Surfing: Shark attack victim was always 'getting back on my board'

Shark attack victim Bethany Hamilton was always destined to get back on her board.

The professional surfer lost her left arm from the shoulder down when she was mauled by a tiger shark along Tunnels Beach in Hawaii. She was just 13 years old.

Now 26, the new mother is turning heads on the World Surf League professional circuit, inspiring fans around the world with her unparalleled attitude and boundless talent.

Visiting the Today team, Hamilton shared her experiences of hardship but, more importantly, overcoming the adversity of the terrifying incident.

“My whole world was upside down,” she recalled of the attack.

“But when you’re so passionate about something you’re naturally drawn back to it.

“You fall off the horse you get back on, so for me it was just getting back on my board”.

Hamilton shortly after being attacked by a tiger shark. (AAP) 

After teaching herself to surf without the use of a left arm, a feat documented in the highly acclaimed feature film based on Hamilton’s upbringing, ‘Soul Surfer’, the Hawaiian found herself again – reaching out to others through her faith and charity.

Hamilton was then invited as a wild card to compete at this year’s Fiji Women’s Pro where she amazingly knocked out soon-to-be Australian world champion Tyler Wright and Stephanie Gilmore.

Hamilton would eventually claim third spot after being knocked out in the semi-finals.

Amid re-joining the World Tour, mothering a baby boy and sharing her experiences with the world, Hamilton is now embarking on her latest venture, producing her documentary ‘Surfs Like a Girl’ – a work that delves into the more harrowing times of her life.

‘Surfs Like a Girl’ is released early 2017.