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Bethany Hamilton (left) pictured infuriating folk. Photo: Sharkbanz
Bethany Hamilton (left) pictured infuriating folk. Photo: Sharkbanz

One-armed surf legend Bethany Hamilton flogged in public square for promoting shark deterrent device

"Burn, Bethany, burn!"

It would, and maybe should, be thought that Bethany Hamilton could do no wrong. The Kauai-based professional surfer needs no introduction. Her bravery and poise after losing an arm to a tiger shark at 13-years-old, is the stuff of legend. Hamilton went on to surf and inspire, coming as close to superhero as modern humanity has.

And yet, somehow, she has become a lightning rod. Her stance on sporting transes likely set off a snarling opposition and now, I guess, her partnership with shark deterrent bracelet (or anklet) Sharkbanz.

The mother of four took to Instagram, three days ago, in order to share that, “Sharkbanz are designed to help you overcome your fear of sharks 🦈 and to minimize the risk!

Thus opening the floodgates of rage.

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Commenters denounced her for “capitalizing on fear” following the horrific attack in Florida wherein a young girl lost an arm and a leg. Others slammed her for “those scam bracelets that supposedly give some good vibes in your life.” An underwater photographer sneered that Sharkbanz are “great for a false sense of security,” adding that an underwater photographer friend hand fed sharks while wearing one.

On and on and on it went and my goodness gracious. I understand making light fun of Sharkbanz technology (read here) but tarring and feathering the courageous Bethany Hamilton?

What have we become?

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34 Comments
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channelbottom

“Capitalizing On Fear”
The GOP motto.

tim_nelsen

lithium heart pacer…
took chris to work…
meeting w/ battery bob
with a patent for auto acid battery
recycling…build plant, monetize…
pursued his progress and gathered funds

20 years later…
“Chris. Here’s Bob’s number…need more lithium…

tim_nelsen

heal me asshole~

tim_nelsen

“you kid’s are adreived from coral~

tim_nelsen

donater…spread the message ‘ round…The Ocaean by Chris Dixon

Low wide stinkbug stance

In Colombia if you’re blonde they call you “mono”, which is Spanish for Monkey.

disqus_00d1gIXedO

they called me surfista rubia

PacificNorthPest

Like Monty Python’s Black Knight, if, despite Sharkbanz, a shark takes Bethany’s remaining arm, does she move Sharkbanz to her ankle and get right back out there?

https://uploads.disquscdn.c…

tim_nelsen

cali Div of Forestry is lead. no Redwoods were harmed during this re-run of Gunsmokes

deeks

Chonga – banchong
Chongo – monkey
I know this , I’ve form

Sellme fitzgobbins

I might be missing the point but isn’t it somewhat too late beth?
Bit like having Sasha advertising jock straps

D Gnar

I’m a shark who doesn’t identify as a fish. What am I?

Firelipe Torpedo

Whale shark

Kama'aina

The internet sucks and Bethany doesn’t.

Otto

Nature is cruel. Bethany isn’t.

No Feelings

Come on, Bethany. Shark attacks don’t really happen. Stop scaring people.

ValiantScorn

Point 1: I have a sexual infatuation with Sharks. Sharks are creeped out by me, and keep their distance. Let that be a lesson.
Point 2: Bethany Hamilton can actually make a baby inside of her, because she is a Natural, Biological Woman.
Now, go and yell at the sky.

Barrelled

Interesting use of the word Chongo. Is he calling you a prostitute, a bun, or an asshole? Granted, I’m not a spanglish speaker.

Sellme fitzgobbins

Short for banchong , Derek’s favourites

Mapski

Do they come in rainbow?

Picard Madeoff

I’ll believe the Stones wrote a song about rainbows…and yes they do come in rainbows.

No Feelings

That was Kermit the Frog or Israel Kamakawiwoʻole or somebody. Maybe it was Jordan Peterson.

Picard Madeoff

My man Kermit!

Stick man

For a one-arm stand?

MrC

^^^Good one 😂!!^^^

Stick man

Good one what? One arm?

tim_nelsen

insert kid blowin bubbles~

Firelipe Torpedo

I have one of these. I never use it, my mom bought it for me ages ago. I bet it would work great if you were surfing a beach with a bunch of Stingrays and maybe some small sharks but I bet that thing is gunna be hitting a great whites tonsils before the shark feels anything if it even works at all

Sean Connery

Definitely a money grab because we all know all she needs is her WWJD bracelet to keep her out of harms way.

Com Turren

Unless, like her missing arm, losing another appendage is “part of God’s plan.”

Sean Connery

The big man always works in mysterious ways.

tim_nelsen

my female pipe organ cactus is flowering…my smell is good…”what’s yer name gal?” Goldey..

tim_nelsen

big ladders that may/or not reach the top of the cross

Stick man

Bethany Harmilton


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