PublicSquare sponsors surfer Bethany Hamilton after she gets canceled for standing up for women’s sports

PublicSquare has launched a partnership with pro surfer Bethany Hamilton. The surfer, whose life was changed forever after surviving a shark attack but losing an arm at 13 years old, recently left a 24-year partnership with surf brand Rip Curl. The brand advocates for the inclusion of men in women's surfing. PublicSquare does not.

"Beyond stoked to announce our partnership with Bethany Hamilton!" PublicSquare said. "Family and freedom are very important. Having the ability to shop with businesses who understand your values has been increasingly important over the last few years. Keep your eye out for all the incredible things we’ll be doing going forward!"

Hamilton left Rip Curl in the middle of a 5-year contract with the brand. One year into their deal, in February 2023, she shared a post explaining why she took issue with the World Surf League's policy on including males who say they are women in women's competition. 

The policy read: "As an Olympic Sport, and with aspirations for all of the WSL’s disciplines to be included in the Olympics, the WSL had adopted the International Surfing Association (ISA) policy on transgender participation."

Hamilton said she'd boycott the World Surf League as a result. She said "this concerns me as a professional athlete that has been competing in the World Surf League events for the past 15+ years, and I feel that I must speak up and stand up for those in a position that may feel they cannot say something about this." She believes that "many of the girls currently on tour are not in support with this new rule and they fear being ostracized if they speak up."

"Is it as simple as this? Who is pushing for this huge change? Does this better the sport of surfing? Is this better for the women in surfing? If so, how? How did whoever decided these hormone rules come to the conclusion that 12 months of testing testosterone make it a fair and legal switch?" Hamilton asked.

"I personally think that the best solution would be to create a different division so that all can have a fair opportunity to showcase their passion and talent," she continued.

"And I think it’s really hard to imagine what the future of women’s surfing will be like in 15 to 20 years down the road if we move forward, allowing this major change, but we are seeing glimpses of male-bodied dominance in women's sports like running, swimming, and others."

By 2024, Rip Curl had trans-identified male Sasha Jane Lowerson to promote women's surfing.

Other women athletes came to Hamilton's defense. "You mean to tell me @ripcurl dropped Bethany Hamilton for opposing men surfing in the women's league then picked up male surfer who surfs in the women's league as a women's ambassador? Crazzzzyyy" former University of Kentucky swimmer Riley Gaines said.

Skateboarder Taylor Silverman said, "According to @ripcurl this man is a 'waterwoman'…reality is he’s just a mentally ill man making a complete mockery of actual women."

PublicSquare has emerged as a marketplace force in the fast-growing parallel economy. "PublicSquare is the largest directory of freedom-loving businesses in America! It is a digital marketplace designed to connect you to values-aligned businesses." The app allows users to shop with companies that back their values.