WEST COAST TRIPLE PLANK 2025
Words and photos by Chris Corbett
Whilst we have our clear favourite ol’ faithful plank to stand sideways on, when the spring sun shines on BC the seasonal confusion sets in hard for which direction we go next.
Is it time to get the wetsuit out or go get wheel bite on the left over winter grit the city hasn’t cleaned up yet?
Well, one person decided why pick one?
The Québécois Queen herself Marie-France Roy, along side Alicia Gilmour chose the Holy Trinity of standing sideways and thus the West Coast Triple Plank was born.
What started as a fund-raiser turned friend-raiser for Redd Fish Restoration, in Ucluelet on Vancouver Island has turned into the ultimate shoulder season community event to set the winter season down gently and re-introduce surfing and skating back into our lives for summer.
The now 3-day community event consisting of Snowboard Slalom, Surf and Skate heats has become the anticipated happy end to the season. Gathering firstly at Comox Valley’s Mt Washington, MFR (Marie-France Roy) and her ring master to the Trifecta mayhem, Natalie Langmann work tirelessly year round to create this beautiful community driven wholesome weekend with the support from Patagonia, YETI and Tofino Brewing and many more.
The West Coast Triple plank has now become a staple in season enders that brings so many together for one last bash. From groms showcasing who to watch in the up-coming years, to the old heads showing them who did it first. WCTP (WestCoast Triple Plank) has a place for all to remember why we all stand sideways and but ultimately stand together as a community. Elements of the weekend really emphasize Marie-France’s dedication to the people around her, from tree planting with Redd Fish to the campsite filled with hoots and hollers as we roll in past our friends pitched up already. We’re all there for the love of it and it’s beautiful to be around a core group all for the culture!
Time to Plank!
The Breakdown:
Ok. So for those who have lived under a rock here is how you Triple Plank.
Event 1. Snow; Graciously hosted upon Mt Washington with this years course being designed and shaped by another magnifique Québécois, Ben Bilocq. The shovel mastery which should have its own TedTalk on how to correctly shape a slalom course and quarter pipe created the space to watch legends such as Triple Planks own MFR, Spencer O’Brien and JF Pelchat kill it on the course whilst Colin D Watt hand planted the perfect QP, Coping only! You know the rules.
Austen Sweetin’s smoother than butter back 1 method on the hip/jump set the bar high for the session leaving us excited for the remainder of the weekend to come.
Event 2: Surfs Up!
No, not the Pow Surfer this time, now’s the time to bang out the 9fter and catch some whitewash at Tofino’s finest Cox bay. Amongst the extensive Tent Alley of sponsors from Vans, Drink T and Patagonia the vibes were high watching the heats go down on the water. Whilst we think first chair is early, this band of badasses were up for Dawn Patrol for a 7am first heat for the women going deep into the golden glow of the pacific for the Gents with Michael Hoy taking the W.
Event 3: Skate
Tuff City’s park went off for all 15 heats! The final of the trifecta was upon us and it did not disappoint! Maria Thomsen ripped snow, surf and did not shy away from the concrete even with recovering from a broken back! Bad ass Momma with kids following flow all weekend. Julien Gagnon boosting the hip along side skate and snow legends Rick McCrank and Eddie Wall.
The hard work was done, now it was time to enjoy some of YETI Smoker 767’s amazing meats and see all the accomplishments over the weekend. Ending the best season ender with Friends, Family, Good food and great times with our pals at Surf Junction Campsite and Tofino Brewing’s LagerLagerLager.
Huge thank you to Marie and Nat and all the volunteers involved to make this weekend possible and being true to the core culture of standing sideways.
Redd Fish Restoration Society has worked tirelessly since 1995 on the nuučaanuł territory to help aid from the decades of overfishing, habitat destruction, and poor management have led to significant declines in the populations of suḥaa (Chinook), cuw̓it (coho), hink̓uuʔas (chum), miʕaat (sockeye), č̓aapi (pink), and steelhead. Triple plank has now raised over $100k for Redd Fish Restoration and you can donate too.
Donate Today!
