Surfing Laguna: ‘Soul Surfer’ hits the big screen

This past week I had the opportunity to attend a pre-screening of a very inspiring movie called “Soul Surfer.”

The story is based on the life of Bethany Hamilton, a gifted young surfer who suffered a shark attack while surfing her local break on the island of Kauai in Hawaii.

Despite losing her arm in the attack, she was back surfing within weeks and has become an inspiration for people worldwide who face challenges big and small in life.

I’m beyond stoked that Bethany has been a guest speaker at several of our surf camps. The kids get to surf with Bethany — who just made the women’s elite world tour and is a real threat to be world champ!

But more than surf, they get to hear firsthand from her. She shares how her faith in God has helped her get through a time in her life that made absolutely no sense.

The message resonates with teenagers and adults alike.

“Soul Surfer” is a full blast tearjerker, packed with some of Hollywood’s best actors: Helen Hunt, Dennis Quaid, Carrie Underwood, etc.

The release date is April 8.

CHRIS WILLIAMS can be reached at soulsurfingschool.com.