All of these titles are in reference to professional surfer, Alana Blanchard. Alana has been Bethany Hamilton's best friend since they were 7 years old. They began surfing together in Hanalei where they live. At the time, they were two of the only girls their age and in their school that surfed. Eventually they both got home schooled so they could catch waves at prime surf hours. Both girls had been competing in contests since they were 8.
At age 13, Alana and Bethany shared a life changing experience. Bethany accompanied Alana's family on a surf excursion to Tunnels. The waves were inconsistent that day so while they relaxed on their boards it came as a total shock when Alana witnessed a tiger shark take her best friends arm.
About a 20 minute paddle from the beach, they rushed in as fast as they could. Alana's brother went ahead to call 911, her father used a rash guard to tie off Bethany's arm. No one knew where the shark was or if it would come after them again during the paddle back. Alana and her father had to keep Bethany awake and on her board and pushed her into the waves.
Once they got to shore Alana helped her father use a surf leash as a tourniquet for what was left of her best friend's arm. Alana has said in past interviews that she was completely devastated and thought for sure she had lost her surf buddy. Even if she lived she never thought Bethany would surf again.
Emotionally scarred, Alana endured sleepless nights, multiple nightmares when she could sleep, and endless amounts of tears. Her first time back in the water was with her father and she said she saw a few dolphins and thought they were sharks.
Alana pushed Bethany and Bethany pushed Alana. Three weeks after the attack Alana headed out into the water with Bethany on her first surf back. Both Alana and Bethany surf for the same Rip Curl team as well as both being sponsored by Sticky Bumps. Alana is on the ASP World Tour and currently ranked 15th best surfer in the world in the women's division.
They are still best friends to this day and they know they will always have each other. Alana is grateful that not only did her best friend survive the attack, but she still has her surf buddy also. Bethany is grateful that Alana was there to help save her life.
Alana surfing today
No comments:
Post a Comment