World surfing champion Carissa Moore didn't waste any time re-establishing a winning partnership with a local favourite on the Gold Coast.
The American has brought Snapper Rocks identity Wayne "Rabbit" Bartholomew back into her camp as she begins the defence of her World Surf League crown.
It's a pairing that helped deliver Moore her second Roxy Pro title last year on her way to a third world championship.
Bartholomew, the 1978 world champion, said he was only too happy to link up with Moore once again.
"Carissa's just a sweetheart," he told AAP.
"She's so great to work with. She absorbs all the information."
Bartholomew's local knowledge was something Moore said she found invaluable as she attempted to go back-to-back at Snapper Rocks.
"I'm so honoured that I get to work with him again this year at Snapper," the 23-year-old said.
"Rabbit's such an amazing guy and he has so much knowledge out here at Snapper.
"I'm working with him and dad and it's a good team."
Moore's Gold Coast win last year was backed up with victory at Bells Beach the following event and Bartholomew said establishing such an early platform had been a key to the Hawaiian's successful title run.
"Last year, she got off to a fantastic start," he said.
"Winning the first event, going to No.1 in the world in the new year is a real good momentum builder, good confidence builder going forward."
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