Why female friendship hits different in surfing!
Why female friendship hits different in surfing
Surfing can be intimidating when you’re new: unfamiliar rules, fast-moving water, and the feeling that everyone else knows what they’re doing (spoiler: they don’t). Even the basics — like right-of-way (priority) — can feel like learning a new language at first, and Surfing Australia defines these rules formally in its rule book (surfing right-of-way rules).
And if it’s the ocean itself that makes you nervous, here’s the truth: confidence usually comes from a few simple safety basics (flags, rips, and where to paddle out), not from being “good” yet.
But when you paddle out with other women who are also learning — and who are genuinely rooting for you — that intimidation factor drops.
This is exactly how Club Shakas began: women wanted to surf, but didn’t know where to start or who to go with. So they created power in numbers and built a community around it.
Female friendship is a key pillar of Club Shakas retreats
Club Shakas retreats are designed around the belief that progression happens faster when you feel safe, supported, and seen — and that the best surfing memories are often the ones wrapped in laughter and shared “you’ve got this” moments.
And it tracks: research across sport shows participation supports social outcomes like connection and belonging — which can be a big part of why people keep showing up (sport fosters belonging).
That’s why our retreats are intentionally fun, surf, and friendship focused — bringing together like-minded women (often across ages and life stages) to learn together, encourage each other, and leave with a real crew.
And if you’re worried about coming solo? You’re in good company. Many guests come alone — and leave with long-lasting friendships and connections.
The “fun first, surf second” rule creates instant belonging
In a women-only space, the vibe shifts. The pressure to “perform” disappears — and what replaces it is the thing most women are actually craving in the ocean:
A friendly call-in to the peak
Someone reminding you to breathe
A hype squad for your first knee-ride
A laugh after a wipeout (and a “same, babe”)
That “pressure” piece is real: research on women’s experiences in exercise settings shows feeling judged can be a major barrier — which is exactly why supportive environments change everything (fear of being judged).
At Club Shakas (and Club Shakas Communities), the only rule is fun first, surf second — and it works because it makes room for every stage of the journey.
Friendship doesn’t just happen on retreats — it starts for free at Club Shakas Communities
Here’s where the sisterhood becomes a pathway, not just a vibe.
Club Shakas Communities exists to break down barriers that stop women from surfing — especially:
Cost
Intimidation
Lack of a safe environment
Not having someone to go with
And the “belonging” part isn’t fluffy: participation insights show belonging is a genuine lever for getting (and keeping) women involved in physical activity, including through welcoming formats like women-only sessions (belonging starts with inclusion).
They do that by hosting free weekly community surfs for women, creating a consistent place to show up, be supported, and build friendships that get you back in the water again and again.
What “free” really means (and why community matters)
The Perth community, for example, meets Tuesday and Thursday mornings and is explicitly welcoming of all beginner levels — belly riding, knee riding, or whitewash warrior status included.
The Gold Coast community is also built around connection, inclusivity, and weekly meetups — welcoming all women (including bringing your mum, sister, aunty, grandma, granddaughter).
And because safety is part of “beginner-friendly,” it helps to anchor confidence in a few simple beach basics (flags, conditions, and hazards) — healthdirect’s guide is a solid starting point (beach safety basics).
And importantly: Club Shakas Communities is positioned publicly as a not-for-profit, with community fundraising pages and event ticketing that reinforce the mission to keep sessions free and accessible.
The real secret to “getting better” at surfing is having people
Technique matters. Coaching matters. Reps matter.
But for beginner-to-intermediate surfers, the biggest make-or-break factor is often simpler:
Do you have someone to paddle out with when motivation dips?
Do you feel welcome enough to keep showing up?
And stepping back, women’s overall activity participation remains a public-health challenge — which is why low-barrier, welcoming communities matter (women’s activity participation data).
That’s what female friendship does. It turns surfing from something you “try” into something you belong to.
If you’re craving the ocean and a crew, you don’t need to wait until you’re “good enough.”
Start with the sisterhood:
Join a Club Shakas retreat (fun, friendship, and progression at the heart):
View retreats (Byron Bay, Lombok, Nusa Lembongan).
