Bethany Hamilton is perhaps mainstream society’s best-known female surfer ever, having lost her arm to a shark and gained global fame for her amazing resilience. She’s had a Hollywood film (Soul Surfer) made about her, been profiled in nearly every major magazine, shares her faith around the world, and wrote a book about diet and fitness. Now she’s surfing thirty-foot Jaws, with the grace and dedication that I think comes from her mom and dad.
A Word About Smoothies
A properly made smoothie provides three things any wave lover wants: power, energy, and health. One way to get your veggies is to add them to your smoothie: Throw in spinach, kale, even chopped zucchini or beets. A smoothie made only of orange juice, a few strawberries, and a banana might be tasty, but that’s mostly carbohydrates. To make a more complete meal, consider what Laird Hamilton does: add a little protein powder or have a handful of nuts on the side. Also consider including items that are not edible by themselves: turmeric, cinnamon, or a little cocoa powder. Kelly Slater often adds almond milk to the mix. Big-wave legend Ian Walsh adds a superfood botanical supplement. And of course there are countless fruits to consider: watermelon, raspberries, pineapple, mango, tangelos, papaya, pomegranates, grapefruit, apples, cranberries, kiwi, and more.
My favorite smoothie addition is a heaping tablespoon of toasted flax seeds. You can get them at Trader Joe’s or almost any health food store. They add a nutty flavor, fiber, and essential nutrients, along with a little crunch and texture.
BETHANY’S PAPAYA NUT SMOOTHIE
Here’s one of Bethany’s favorite smoothies. She says, “This is not my go-to smoothie but a delicious once-in-a-while treat.”
1 fresh papaya
1 frozen banana
1 heaping spoonful peanut butter (or any nut butter)
½ cup canned coconut milk
½ cup almond milk
Ice cubes (optional, if you want it colder)
½ thumb* turmeric root (or ½ teaspoon powder)
½ thumb* ginger root (or ½ teaspoon powder)
* using your own thumb for the measurement
Place all the ingredients in a blender and blend on high speed until smooth.
BETHANY’S AÇAÍ SMOOTHIE
2 packages Sambazon açaí purée
5 ounces Sambazon açaí berry juice
1 small banana
½ cup cut-up fresh pineapple
1 cup organic coconut water, plus more if needed
⅓ cup blueberries
1 tablespoon peanut butter
½ cup coconut flakes (optional)
Place açaí purée, açaí juice, banana, pineapple, coconut water, blueberries, and peanut butter in blender and blend on high speed until smooth. Add more coconut water if necessary, but keep it rather thick. Pour into tall glasses and garnish with coconut flakes if you have some.
You try making a one-handed pop-up at the top of this little roller. Bethany Hamilton at Jaws, at Pe’ahi on Maui.