Anything (but) Board
2026 marks the 10th anniversary of the Westcoast Triple Plank!
What’s the Westcoast Triple Plank?
It’s a community-driven event to help protect the ecosystems along the coast and to celebrate the board sports that bring the community together: snow, surf, and skate.
This is a 3-day fundraising event that happens the first weekend of May – April 30 to May 3 this year - both at Mount Washington and in n̓ačiqs (Tofino). While the weekend is framed as a competition with both kids and adult heats, the spirit of the event is anything but: it’s a fun, supportive, encouraging space where “having a good time and doing things [we] love,” is what it’s all about, shares Triple Plank co-founder Marie-France Roy.
TLDR: Westcoast Triple Plank board sport competition fundraising event in May for salmon habitat restoration and training camp opportunity for kids during Spring Break.
Building Confidence
With the incredible growth in popularity of the event over the years (registration is now a lottery system), local surf and skateboarding instructor at Coastal Shred Academy, Aaron Leghissa, is offering Triple Plank Prep Camp – a surf and skate prep camp for kids during Spring Break.
Keeping in the spirit of Triple Plank, 30% of the profits from the prep camp will be donated to mułaa, Rising Tide Surf Society – a Tla-o-qui-aht non-profit organization bringing together nuučaan̓uł (nuu-chah-nulth) youth and mentors to empower youth to reconnect with the land through the healing power of the ocean by redefining surfing in nuučaan̓uł territory through surf lessons for Indigenous youth, among other activities.
The program will be offered to kids in grades 3 – 7 (born 2013 – 2017) through the District of Tofino from March 18 – 20. Registration will open on February 19 at 4 PM through the District of Tofino’s Recreation website, with only 14 spots available, so signing up for the platform ahead of time is highly recommended, as the skateboarding lessons currently offered are often waitlisted (see instructions in these FAQs).
What will the days look like?
Kids will get to do a half day of skateboarding instruction at the Tuff City Skate Park (or indoor skate park if it is raining), lunch, and then a half day of surf instruction with video review at the end of the day to work on technique. Safety and fun are always the top priorities: “This program is not about encouraging winning. It’s about sharing the stoke, supporting friends, and recognizing the privilege of being able to surf and skate together in a positive, inclusive environment,” shares Aaron. See the daily schedule in the FAQs section.
How does Westcoast Triple Plank support the environment?
Since its inception in 2017, Triple Plank has raised over $150K for Redd Fish Restoration Society – a local non-profit working to restore damaged salmon habitats and conduct research & education for ecological preservation and rehabilitation. With the help of partners like Patagonia, this work has continued and now extends to mułaa, Rising Tide Surf Society and Surfrider Foundation Pacific Rim Chapter, who both receive 10% of the proceeds raised through Triple Plank.
“The Westcoast Triple Plank's goal is not to create podiums that will be remembered but instead, to bring us all together, no matter the skill levels, to engrave memories in our minds of joyful moments spent outside with old or new friends with the common goal to all pitch in a little bit towards keeping this playground we love in a state that can be enjoyed for as many future generations of shredders as possible," says Marie-France Roy.
The lottery for Triple Plank registration is currently open - https://www.westcoasttripleplank.com/registration
Stoke for the Sport
Aaron started Coastal Shred Academy in 2022 after years of working as a surf instructor all over the world. We caught up with Aaron to ask him a few questions about the sport, culture and the future of board sports:
Q: How did you first get involved in board sports?
“I grew up in coastal towns along the east coast of Australia. Surfing was just part of life, and when the waves were flat, we’d grab our skateboards. Snowboarding was pretty limited in Australia, but so much fun! So, I always knew that when I got older, I wanted to chase that side of board sports too. Now all 3 are a huge part of my life. It’s always been about chasing movement, creativity, and being outside.”
Q: How do you see the future of board sports and how that will shape the West Coast?
“Board sports are individual pursuits, but they build strong communities. They’re good for the soul and a powerful form of expression and art. The West Coast is one of the few places in the world where you can surf, skate, and snowboard all within reach. That culture of creativity, independence, and connection to nature will only keep growing here.”
Q: What is the best part of getting to educate youth in these sports?
“Giving back and sharing my passion with the next generation is incredibly rewarding. Board sports can offer confidence, belonging, and a healthy outlet for young people. For some kids, it’s more than just a sport. It becomes something that fills a gap, builds resilience, and gives them direction. Watching that growth is the best part.”
If you don't make it in as a competitor this year, you can still participate in Triple Plank! May 3 and 4 take place in Tofino, where you can help by volunteering with restoration efforts, participating in the auction, and cheering on the competitors! Board sports are inclusive and can be for any age: to find out more about surfing in Tofino, visit https://tourismtofino.com/activity/surfing/
