ROSIE Smart has taken out the Australian Open of Surfing Tour qualifier on her home break.

The Coffs Harbour Boardriders Club member won the Open Women title at The Volkswagen Coffs Harbour Open, held at Macauleys Beach.

The victory on her home break saw her qualify for the Bondi Open Grand Final in November.

The eighteen-year-old successfully defended her title after winning last year’s Coffs Harbour Open.

Smart rose to the conditions on offer as the final started to worsen with the wind, however she was busy catching seven waves in total.

It was her sixth wave that got her the lead and the overall win as she posted a 7-point ride.

Her win at home came on the back of winning the national title in August at the Australian Surf Championships in Port Macquarie.

Smart gave her thoughts on winning the final at home in tricky conditions.

“It was a bit tricky and a bit windy,” she said.

“I got a 6.33 and then a one turner for a 7 which put me ahead.

“I thought the other girls were better this year and the standard was higher.”

The Coffs Harbour Open champion said she loved surfing at home.

“I like surfing at home, I always like surfing at Macauleys, and I love competing at home because you get to wake up in your own bed, and it’s only a short drive from home, so it’s nice,” she said.

She shared her plans for the rest of the year and for 2024.

“I’ve qualified for the grand final in Bondi, but I’m actually going to be in Taiwan next month for the World Surf League Qualifying Series 5000 event, as it’s on at the same time,” she said.

“Early next year there are qualifying events, and my goal is to qualify for the Challenger Series.”

By Aiden BURGESS