Aaron Leghissa
Founder & Head Coach | Coastal Shred Academy
Hi, I’m Aaron Leghissa, founder, head coach, and lifelong surfer behind Coastal Shred Academy.
I grew up surfing in Australia and have taught surf lessons and coached riders in incredible places including France, Spain, Australia, and Canada. No matter where I go, my goal stays the same. Share the stoke, keep it fun, and help people reach their goals on a board, whether it’s surfing, skateboarding, or snowboarding.
Before starting Coastal Shred Academy in Tofino, I spent years coaching for surf schools around the world and working as a certified snowboard instructor and evaluator with CASI (Canadian Association of Snowboard Instructors), training and assessing new instructors across Canada and Japan.
Launching Coastal Shred Academy in Tofino felt like the natural next step. It’s a way to bring all those experiences together and create a space where people of all ages can learn to surf in Tofino, improve their skate skills, and build confidence through movement and progression.
Whether you’re catching your first wave, dialling in your technique, or getting your kids started, I’m here to help you grow and have an amazing time in the process.
Follow along on Instagram to see what’s happening at Coastal Shred Academy, get surf tips, and stay updated on new programs and community events in Tofino BC.
Kyten Traviss
Skate Coach | Coastal Shred Academy
Kyten Traviss is as local as it gets, a true Tofino skateboarder through and through. He’s a natural on any board, but his real talent shines when he’s on a skateboard.
A two-time winner of the Tofino Skate Comp, Kyten’s fast, technical, and fearless style has made him one of the most recognized skaters in the area.
As a dedicated Tofino skate coach with Coastal Shred Academy, Kyten brings passion, energy, and clear instruction to every lesson. He connects easily with young skaters, helping them build confidence, improve technique, and stay stoked every session.
Whether he’s teaching beginners their first ollie or helping experienced riders push their limits, Kyten makes every lesson fun, focused, and progression-driven.
Follow Kyten on instagram by clicking here: Kyten Traviss
Jack Daskey
Surf Coach | Coastal Shred Academy
Jack Daskey is a Tofino surf coach, snowboard instructor, and full-time frother with energy in the water that’s absolutely next level.
Originally from New South Wales, Australia, Jack grew up surfing the East Coast and chasing snow in the off-season. He and Aaron have been friends since high school and are now stoked to be coaching side by side here in Tofino, Canada.
Jack is the kind of surf instructor who makes everyone feel welcome, confident, and ready to ride. Whether he’s in the water helping someone catch their first wave or on the mountain fine-tuning snowboard technique, he brings patience, positivity, and years of global coaching experience to every session.
If you’re looking to learn to surf in Tofino with good vibes and top-tier instruction, Jack is your guy. Follow Jack on Instagram
Westerly
Skate & Surf Coach | Coastal Shred Academy
Westerly is one of our dedicated skate and surf coaches and an absolute shredder in both. Based in Ucluelet, she’s as local as they come, with deep community roots and serious style on land and in the water.
Whether she’s carving waves or cruising the skatepark, Westerly leads by example and brings calm, confident energy to every session. She has a sharp eye for technique and a natural ability to connect with young riders, helping them progress, build confidence, and have fun along the way.
Westerly coaches with Coastal Shred Academy, offering Tofino surf lessons and skate programs for all ages and skill levels. We’re lucky to have her as part of the team. Follow westerly on Instagram
Kye Sale
Surf Instructor | Coach | Coastal Shred Academy
Kye Sale is one of our talented Tofino surf instructors, known for his smooth style, deep wave knowledge, and technical precision. A local legend in the making, Kye spends much of his time traveling and competing in surf contests across Canada and beyond.
When he’s back home in Tofino, we’re lucky to have his expertise in surf coaching and technique breakdowns. His passion for surfing is contagious, and he loves helping beginners and intermediate surfers progress, build confidence, and have fun in the water.
If you’re looking for surf lessons in Tofino with someone who truly lives and breathes the sport, Kye is your guy. We’re stoked to have him as part of the Coastal Shred Academy team. Follow Kye’s Instagram
