Meet Club Shakas: The Women’s Only Surfing Community In WA

There are some incredible communities in WA, Australia that are advocating for inclusivity and diversity within the outdoor space. One of them is an all-women surf group who meet up every week to have a surf, called Club Shakas. Women of all shapes, sizes, ethnicities - you name it - are welcome to get on a board & grab a wave! We caught up with Club Shakas founder, Jahney, on why and how this amazing group came about and how none of it would be possible without its volunteers.

When and how was Club Shakas born?

Club Shakas was born in 2020 from a bunch of girls wanting to get into the sport of surfing but being intimidated by it: By the boys in the water, what equipment to buy, how to read a weather report, where to go. But we thought safety in numbers, and went out together. We had a blast and thought we need to share this with more women, we need to give more women not only a safe place to practice surfing but to find a sense of belonging and community. When we officially launched we had one person rock up, and from there it grew and grew. We look forward to breaking down the barriers to surfing every day so more women can get into the sport.

Have you always been passionate about being outside and connecting to the ocean?

The ocean has always been a part of my life, from driving the family boat to scuba diving in the Galapagos islands with my mum. It is a calming place of discovery and connection. Surfing then became a part of my life, which taught me about the power of community and the role the ocean plays in that. It brings people together, giving a mutual point of connection, a place that brings so much joy, a place where lasting friendships are created. The benefits of the ocean are endless and is something everyone should experience.

What is the purpose of Club Shakas?

The purpose or mission of Club Shakas is to make women happier, healthier, and more confident through surfing. We work as a committee to make this happen.

What does it mean to you to have a very special community like Club Shakas?

The Club Shakas community means everything to me. It is a community made up of volunteers and women wanting to be a part of something bigger than themselves. The community gives women a sense of belonging and a place to have fun along with an environment to progress their surfing. The only rule that we have is; fun first, surf second. As long as you're having fun, you're in the club and you're a surfer.

Sunrise or Sunset?

Sunrise is where we rock and roll. It is the time of day we come together, have fun and get involved in the whitewash to not only have fun and surf baby waves but to also reconnect and see how everyone's week is going. It is a beautiful way to start the day, friends, ocean and surfboards.

Can anyone come and get involved?

Anyone who identifies as a woman can get involved. It doesn't matter if you're surfing on your belly, your knees or standing. If you're having a go you're in. All you need is a wetty, a foamie and a few bucks for coffee. It is a time of day where fun comes first, perfection is chucked out the window, and just having a go is what counts.

Check out Club Shakas on Instagram