Surfing Stars Bethany Hamilton and Alana Blanchard Face Fear Factor—and a Lucrative Payday
Influencer marketing has reached new depths—or, in this case, a writhing mass of venomous centipedes—as Bethany Hamilton and Alana Blanchard, two of the world’s most recognizable surfers, partnered with Fox to promote the revival of Fear Factor. The pair, boasting a combined 4.1 million Instagram followers, are demonstrating the immense earning potential for athletes who’ve successfully cultivated a strong social media presence.
The rise of Hamilton and Blanchard as digital influencers underscores a shift in the landscape of professional surfing. While current world champion Molly Picklum maintains a respectable 109,000 followers, her reach pales in comparison to the surfing icons, highlighting how social media fame now equates to prominence in the sport.
The promotional stunt involved enduring the bite of scolopendra subspinipes, a Vietnamese centipede that can grow up to eight inches long and delivers a severely painful venom. The creatures, found across Asia, Australia, and South America, proved too much for the pair, who, unsurprisingly, didn’t last long with the creepy crawlies attached to their bodies.
This isn’t the first time Hamilton and Blanchard’s story has captivated the public. Their bond dates back to childhoods spent surfing on Kauai, a connection tragically tested on Halloween 2003 when a 14-foot tiger shark attacked Hamilton, resulting in the loss of her left arm. The harrowing incident propelled both into the spotlight, but they’ve since navigated distinct paths, both leveraging social media for exposure.
One influencer’s content centers on “faith-based mommy vlogging,” while the other showcases a lifestyle featuring swimwear and surfing. The contrast in content strategies demonstrates the diverse avenues for monetization available to influencers.
The financial rewards are substantial. According to one source in a 2024 interview with SURFER magazine, a single sponsored post can earn an influencer between $30,000 and $50,000. “It’s kind of hard to say,” the source admitted, hinting at the lucrative nature of these partnerships. This recent collaboration with Fox clearly represents a “nice payday” for both Hamilton and Blanchard.
Fear Factor originally premiered in 2001, hosted by Joe Rogan, and featured contestants facing daunting stunts and insect challenges for a $50,000 grand prize. The show is now being revived with Johnny Knoxville of Jackass fame as host, with Fear Factor: House of Fear debuting on January 11th, 2026, on Fox.
The partnership with Hamilton and Blanchard exemplifies the evolving strategies brands are employing to reach audiences. Their story, marked by resilience and a shared history, provides a compelling narrative for the show’s relaunch.
https://www.instagram.com/p/C0g-wJqS-9W/
The incident also brings to light ongoing public interest in Hamilton’s story, as evidenced by previous viral claims.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V-t-qJ-w-9w
Ultimately, the collaboration between these surfing stars and Fear Factor underscores the power of influencer marketing and the substantial financial opportunities available to those who can cultivate a dedicated online following.
