ROSIE Smart is a national champion after triumphing at the Australian Surf Championships at Port Macquarie.

The Coffs Harbour Boardriders Club member took out the open women’s title after a stellar performance in tough conditions during the final at North Haven Beach.

The 18-year-old won the national title with a score of 11.83, winning a thrilling final by half a point.

She also had a close win in her semi-final, winning by 0.6 points.

Smart said she could not believe she had won such a prestigious event.

“It’s a big event which I never thought I’d win, and I didn’t know if I’d even enter it as I was a late entry.”

She gave her thoughts on winning such a thrilling final.

“It was really close, and she needed a 4.9 and then she fell off, and it was the most stressful time of my life,” she said.

“It was one of the best results I had ever had, but I never got to show off my full potential.

“The first day was pumping, but in the final it was super windy, and it was hard to get two turns in.”

The new national champion explained how much the title meant to her.

“It’s a pretty big title, and it shows how much work you have put in,” she said.

“And you get your name on the title which lasts forever.”

She now turned her attention to qualifying for the world junior tour.

“I have been competing in the World Surf League Pro Junior Series, I am coming third with one round to go at Redhead Beach in November, and the top two make it onto the tour, so hopefully I will make it.”

By Aiden BURGESS