Squiers captured the national shortboard crown in style, nailing rides of 8 and 8.25 to win ahead of Nathan Cook (13.20), Cooper Davies (11.90) and Callum Robson (10.85).

He put on a clinic throughout, finding punchy left-handers to allow for multiple backside snaps.

It's the second time Squiers took out the top amateur Australian honour and comes after competing at the US Open Festival of Surfing in California, the second tier to the World Surf League.

"This feels so good to win this event," he said.

"I won this event back in 2014 and when I saw the field that was in this, I knew it was going to be a really tough event. Winning an Australian title is something that always looks awesome to have and to have my name there alongside a lot of the professionals who have won previously feels awesome.

"Hopefully, I can carry this confidence into the next few qualifying series events that I have coming up."

Squiers big win comes as Stanwell Park's Kalani Ball continues his steady rise, moving to the 37^th on the qualifying series rankings by making it to round five at the US Open.

Ball was second in each of his preliminary heats through the first four rounds, before eventually being knocked out by France's Jorgann Couzinet 11.16 to 9.56.

Couzinet is the No.1 ranked surfer on the qualifying tour. The result is the biggest tour points haul in Ball's fledgling career.

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