Australian Mick Fanning is carried ashore after he won the Men’s Hurley Pro at the Trestles in 2015. (Photo by Sam Gangwer, Orange County Register/SCNG)

Shark attack survivor Bethany Hamilton signs an autograph for Isabella Hagopian during a meet and greet at Jack’s Surfboards in 2016. (Photo by Drew A. Kelley, Contributing Photographer)

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Bethany Hamilton of Hawaii competes in Swatch Women’s Pro at Lower Trestles in San Clemente last year. (Photo by Kyusung Gong, Orange County Register/SCNG)

Bethany Hamilton speaks of God and her faith after her tragic shark attack with Pastor Greg Laurie during the 22nd annual Harvest Crusade at Angel Stadium in Anaheim in 2011. (Photo by Ana P. Gutierrez, Contributing Photographer)

Three-time world champion surfer Mick Fanning was honored as Waterman of the Year at the 27th Annual Waterman’s Ball in Laguna Beach last year. (Photo by Paul Rodriguez, Orange County Register/SCNG)



Australian Mick Fanning celebrates as he rides into shore after winning a heat at the Men’s Hurley Pro at Trestles om 2015. (Photo by Sam Gangwer, Orange County Register, SCNG)

Bethany Hamilton of Hawaii competes in Swatch Women’s Pro at Lower Trestles in San Clemente on Sep. 7, 2016. (Photo by Kyusung Gong, Orange County Register/SCNG)

Two well-known surfers – both of whom have come face-to-face with sharks and lived to tell about it – will be inducted this summer into the Surfers’ Hall of Fame in Huntington Beach, it was announced this week.

Bethany Hamilton, who earned worldwide fame after the movie “Soul Surfer” showcased her near-death experience after a shark bit off her arm, and pro surfer Mick Fanning, whose own shark story made international news after an attack broadcast live during a surf contest, will put their hands and feet in cement during the awards in front of Huntington Surf and Sport in August.

Surfers’ Hall of Fame founder Aaron Pai called the duo the “king and the queen of surfing.”

Though Hamilton lives in Hawaii and Fanning in Australia, both are regular visitors to Orange County. Fanning competes each year at the Hurley Pro contest just south of San Clemente, and last year was awarded the Surf Industry Manufacturing Association Waterman of the Year award in Laguna Beach. Hamilton occasionally competes at the U.S. Open of Surfing, and two years ago her signing event at HSS surf shop generated a line of fans that spanned a block long.

Hamilton was injured in 2003, at age 13, by a 14-foot tiger shark while surfing in Kauai. But that didn’t stop her from getting in the water, nor did it diminish her competitive fire. Despite having to adjust to surfing with one arm, she returned to the sport just one month after the attack and within two years won a national amateur title.

These days, she charges big waves such as Teahupoo, in Tahiti, and competes against the world’s best surfers.

Hamilton, who recently had a son, credits her strong faith for getting her through hard times. She is currently working on a documentary called “Unstoppable,” which showcases her as one of the best women surfers in the world.

“Bethany Hamilton has become a source of inspiration to millions through her story of determination, faith and hope,” said Pai.

Fanning, who earned the nickname “White Lightning,” started on the pro tour at 22 and overcame an injury that ripped his hamstring off his bone, threatening to end his career. In 2007, he became the first Australian in 15 years to take out 11-time world champion Kelly Slater for a world title. He earned world titles again in 2009 and 2013.

Fanning came close to winning another two years ago, but faced challenge after challenge, including a shark that darted at him during the J-Bay Open in South Africa, an encounter broadcast live around the world. He was able to swim and punch his way away from the shark, and walked away unscathed. That same year, during a critical event that would determine whether he would be crowned world champion, his older brother died.

He took last year off from professional surfing to take some time to himself, explore the world and surf uncrowded waves.

“Mick has overcome some major hurdles in his life while working his way to the top of the sport,” said Pai. “Throughout it all, Mick has always shown the heart of a champion and represented surfing in the most positive way.”

The induction ceremony, open to the public, will take place at 9 a.m. Aug. 4 in front of Huntington Surf and Sport near the statue of Duke Kahanamoku, considered the father of modern-day surfing. For more information, visit hsssurf.com/shof.

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