Bethany Hamilton: One arm, one kid, one Wild card!

“As far as the girls wildcards go I think this is one of the best ones that I’ve ever seen,” says Kelly Slater of Bethany Hamilton’s inclusion in the Swatch Women’s Pro Lower Trestles. “I think it would be a real wake up if everyone had to go out here with one arm and try and catch these waves, and she doesn’t have a problem with it. And on top of that she just had a kid three months ago. She is unbelievable.” Bethany Hamilton’s surfing ability is nothing short of remarkable, and the way that she’s learnt to adjust her technique to counteract her disability is a mechanical wonder. Her lack of speed off the takeoff won’t be an issue in the slow moving Trestles walls, and off the top she’s as dynamic as anyone on the girls tour. Look for her to skittle some contenders when competition starts!