The sound of crashing waves at Perth's Trigg Beach will get a bass-heavy boost this Sunday morning, as a unique sold-out event merges beginner surfing with a live beachside DJ set.
A Wave Rave Phenomenon
Club Shakas, a surf club exclusively for women and girls who are new to the sport, is hosting its inaugural 'wave rave'. The daytime event, scheduled for Sunday, 14 January 2026, demonstrates a massive demand for inclusive, fun-first ocean activities. All 100 tickets were claimed within a mere two hours of release, with a waitlist of over 90 hopefuls still growing.
The club itself is no fleeting trend, having built a community over six years that now numbers in the hundreds. Founder Jahney Smith emphasises that the club's core mission has never been about cultivating elite athletes. "Our members just want fun," Ms Smith stated. "They don't want to be pro surfers. They want connection, friendship, memories and music."
An Antidote to Intimidation and Loneliness
Ms Smith created Club Shakas specifically to dismantle the barriers many women face when entering surfing alone. She identifies a powerful dual purpose: combating the intimidation of the surf and the modern epidemic of loneliness. "This levels the playing field because we throw perfection out the door," she explained. "Imperfection is what gets celebrated."
In a clever twist on typical nightlife, the wave rave will kick off at 5:30am. This early start is a strategic choice to enhance accessibility. "You don't have to drink, you don't have to be out late," Ms Smith noted. "You can enjoy the music and the surf before work and then get on with your day." The event has even attracted families, with parents bringing children, transforming it into a "real family affair."
Music Makes the Momentum
The soundtrack for the morning will be provided by Natasha Trandos, known as DJ Tashnat, a club member since its first year in 2020. After moving away from Perth and returning, she saw music as her way back into the fold. "Music makes everything less awkward," Ms Trandos said. "It takes something that's intimidating and makes it fun."
The overwhelming response to her TikTok promotion for the event took her by surprise. "I thought maybe 30 people would come," she admitted. "But the comments and messages just kept coming." Interest has spilled beyond Western Australia, with inquiries from Melbourne, Newcastle, and Adelaide requesting similar events. She also revealed messages from men asking about a boys-only version, but for now, the focus remains firmly on creating space for women "on the sand, in the water and on the dancefloor."
For member Elissa Edward, the event encapsulates the supportive culture that defines Club Shakas. "I had a surfboard for three years and was too intimidated to learn on my own," she shared. "The event will be a really special place for women to learn and just enjoy being in the ocean."
