Kelly Slater won’t be the only famous surfer mobbed by fans looking for an autograph down at Lower Trestles this week.

Bethany Hamilton, the shark attack survivor whose story was told to the masses in the mainstream 2011 film “Soul Surfer,” will be putting on the jersey this week to compete in the World Surf League Swatch Women’s Pro.

The Hawaiian surfer was given a wildcard entry into the event and will be competing alongside the world’s best surfers just south of San Clemente at San Onofre State Beach when the contest starts. Forecasts are looking promising for the contest starting on the first day of the waiting period Wednesday, with waves expected in the 3-to 6-foot range, though organizers will make an official call each morning.

Hamilton, 25, has been a source of inspiration since losing her arm to a shark in 2003 when she was surfing in Kauai’s North Shore when she was 13 years old. The determined surfer got back in the water and continued to compete, though more recently she’s known for her free surfing and charging big waves.

She gave birth to son Tobias three months ago and spoke with the Register about getting back into competitive mode, motherhood and going up against local favorite Courtney Conlogue, who is currently ranked No. 1 in the world.

Q. How does it feel to get back into competition?

A. I’m so excited I got offered the wild card. It took me a little time to take it in. I’m really excited to be competing with all the girls. I grew up competing with all the World Tour girls and have had a couple of wild cards in the past. There’s something about taking a break from surfing. The last months of pregnancy and the time after I gave birth was the longest break I’ve ever had from surfing. Coming back, I feel really fresh and motivated and am having a blast with it.

Q. What is your history surfing Lowers?

A. I grew up competing at Lowers as an amateur. I won the National Scholastic Surfing Association Explorer Women’s division at Nationals there when I was 15. I have fond memories. Ever since then, if I’m in town, I’d bounce down there and surf. I like the wave and I’m looking forward to surfing with no one out. It sounds like heaven.

Q. How do you feel about going up against local favorite Courtney Conlogue, who is ranked number one in the world?

A. I’m excited to be competing against Courtney, and I’m a big fan of Silvana (Lima). It’s going to be a good heat. I think whoever gets the right wave will win. Just keeping positive vibes and pay attention to what the waves are doing. I’m so ecstatic. I feel really good about my surfing right now. Of course, I respect their ability and talent. I feel like I’m a great match up for them. I think it’s going to make for an exciting heat.

Q. How do you hope to be a role model to your newborn son?

A. I already dream about surfing with my son. I hope he loves surfing like I did. I think it will be fun to do family surf trips when he’s older, to share the same passion. I really want to teach him a lot about the ocean, how to be safe and respectful of people in the water. And to have a blast with this sport. I just want him to have the same fun as I do, and be a role model for him if he wants to go pro. He’s going to come cheer me on. Growing up, I had a lot of friends who had pushy parents. Fortunately, I had supportive parents, but not pushy. I admire that. I want to have the same mindset raising our kid.

Contact the writer: lconnelly@ocregister.com