The Coast Club Experience
More Than Just Snowboarding
Vancouver Island's premier youth snowboard development and competition club.
Based at Mount Washington Alpine Resort in the stunning Comox Valley, The Coast Club offers a unique opportunity for young snowboarders aged 8–18 who are ready to take their riding beyond the basics.
Founded by Buddy Shirley in 2021 as Vancouver Island's only dedicated youth snowboard development and competition club, we bridge the gap between recreational riding and competitive snowboarding. Through professional coaching, freestyle and terrain park progression, and access to provincial and national competition pathways, we give Island athletes opportunities that would otherwise be difficult to access close to home.
But The Coast Club is about more than competition. It's about pushing boundaries, building confidence, making lasting friendships and experiencing new mountains alongside teammates who share the same passion.
Whether you're preparing for your first competition or chasing a provincial podium, The Coast Club is where Island riders take their snowboarding to the next level.
Why Ride With The Coast Club?
Small groups. Big progression. Real coaching.
We believe athletes progress best when they’re challenged, supported and surrounded by riders who push each other to improve.
Our training program is built around:
- Small, skill-based groups: Approximately 5–7 athletes per coach, grouped by riding ability and experience rather than age alone.
- Experienced snowboard coaches: Structured training, individual feedback and progression suited to each athlete’s abilities and goals.
- Freestyle and terrain park development: Building confidence, technique and consistency on jumps, rails and other park features.
- Individual progression: Supporting athletes at different stages, from developing competition skills to pursuing podium finishes.
- Team culture: Training alongside riders who share the same passion, encourage each other and celebrate each other’s achievements.
Our goal isn’t simply to create better snowboarders. It’s to develop confident, capable athletes who love being on the mountain.
From Progression to Podiums
From first starts to podium finishes, we’re building the next generation of competitive snowboarders on Vancouver Island.
Competition is part of the Coast Club experience, but every athlete’s journey looks different.
For some riders, the goal is to enter their first Rail Jam, overcome nerves and experience the excitement of competition. For others, it’s about refining their skills, earning provincial podium finishes and working toward national-level events.
All Coast Club athletes participate in at least one competition each season, giving everyone the opportunity to experience competitive snowboarding in a supportive environment.
Through structured training, competition preparation and on-event coaching, we help athletes develop the technical skills, confidence and experience needed to progress.
Beyond Mount Washington
More mountains. More progression. More reasons to ride.
The Coast Club experience doesn't stop at Mount Washington. Throughout the season, our athletes have opportunities to travel to some of BC's top snowboard destinations for training camps and provincial competitions.
Exploring new terrain parks, riding alongside athletes from across the province, and experiencing different mountain environments are all important parts of developing as a competitive snowboarder.
Our camps and competition trips combine professional coaching, skill progression, competition preparation and on-mountain support, giving athletes the confidence and experience to push their riding further.
And it's not all about competition. From road trips and mountain adventures to cheering on teammates and making new friends, these experiences create memories that last long after the season ends.
Is Coast Club Right for You?
Ready to progress. Ready to compete. Ready for more.
The Coast Club is designed for young snowboarders who have moved beyond beginner lessons and are ready to challenge themselves.
Our athletes generally:
- Are between 8 and 18 years old.
- Have established snowboarding fundamentals and can confidently ride independently.
- Are comfortable exploring terrain park features and motivated to develop freestyle skills.
- Want to improve their riding through structured coaching and consistent training.
- Are willing to participate in at least one competition during the season.
- Enjoy being part of a team and supporting fellow athletes.
You don't need competition experience or a collection of tricks to get started. What matters is having the foundational riding skills, motivation and willingness to learn.
Ready to push your progression, explore new mountains and ride with a team that shares your passion? Join The Coast Club this season and take your snowboarding to the next level!