| JettyGirl:
While faltering economies, political turmoil and
energy issues dominated most of the headlines
during the past year, much of 2008's good news
slipped through the cracks. What's the best thing
that happened to you in 2008 and what are you
most hopeful for in 2009?
Bethany Hamilton:
Not sure what the best thing was in 2008...I did
good at a few of the WQS events, Sambazon Acai
and Ocean Minded both started sponsoring me -
which was great, and I went to Bali and Tahiti
for the first time! For 2009, I'm hoping to do
well on the WQS and qualify for the CT.
JG: Tell us about the first
time you ever stood up on a surfboard. Where was
it and what were you riding?
BH: I was little
so I don't really remember. My parents had me
surfing with them when I could barely walk so
it was probably Mom or Dad's longboard, or one
of my brother's boards. I got my first custom
surfboard when I was about 9 years old; it was
about 5'10".
JG: What is your current
favorite board? In 2009 do you have any plans
to experiment with different surfboard designs,
materials or fin configurations?
BH: I've been enjoying
the "K Small" Diamond Tail by Channel
Islands. It's 6'0" x 19 x 2 1/4. I'm always
experimenting!
JG: Do you have any heroes?
If so, who and why?
BH: David (from the
Bible). In his youth he trusted in God and when
everyone else doubted, he was courageous enough
to challenge and defeat Goliath (a very large,
strong, enemy warrior) and save the entire nation
of Israel from fear and potential slavery. (Read
it in 1 Samuel 17). His story shows me that no
matter how young you are, you can make a difference
when you are confident in God and take a stand
for what is right. In God's strength, no problem
is too big!
JG: In 2009 we'll see the
best single maneuver ever done by a female surfer.
Who do you think will pull the move and what do
you think it will be?
BH: Hmmm...probably
Carissa or Silvana. Silvana is always boosting,
and I've heard that Carissa is working on a special
maneuver.
For those of you who like to
jump around instead of going one by one, here's
the complete list of surfers...
Image
Caption: One of the most inspirational surfers
in the world today is Hawaii's Bethany Hamilton.
Watching her surf in person, seeing her in video,
looking at the lofty frontside air photo above,
reading about her unshakeable faith in times of
trial, she is a perfect example of a person who
has met life's challenges head-on. With a 2nd
place finish in the Billabong World Juniors a
few weeks ago, 2009 looks to be another amazing
chapter of this young surfer's life. Photo: Noah
Hamilton / noahhamiltonphoto.com
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