Veteran Liz Pluimers left no room for doubt about who was champion as she completed a triumphant surf ironwoman season.
The 28-year-old from the Gold Coast won Sunday's final-round eliminator event at Newcastle's Main Beach, making it five victories from the season's six rounds.
Pluimers claimed the event from Harriet Brown while last season's champion Courtney Hancock battled in for third.
She knew she had won the series title sewn up from nearest rival Rebecca Creedy after winning the day's first eliminator but was determined to hold on for the next two races.
"It's amazing I can't believe it and that was the sweetest by far," said Pluimers.
She attributed her resurgence to taking six months off before last season while she toured Europe with her fiance.
"I guess it made me refocus," said Pluimers. "I had to set goals to achieve what I wanted out of the sport and I'm finally doing it which is great."
Creedy finished fourth in Sunday event to be season runner-up and vowed to challenge Pluimers next season.
"To be up there with the likes of Liz and Courtney gives me a lot of confidence," said Creedy.
"I feel like I've finally made it and I'm looking at stamping my authority next season so watch out Liz."
Hancock finished fourth in the series, one spot behind Brown, having fought hard to the end.
"Dad always said to me 'You're only as good as your last race' and I wanted to finish on a high," said Hancock.
"I went out fast today but in the last eliminator they were catching me and breathing down my neck.
I will be back."
Final women's series standings: 1. Liz Pluimers 2. Rebecca Creedy 3. Harriet Brown 4. Courtney Hancock 5. Jordan Mercer 5. Maddy Dunn 7. Brodie Moir 8. Emma Dick 9. Amy Nurthern 10. Tara Coleman 10. Kristyl Smith 12. Tiarrn Raymond 13. Danielle McKenzie 14. Devon Halligan 15. Hannah Minogue.
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