GENERAL QUESTIONS / ABOUT ME
For similar questions about my life, please visit ABOUT ME.
Could you personally contact me?? Honestly, probably not. I don’t spend too much time on the computer or the phone. The best way for you to hear from me is to be on my mailing list and receive my monthly e-newsletters “The Coconut Wire.” I write a note for each one, and include photos and sometimes videos. You can sign up Here.
What is your Birthday? February 8, 1990.
Lefty or Righty? Righty
Shoe size? 8-1/2
When did you start surfing? 4 yrs. old.
For more info on the sequence of events in my life, please refer to the Timeline page.
Who’s your Inspiration? Who is your hero? Jesus Christ
No greater love has anyone than this, that he lay down his life for his friend.
Tell me about your family: 2 older brothers – Noah & Timmy; Mom- Cheri; Dad- Tom; Dogs- Hanalei (but I call her “Hana”) and Fu Min (we call her “Fui”, both are Shar-pei’s). Sister-in-law- Becky (married to Noah), Niece- Nanea (born 2011, Noah & Becky’s daughter). Deceased dog- Ginger.
What do you like to do besides surfing? Go on adventures with friends or do something active (like play soccer, tennis, hike, bike, roller-blade, swim, stretch, work out…). Sometimes I like to just rest (necessary when you do lots of physical activity). And I love food – so I enjoy preparing and eating a healthy meal/snack!
Something most people don’t know about me is… I have written several poems and a few songs. Mostly just for my amusement, not necessarily to be used for anything.
A perfect day for you would be… clear, warm weather & water; surfing perfect waves all day with friends and family.
SHARK ATTACK / RECOVERY / RETURN TO SURFING
I don’t like to talk about the shark attack and all that – that’s why we recorded it all in my book Soul Surfer!
What inspired/motivated you to get back on the board? I think my motivation came from my passion for the sport, for the ocean, and from the hope that my lifestyle would not have to dramatically change.
Were you scared of getting back into the water? I was more scared that I wouldn’t be able to surf again causing my life to turn upside down.
Were you worried that you were not going to be able to surf again? Yes, I did have concerns, as did my family and friends. We had never heard of anyone surfing with one arm, so we didn’t know if it was possible.
Did it hurt when the shark bit you? It did not necessarily hurt when the shark bit me; I just felt pressure.
PRODUCTS / MOVIES / BOOKS
When is your movie coming out?
Soul Surfer will release in theatres on April 8, 2011 and you can stay up to date on all that’s going on at SoulSurferTheMovie.com!
Your story has gone Hollywood! What was it like seeing your life story displayed in the movie Soul Surfer?
Seeing my life as a Hollywood movie is insanely cool and a little weird at the same time! I’m happy with how Soul Surfer turned out, and with AnnaSophia Robb’s portrayal of me. The best thing is seeing that it’s really helping a lot of people all over the world!
Do any stores still carry your “Stoked” perfume, shampoo, conditioner, chap stick, etc.? Some stores carry the products, but the easiest way to find out if a store near you carries them is to contact Revelations Perfume & Cosmetics. You can also order online at: www.revelationsperfume.com
LIFE AS AN AMPUTEE
Does your arm hurt? In recovery, it did hurt a bit. But ‘Stumpy’ doesn’t hurt anymore!
Do you feel phantom pain? I did experience a bit of phantom sensation (where it feels like your arm/hand is still there), but not really pain. It happens somewhat regularly, but I’m pretty used to it now.
Do you wear prosthesis? No, I don’t. Hangar Prosthetics made me a great prosthetic arm, but since the remainder of my arm was so short, it was purely cosmetic (meaning it had no functionality). It basically just hung there. Worked great for being inconspicuous in public under a t-shirt or sweatshirt, but I became so comfortable with my ‘new’ body, that I never used it much. Now I’m so used to life with only one arm, and I don’t feel like I need another!
ADVICE
What’s the best advice you’ve ever received? Love the lord your God with all your heart, soul and mind, and love others like He loves you!
What advice would you give to a kid? Do your best in life, find the good in bad situations, be kind to others, and try not to be too cool (hahaha)!
Your Motto / Quote? Love Life!
THE FUTURE
What are your future goals? I want to continue to live for God and better my surfing. But, really, I’m just taking it one day at a time.
HEALTH & FITNESS
Your question might be answered by visiting the Health & Fitness section.
What’s your favorite food? Veggies! I try to eat 70% vegetables for every meal. They are so delicious and beneficial to good health.
What’s your favorite treat/dessert? A Sambazon Acai smoothie!
As I saw the video of “Day In The Life” from your DVD you made such a cool smoothie!!! It looked so delicious and I really would like to know what the smoothie is made of. View that recipe HERE. For others, please see the Health & Fitness section.
Why do you have a recipe in your newsletter?
I have a recipe in the newsletter because I LOVE food and cooking, and I like to encourage people to eat healthy by giving them tips and recipe ideas 
See Health & Fitness tips.
