The Huntington Beach surf community gathered outside Huntington Surf & Sport this morning for the induction of Mick Fanning and Bethany Hamilton into the Surfers’ Hall of Fame.
“We are honored and excited to induct Mick and Bethany into the Surfers’ Hall of Fame,” said Surfers’ Hall of Fame founder Aaron Pai. “They are the King and the Queen of Surfing!”
Bethany Meilani Hamilton-Dirks was born in Lihue, Kauai. At the age of 13, Bethany lost her left arm to a 14-foot tiger shark. One month after the attack, Bethany returned to the water and within two years had won a national amateur title. Bethany went on to become an inspiration to millions of surfers and non-surfers worldwide. Bethany began surfing professionally in 2007 and is involved in numerous charitable efforts, including her own foundation, Friends of Bethany.
Michael Eugene “Mick” Fanning, nicknamed “White Lightning,” was born in Sydney, Australia. Mick finished 5th in the world in his first year on the WCT, earning the ASP Rookie of the Year award. Mick continued to rise through the ranks of the pro tour until he suffered a career-threatening free surfing injury. Mick came back strong in 2007 and became the first Australian to unseat Kelly Slater for a World Title in 15 years. Mick has since won three World Titles.
2016 inductee Blaine “Sumo” Sato, Bob Hurley, Dylan Slater and other surf industry legends had many great stories to say about both Mick and Bethany.
The crowd extended outside of the event onto the sidewalk and up above on the balconies of local businesses. Fans rushed to take photos with Bethany and Mick after the induction.
Check out photos from the induction in the slideshow above.
