What is the perfect day in your eyes? Sure, you could lounge around in flip flops drinking some kind of sugary drink but that’s so… boring. Why not live by the words CARPE DIEM! Simply put, seize the day! That’s what the Triple Plank Contest is all about coming up on the first weekend in May.
How the Triple Plank Contest Was Born
For the founders Alicia Gilmour & Marie France Roy, the ultimate sunrise-to-sunset adventure would include the magical Trifecta: surf, snow & skate. Logistically, this is a TOUGH challenge to do all in one day no matter where you live. It was when they found themselves rooted on Vancouver Island that they realized this dream could happen. They were surrounded by vast beaches, surf breaks, small towns with insanely good skate parks, old growth rainforests and coastal mountain ranges. It all added up. And suddenly, the “Trifecta” became a reality. Instead of keeping it to themselves, why not make it an event open to anyone who had been dreaming of such a day?
Not Just An Event But An Environmental Movement
Marie is as passionate about the environment as she is about board sports. Her love for environmental preservation would become a huge reason of why they wanted to hold the event. To raise awareness for local and global issues as well as an opportunity to take action in addressing them, it was a no-brainer for them to partner up with the Central Westcoast Forest Society. A non profit organization that works on Vancouver Island to enhance, improve and protect the natural environment here on the coast was an ideal match. For the inaugural event, they raised over $3,500 for this organization and gave back to the environment by planting trees right here in Tofino/Ucluelet.
New for 2018
One major tweak for 2018 is that the banked slalom is moving to Mount Washington. This allows for better access so that more participants and spectators can come out and enjoy the fun.
Things To Do Outside Of The Event
For anyone traveling from out of town, Vancouver Island has so much to offer. Enjoy the road trip and stretch your legs in Coombs. Grab a snack and coffee at the Old Country Market while watching the goats manicure their grass roof. From here, you can take a stroll through the Cathedral Grove and get a chance to appreciate the protected old growth forests that still stand. Once you make it Tofino for the full weekend of fun, be sure to celebrate with a pint at the famous Tofino Brewery.
Many Thanks To The Town & Sponsors
Like any grassroots event, there are so many people who have come together to make it happen. Too many to name, but Marie & Alicia couldn’t have done it without the support of the entire community of Tofino and Ucluelet. This year, they have an insanely talented artist on their team named Sarah King. She’s the creative genius behind all of the graphics and posters. Paul Owen is also another member that has helped make their festival a reality. A Native BC’er, backcountry expeditionary and Tofino wood worker, he helped lead the team to design and build the banked slalom course as well as hand craft all of the Triple Plank custom awards from locally sourced cedar. Check out his beautiful craftsmanship and custom pieces at Paul Owen Wood Works. Lastly, this couldn’t have happened without the love and support of their sponsors:
Patagonia, Arbor Snowboards, Arbor Skateboards, Sandboxland, VANS, CLIF Bar, DAKINE, Oakley, Relic Surf Shop, Long Beach Surf Shop, Karakoram, Pina Styles, Gnu, Lib Tech, Skull Skates, Tofino Brewing Company, NIBz and more.
Event Details
For further information or if you’d like to be part of the contest, go to Eventbrite or see the details below.
Thursday May 3rd:
4:00 PM: CHECK-IN and TREE PLANTING in UCLUELET with Central Westcoast Forest Society. Bring your gloves and gum boots! We will be planting native trees and shrubs on the CWFS wild salmon habitat restoration sites. Meeting at 4:00 PM at the Junction Visitor Centre.
Friday May 4th:
8:00 AM- 12:00 PM SURFING at COX BAY, TOFINO, 5-people Heats format
2:00 PM – 5:00 PM SKATEBOARDING at TOFINO SKATEPARK, Jam format
APRES at Tofino Brewery
Saturday May 5th:
11:00 – 5:00 PM SNOWBOARDING at MOUNT WASHINGTON, Hand dug banked slalom.
7:00 PM – 11:00 PM SILENT AUCTION, PIZZA DINNER (free for each participant), AWARDS and PINATA AND KARAOKE PARTY at Ted’s BAR and Grill at MOUNT WASHINGTON LODGE followed by PARKING LOT RVs and tents CAMPOUT!
Slope side accommodation also available for booking at Mt.Washington
*Mention attending the Westcoast Triple Plank to receive special rates.
