Paul De Gelder, a shark attack victim and double amputee (arm & leg), from Australia was attacked in 2009 during a routine Navy diving exercise.
Click to see Paul's video and hear his story
Bethany and her dad, Tom, met up with Paul in Manly, Australia earlier this year. Tom & Bethany were able to catch up with Paul on his way to the Wounded Warrior Games, while she was there for a pro surf competition in Manly. He has written a book “No Time for Fear,” which Tom says he read in four days. Bethany mentioned she enjoyed it too (though she skipped the details & photos of his attack). Tom says Paul is a “very fit guy” has an “extremely confident attitude, and is fun to be around.”
Paul returned to the water to surf in 2010. ”I love being in the water. I wasn’t going to let the shark attack keep me out of the water,” said Mr De Gelder, who recently returned from New York where he and other shark attack victims lobbied the United Nations to curtail fishing practices that threaten sharks with extinction.
He’s now back to work as a Navy diver & instructor and has become a top motivational speaker and mentor to schoolkids across Australia.
Megan - I lost my foot and half of my right arm, surfing in Hawaii.
Your story really connects to my life.
Victoria Moretz - I absolutely admire Bethany Hamilton. Because she kept surfing even after the shark attack. God bless you, Bethany!
Jackie - Hello,
I just want to praise God for all the beautiful things he has done in Bethany’s life. My friend recently lost her arm in a car accident and I want to help her. I have tried to share Gods love with her but she is still very angry at him.
I am wondering if you have any information that could be helpful to my friend?
God bless you!
Benji - I lost my rigt arm right below the elbow in a shark attack and I am a dancer but I still dance you an my dance instructor are my heros I love ❤ you Bethany God bless you
Hannah Cunningham - Aloha Bethany,
You have inspired me to be more of the christian girl that i should be. Your book Soul Surfer Devotions has given me hope and courage.
Your fan and sister,
Hannah Elizabeth Cunningham
Hannah - Aloha Bethany,
You have inspired me to be more of the christian girl that i should be. Your book Soul Surfer Devotions has given me hope and courage.
Your fan and sister through Christ,
Hannah Cunningham