Key relationship facts at a glance
Bethany Hamilton married professional surfer Adam Dirks on September 20, 2013. She was 22 years old at the time of their wedding. Hamilton was born on February 8, 1991, and began dating Adam Dirks in 2011 before becoming engaged in early 2013. Below is a concise overview of the verified milestones that frame her age at marriage.
| Attribute | Verified Detail | Source Type |
|---|---|---|
| Birth date | February 8, 1991 | Public biography and news coverage |
| Wedding date | September 20, 2013 | Public announcements and press |
| Age at marriage | 22 years old | Calculated from above dates |
| Husband | Adam Dirks (surfer, pastor) | Public profiles and interviews |
| Marriage location | Hawaii, United States | Reported by multiple outlets |
Bethany Hamilton’s background and public profile
Bethany Hamilton is a professional surfer and author best known for returning to elite-level surfing after a life-changing shark attack in October 2003. At age 13, she lost her left arm but continued competing, eventually winning national titles and earning a place in the sport’s history. Her story was widely covered in documentaries and news, making her a symbol of resilience. Her public profile remains focused on faith, family, and surfing, with marriage and personal life treated as private matters disclosed selectively in interviews.
Relationship timeline leading to marriage
Bethany Hamilton began dating Adam Dirks in 2011, following a period of spiritual and personal growth. In interviews, she has described their connection as rooted in shared faith and mutual respect. The engagement was announced in early 2013, and the wedding followed that year in September. Below is a brief timeline that captures key relationship milestones.
| Date or Period | Event | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| 2011 | Hamilton began dating Adam Dirks | Established the relationship foundation |
| Early 2013 | Engagement | Public commitment leading to marriage |
| September 20, 2013 | Wedding in Hawaii | Confirmed age at marriage: 22 |
Adam Dirks: husband and shared life
Adam Dirks is a professional surfer and pastor who has spoken openly about balancing sport with spiritual work. He and Hamilton met through mutual circles in the surfing community, and their shared Christian faith has been central to their partnership. Together they have emphasized humility, service, and family values in limited interviews and public appearances. Dirks has also supported Hamilton’s athletic endeavors while maintaining his own competitive background in surfing.
Marriage disclosure and public interest
Public curiosity about Bethany Hamilton’s marriage age is common because her earlier life and career were intensely documented. When she chose to marry in 2013, she did so privately and later confirmed the date and details in controlled settings, such as her book and select interviews. Her age at marriage is 22, a detail clarified by subtracting her birth year from the wedding year. This framing helps distinguish confirmed information from speculation.
Children and family updates
Bethany Hamilton and Adam Dirks have children together, and she has spoken openly about motherhood as part of her post-sport identity. As of the latest available public disclosures, they have multiple children, though exact birth dates and names remain largely private. Hamilton’s approach to family life aligns with her stated values, balancing public visibility with protection of her children’s privacy.
Verified facts summary
Bethany Hamilton was 22 years old at the time of her wedding on September 20, 2013. She married Adam Dirks in Hawaii, and the relationship followed a period of dating that began in 2011. All figures cited here are drawn from widely reported biographical timelines and reputable media coverage. Disclosures remain limited, but the core details of age and date are consistently confirmed across sources.