METRONEWS
© New Zealand Broadcasting School 2025

by New Zealand Broadcasting School students

The magic of the Mingle is still lingering

Sport

Aimee Stanton
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Everyone is given the opportunity to show their style at The Single Fin Mingle, established surfer or not.  Supplied- Brydie Watson/ Single Fin Mingle

The 2025 Single Fin Mingle has come to a close and those involved are still buzzing with good vibrations.

The 11th edition of the festival kicked off on Friday with style both on and off the water. Despite the messy onshore swell, the competitors brought their A-game right from the start, giving Ōtautahi a splash of what surfing is truly about.

Spirits remained high into the finals on Saturday as thousands flocked to the esplanade to catch some of the Mingle magic.

Festival director Ambrose McNeill says the Mingle is about human connection and celebrating surf culture.

“It’s a great testament to the community of people who work on it and the community of Sumner.”
Ambrose McNeill | Director of The Single Fin Mingle
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The male finalists: Kai Ellis-Flint (Australia), Matt Cuddihy (Australia), Jake Bevan (Australia) and Luke O'Neill (Aotearoa) Supplied- Lucas Perelini/ Single Fin Mingle

Across the festival's three days, there were some impressive results, but unfortunately, only one Kiwi stood tall on the podium.

Ōtautahi local Luke O’Neill took second place, defending his runner-up spot for the second year.

Third place went to the 2016 Single Fin Mingle champion, Jake Bevan.

After taking some time away from competitive surfing, he came back strong, snatching up the award for most stylish surfer on Saturday.

Taking the top spot at the 2025 Mingle is Australia’s Kai Ellis-Flint. He says it’s surreal to be recognised among the underground talent and established names.

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  Supplied- Simon Fitz/ Single Fin Mingle
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  Supplied- Simon Fitz/ Single Fin Mingle
“The SFM isn’t just a surf contest but an incredibly well coordinated cultural experience that’s giving real space for creative voices in surfing.”
Kai Ellis Flint | 2025 Single Fin Mingle Champion

Coming off a win at the World Qualifying Series in Australia, his 16.40 heat total was enough to give him a convincing win.

With these two titles in his pocket, he is stacking up to be a strong contender for a world title this year.

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The female finalists: Mahina Akaka (Hawaii), Rosie Jaffurs (Hawaii), Natsumi Taoka (Japan) and Mele Saili (USA) Supplied- Lucas Perelini/ Single Fin Mingle

The talented displays of surfing style continued through to the women’s final.

Hawaiian surfer Rosie Jaffurs snatched up second place followed by world tour competitor and former Single Fin Mingle champion, Natsumi Taoka, in third.

In the end it was Hawaii’s Mahina Akaka who claimed the Single Fin Mingle crown.

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  Supplied- Simon Fitz/ Single Fin Mingle
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  Supplied- Simon Fitz/ Single Fin Mingle
“There’s something truly special about this event — the beautiful waves, the jazz on the beach, and, of course, the amazing people.”
Mahina Akaka | 2025 Single Fin Mingle Champion

Akaka deeply admires all the competitors who took part in the contest and says winning feels incredible. She is grateful to have shared the final with her closest friends.

Head judge Matt Chojnacki says that Mahina was easily the best surfer.

Even in the large onshore conditions she faced on day one, she took the prize for the most stylish surfer.

The Single Fin Mingle has become a cornerstone of the Sumner and surfing communities, putting $300,000 back into the community.

This year the festival aligned with two charities that make a positive impact on the communities the mingle brings together: Surf ORA and Ocean Folx.

Ambrose McNeill hopes the Mingle continues to make waves on and off the water.