Single and Unattached 2023 Classic Single Fin Invitational Surf Contest in San Juan, La Union
31 January 2023, San Juan, La Union, Philippines: After a pandemic-forced hiatus, the Single and Unattached Classic Single Fin Invitational is back and will be starting its 12 day run of fun in the sun on the shores of the Surfing Capital of the North, La Union starting on the 1st of February and wrapping up on the 12th.
Currently there are almost 100 invitees from countries including Australia, China, Hawaii, Japan, Korea, Reunion Island, Thailand, Taiwan, and the USA, along with invitees from all around the Philippines joining in the Men’s, Women’s, 40 and Over, and Newly Single divisions of competition.
Aurelien Meynieux, who hails from far away Reunion Island, is delighted to finally be able to join the event, saying “I’ve been invited to this Single and Unattached event several times, but until now was just not able to make it. This year the timing was perfect and I’m finally here. Actually I’ve been here for almost two weeks already, and have made such good friends here in La Union. The whole community has such a good vibe, I can’t wait to experience this event with everyone. Thanks so much for the invitation to join in!”
A whopping 100,000 pesos (approximately $1,800 USD) will be shared equally between the winner of the Men’s and the winner of the Women’s Invitational divisions, the winner of the Over 40’s will get 10,000 pesos (approximately $180 USD) while products and services from the many event sponsors and supporters will be awarded to the other finalists.
Single and Unattached co-creators Buji Libarnes and his wife Nikki had the idea to bring together members of the fledgling logging community in an old school beach party atmosphere, reminiscent of the Gidget/Malibu era, where the participants used only 9 foot and longer single fin “logs” and were not allowed to attach leashes (leg ropes), therefore relying on skillful board control to avoid spending too much time swimming for their equipment after a fall.
Now in its 9th edition, this Single and Unattached event has drawn many of the world’s best classic longboard surfers to the shores of La Union each February to join the local logging community in celebration of the origins of surfing.
“After such a long wait, we can finally be all together again here in San Juan, La Union to celebrate life and our common love for surfing,” said Buji Libarnes. “Our toes are itching to share some fun waves and a few cases of beer with you all. Cheers and Mabuhay!” he added.
The waiting period for the surfing competition will start on the 2nd of February, which will be held at either Mona Lisa Point or at Carrille, the latter being preferred as it’s a perfect fit for logging with its long righthander that can provide hundreds of meters of groomed wall, allowing the participants to display their entire repertoire of maneuvers. However, it requires a sizeable north swell and that isn’t something that can be scheduled, so Mona Lisa Point will be the backup plan due to its reliability in providing good quality waves just about every day.
At the moment, Friday’s wave forecast has everyone optimistic that there will be enough size to run for one or two days at Carrille, so fingers are being crossed!
Meanwhile, there are many other activities being offered around the surfing, including live music, surf films, a visual art show, a backyard BBQ, a beach cleanup and more.
Here is the schedule:
Single and Unattached 2023 is possible thanks to the following Sponsors and Supporters: