The Single Fin Mingle is not just for surfers

Words by Hannah Powell. Images Provided.

Whether it’s a two-step on the dance floor or fancy footwork on the longboard, it’s time to get the dogs out in Sumner this weekend. The Single Fin Mingle, a three-day surf festival in Ōtautahi, has proved to be a highly anticipated, unmissable event on every discerning surfer’s calendar.

Founder and director Ambrose McNeill says this year will be no different. You simply have to be there to experience it.

“Everyone will leave having experienced something great,” he says. Started in 2014 by Ambrose, and with support from best mate Bradley King and his sister Mahlia, the Single Fin Mingle is built on the love of surfing and the power of community. Inviting some of the best surfers from around the world, Ambrose and the team carefully pick those they want to see compete. 

“[This year], there’ll be about 80 surfers across the men’s and women’s, and over half of them will be international surfers. There are surfers from over 11 countries attending, including America, Mexico, France, and quite a few Japanese surfers coming too.”

“It’s really become like a global brand and event that longboarders from every corner of the world have their eyes on and are keen to participate in, which is really special,” he says.

Although it’s a surfing contest by nature, it’s not just for people who surf. With three sexy live music events, a film competition, jazz, hot tubs, drinks, late-night thrift stores, and more, the festival puts on a party for all who come along. Surfboards are optional, Ambrose adds. 

“We put in a lot of effort into making this festival feel like there’s something for everyone. Longboard surfing is quite an art form - it’s like a dance, and it’s pretty easy for people to appreciate. Add some live jazz on the beach, a cafe, bar, pizza and selection of market stalls and I think it’s pretty easy for people to enjoy themselves.” Launched on the kaupapa of bringing people together, Ambrose got the idea for Single Fin Mingle from his own experiences travelling around New Zealand and competing on the national longboard circuit in the late 2000s.

“It was a really awesome way to see New Zealand and make a whole network of friends around the country,” he says. “The plan was never to make it a huge event, it was just something that people could come to and connect at - and something that was perfect for me and my friends to do the same.”

“What I love about surfing is the kind of culture that surrounds the activity. For me, that’s the pre-surf, post-surf, hanging out with friends in and around that environment, and I’ve always been drawn to that,” he adds.

A big priority for Single Fin Mingle is celebrating the culture surrounding music, art, and film. From Friday night’s ‘Mingle in the Village’ to Saturday’s infamous ‘Street Party’ and afterparty over the hill, some of the hottest indie acts from NZ, Australia, America, and South Korea will be coming together for one big blowout weekend.

“I’m really pumped on the lineup,” Ambrose explains. “It’s very in line with the vibe of Single Fin Mingle. It’s super joyful, high energy, and fun.”

Opening the Street Party on Saturday is KITA, a psychedelic rock funk band from Wellington, before rolling through to Melbourne’s six-piece funk disco band, China Beach. The legendary Donny Benét will finish the night with 80s disco and electric pop, before the bus will take party goers over the hill to an epic kick-on in Lyttelton. A smorgasbord of Ōtautahi DJS, such as Craigslist Soundsystem, Sister Act, Chanuii, Real Estate, and more, will lead the charge for a full send.

His advice for first-timers at the famous festival event? Take a chance, and experience it with open arms. “We have a lot of fun with our fashion, so we encourage people to find their finest frocks or nicest suits. People will know you’re here to mingle, so smile and enjoy the show.”

“Just come mingle!” he says.

Catch the Yo Vocal team ripping up the dance floor at this weekend’s events. Tickets are still available for Saturday night, but down to their final release. After two years of sellouts, you better snap ‘em up quick