She went on to highlight the creativity of many one-handed women with different hair types who have devised clever ways to style their hair beautifully.
Hamilton’s journey to mastering her hair routine is intertwined with her remarkable story of resilience and determination. Losing her left arm in a devastating shark attack in 2003 while surfing in Kauai, Hawaii, did not deter her spirit. Just 26 days after the traumatic incident, she bravely returned to the water and eventually went on to claim her first national surf title two years later, at the age of 15. By 17, she had entered professional surfing competitions, carving a path of inspiration and courage.
Despite Hamilton’s remarkable achievements and unwavering strength, her fear of sharks remained a persistent challenge. In a candid interview with PEOPLE in 2022, she shared her ongoing struggle with fear, even as she ventured back into the ocean. Her approach involved surfing closer to the shore, choosing crowded spots, and focusing on catching waves as coping mechanisms to overcome her deep-rooted fear.
Hamilton’s resilience and positive outlook have extended beyond her personal journey to inspire others. She authored the book ‘Surfing Past Fear,’ aimed at helping children confront and navigate their fears, particularly those related to the unknown depths of the ocean. Alongside her husband Adam Dirks, Hamilton is a mother to four children – sons Tobias, Wesley, and Micah, and daughter Alaya – embodying strength, courage, and grace in her roles as a surfer, author, and mother.
The surfer’s ability to tie up her hair with finesse using just one arm serves as a powerful symbol of her adaptability, creativity, and unwavering spirit. Bethany Hamilton’s story continues to resonate with audiences worldwide, showcasing the indomitable human spirit in overcoming challenges, embracing vulnerability, and finding beauty in resilience. As she navigates the waves of life and surf, Hamilton’s inspiring journey stands as a testament to courage, determination, and the limitless possibilities of the human spirit.