At Queenscliff Beach, Higgison, who now competes for Surfers Paradise, finished the day in fourth position overall, behind Northcliffe trio Maddy Dunn, Georgia Miller and Harriet Brown.

“I had a shocking year last season and it feels great to have raced well and take the win,” winner Dunn said after the race.

“I knew I was fit enough and the eliminator format really suits me, but I didn’t know if I had the speed.

“I saw it was going to a sprint finish and I’m just glad I got off the board well and could get in front.”

Unfortunately, Higgison’s training partner and fellow South Coast product Ali Day, had a day to forget in the men’s competition.

The extremely rough three to four foot surf meant the athletes not only had to have fitness and strength but also the luck of the waves on their side – which proved the difference for Kiama’s Day, who finished in 11^th.

Day wasn’t the only big name to struggle, during the race which was won by Mermaid Beach’s James Lacey, with Matt Bevilacqua (14th) and Shannon Eckstein (20th).

“I wasn’t that confident heading into today as you never know what to expect in the first race, but I’m so stoked to start the season with a win,” Lacey said.

The men’s podium was rounded out by Kurrawa’s Matt Poole and Manly’s Kendrick Louis.

Round two of the Ocean6 Series continues on November 9 and 10 November at Coolum.