METRONEWS
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Local surfing comp attracts international talent

Joey Dwyer
image uploaded from ios 720
Single Fin Mingle finalists and event organisers.   Joey Dwyer

Locals were "over the moon" with the success of the Single Fin Mingle surfing competition at Sumner beach this weekend.

The event was held at Scarborough beach from the 31st of March to the 2nd of April where some of the world's best international longboard surfers showcased their skills. 

Although the competition was fierce, there was also time for mingling and socializing over the course of the weekend. On Saturday, the public were able to stop by at Sumner community hall to enjoy the event party which also included live music. 

The highly anticipated prize giving took place on Sunday evening. 28-year-old Mischa Davis and 31-year-old Australian surfer Jack Norton took out the women and men's competitions respectively.  

There was a lot of local talent on show, with Lili bay and Luke O'Neill from Sumner both making the finals. 

Event organiser, Ambrose McNeill said he was really happy with how the event went.

"I'm over the moon, a lot of hours went into it and to see it come off with really good conditions and a high level of surfing was incredible," he said.

"We've had three days of absolutely amazing times, great waves, great people and great weather."

20-year-old Portuguese surfer Joao Forte said the event was a lot of fun to be a part of.

"The waves here were pretty good, it's a great place to come and visit and surf," he said. 

Winner of the men's competition, Jack Norton said he's glad to have come away with 1st place.

"I was pretty happy, it's great to make it through to the final. There's lots of really good surfers here and any final is always great so I'm stoked." Norton said.

Local surfer and finalist, Lili Bay said it was awesome to see people from around the world enjoy the Sumner waves.

"The best part is getting everybody together from everywhere, it kind of makes you see Sumner and the community from a new perspective as well," she said. 

Organisers and competitors said they hope the event continues to get bigger every year. 

The Single Fin Mingle.

The Single Fin Mingle.