There's something magical about the early morning sun casting its golden glow on the ocean waves. For a group of spirited women, this magic comes to life 2 times a week at 6 am, when they gather to ride waves and share the joy of surfing.
Welcome to Club Shakas, an all-girls surf club that has turned the typical sunrise routine into a thrilling and empowering experience off the coast of Perth, Western Australia.
Jahney: Hi I’m Jahney, co-founder of Club Shakas and I’m from Perth, Western Australia
Jahney: Club Shakas was born from a bunch of girls wanting to surf but were too intimidated by it. We thought 'let's break down these barriers to this great sport and go together'.
For our official first surf we had one person rock up but we kept going and it just grew. The community and the fun was contagious and now our membership base is past the point that we can count.
Jahney:
Club Shakas was born out of a shared passion for surfing and a desire to create a supportive community for women looking to catch their first wave. Founded by a group of friends who discovered the exhilaration of surfing together, the club quickly evolved into a welcoming space for beginners eager to learn.
The early morning meetings at 6 am are not just about catching waves, they're about embracing the day with enthusiasm and energy. There's a sense of camaraderie that develops when you paddle out into the sunrise with a group of like-minded women. The sound of the waves, the salty breeze, and the warm colours of the morning sky create the perfect backdrop for a memorable surfing experience.
Jahney: Just get out there, grab, borrow or steal a board and have a crack. Remember to not take it to seriously and just have fun. The sport is laced with benefits both mental and physcial, so once you get hooked from catching your first baby wave whether that is the whitewash on your belly or a green wave you will become addicted for all the right reasons.
Practice is everything, keep going even if you wipe out and get some lessons and/or find a community that supports women progressing their surfing in a fun and encouraging environment.
Jahney: It's all about listening to the community, what they need, what do they want. We always try to keep it fun, with our only rule being fun first, surf second.
Club Shakas prides itself on being an inclusive space for surfers of all skill levels. Whether you're a complete novice or an experienced rider, there's a place for you in the lineup. The more experienced members gladly offer tips and encouragement to those just starting, fostering a supportive environment where everyone can grow and improve together.
After an invigorating session in the water, the members of Club Shakas reconvene for a well-deserved coffee. The local coffee shop becomes the perfect spot for sharing stories of triumphant rides, wiping out, and the overall joy of being in the ocean. It's not just about surfing; it's about building friendships and a sense of community that extends beyond the waves.
Club volunteers; Emilie Howard, Jennifer Boere, Emily Nelson, Jahney Smith.
Jahney: Club Shakas empowers women through the sport of surfing by creating an environment that promotes just getting out there and having a go, you don’t have to be perfect you just have to have a go, stepping outside your comfort zone with a bunch of women that support you every step of the way; from your first wipeout to your first wave.
Women who you have never met before are cheering for you, engaging in conversation, building friendships and laughing all while getting proven mental and physical health benefits! What a way to start your morning.
Jahney: 'It is a place to have fun, to know the power and importance of community, to know that perfection isn’t the answer and it doesn’t matter how you get to the destination as long as you have fun…I take these lessons everywhere I go.
Club Shakas goes beyond the physical act of surfing; it's about empowerment. Especially for women, it encourages us to get out there despite the intimidation and clique mentality men have created out in the surf. The members inspire each other to face challenges head-on, both on and off the waves. The confidence gained from mastering a new skill in the water often translates into a more fearless approach to life's hurdles.'
It's more than just a surf club; it's a sisterhood bonded by the love of the ocean. Through the early morning surf sessions, shared laughter, and post-surf coffee rituals, these women have created a space where the thrill of riding waves is equaled only by the support and friendship found within the group. As the sun rises on another day of surfing adventures, Club Shakas continues to prove that there's something extraordinary about a community of women coming together to surf
Jahney: We are working towards getting even more women into surfing so they can enjoy all the proven benefits of not only participating in the sport but the community and sense of belonging too. We are also trying to provide opportunities to create happier, healthier and more confident women.
Jahney: This just shows how beginner we are; In the very early days of Club Shakas we took a trip to Back Beach, and one of us needed to change the fins on their board. After a persistent 20 mins in 35 degree heat and a sense of accomplishment of putting on her fins for the first time, we realised all three fins where put on backwards.
