Meet Our Founder.
Shaakira Ariffin, Torquay
“My name is Shaakira (no I was not named after the singer!!). I am originally from Adelaide. I'm not a huge fan of the cold weather here, but the waves are amazing!”
And I am stoked to call Torquay home. My other passion, aside from surfing, is food - I am a qualified food scientist and chef currently working in developing new food products.”
When did you start surfing?
I got into surfing when my mum bought me a surfboard for Christmas when I was about 23. She used to surf when she was young, and got back into it at the time, and wanted to share the stoke with me!
What was the first board you owned? And what are you riding these days?
My first board was a 7'2 mini-mal. These days I ride 5'8-5'10 short boards and like to play around with fun fin set-ups (twin, quads, single). I have a 9'2 log and a 9'2 performance longboard, and also I LOVE foamies! I’ve recently been on a 6-foot Odysea, and also have owned a few Softech performance foamies!
What motivates you to go surfing, especially in the middle of winter?
Offshore winds and the sun shining. I love surfing in winter. There’s good waves and less crowds, so as long as I have a dry warm wet suit, I am good to go!
We hear you used to live in Bondi. How different is it surfing here on the Surf Coast?
Bondi - fun city life, huge crowds! Surf Coast - amazing coastline, relaxing and world-class surf.
Could you name your all-time favourite surfing experience?
Hmm this one is a hard one; there's been so many amazing surfs! But there was one session I always remember as being a bit magical. It was in Byron, at a secret spot. There was no swell anywhere that day around the area, and we were told to check out this secret beach that was beautiful for a beach day, but it was a bit of a mission, we had to hike through bush and down a cliff. I was with two non-surfers who wanted to sun bath and explore. We parked the car in the national park, and I thought "stuff it I'll take my board just in case". As we hiked through the bush, we finally reached a point we could see the ocean view from up above and I was like "OMG!" – it was the most perfect picturesque wave and beach! It was a warm sunny day, and there was a glassy A-frame 2-3 foot wave with NO ONE on it! The water was so clear that you could see the beautiful reef and fishies! The landscape was this beautiful backdrop of green and rocky cliffs - just spectacular.
Have you done many surf trips overseas or in Australia? What's been your favourite?
Yes, I have done some travelling and hope to do more! Surf trips I have been to Morocco, Portugal, Spain/Basque, Bali, Brazil, Costa Rica and Vanuatu. I've driven up and down all of the east coast of Australia from Rainbow Beach Queensland to Yorke Peninsula, SA. I have also been to WA - Margaret River, Perth and the northwest coast. My favourite spot of all time is the north of WA; that coastline is crazy beautiful! Some amazing breaks, no crowds and the water is so warm, clear and there’s spectacular marine life and nature. For my next trip, once we can travel again, I’m planning to go to Sri Lanka, Central America and Puerto Rico. I'd also love to explore more of the Pacific Islands and Indo/Java.
“After talking to a few people about the idea, they loved it and wanted to be a part of it. So we got a team together and made it happen! ”
Anyone you particularly admire in the surf?
My favourite pro surfer is Steph Gilmore, love her style and vibe, such a gracious champion. I also like the rookie Brisa Hennessy. She is so sweet but surfs like an animal.
You were the brains behind Surf Coast Women's Boardriders Club. What prompted you to want to start the club?
I have been a part of a few clubs in the past, and my favourite experience being in a surf club was with Bondi Girls Surfriders. I had so much fun and met long-life friends in that club. So when I moved to the Surf Coast, I felt like a space like that was missing in the community - a space where women who like to surf can be a part of something fun and supportive, doing our favourite hobby whilst (officially) being a part of the local surfing community, and making some great friends along the way. After talking to a few people about the idea, they loved it and wanted to be a part of it. So we got a team together and made it happen!
Why do you think it can be a special thing for women to get out there in the surf together?
I think that surfing can be an intimidating experience, especially if you're new to it. It's an extreme sport, generally mal- dominated and then you have the whole OCEAN factor! Having people around you to encourage, accompany and make you feel safe throughout the process, can not only boost confidence, but also creates a fun community of amazing women who can connect in and out of the water, and just spread the stoke! We want to be a positive part of the community that adds value to the Surf Coast.
How did you learn to surf? And who or what has been most instrumental in helping you improve?
I learnt how to surf mostly from people I know who surf with me (coaching from friends), lots of trial and error, watching YouTube coaching channels, and watching professional surfing competitions. Learning the techniques, lingo, manoeuvres, and pushing myself mentally to overcome my fears has always allowed me to improve my surfing, I think that every time I surf I try to refine everything I learn. One thing I have learnt is that proper technique and strength is important, so now I do a surf-style training session with a local trainer and it has definitely helped me elevate my surfing and also prevent recurring surf injuries.
What are your goals from here on when it comes to surfing?
Well, I just want to get barrelled! So bring it on where ever that may happen.
If you had one day left on earth, where would you surf?
Hmmm that's a hard one... Byron and north WA are on my mind, but honestly, anywhere that is warm, with clear waters, no crowds, and perfect conditions will do me just fine.
