The teenager headed to Phillip Island where she tested herself against the best junior surfers from around the country.

Now based at Taree, Green still travels to Port Macquarie once or twice a month for a surf.

She made it to the second re-qualifying round in Victoria and while disappointed not to go further, mum Sarah said she still took a lot out of it.

“Nerves probably played a part and she let it get on top of her,” she said.

“But she now knows what it takes to compete with the girls and boys who are at that next level.”

It was the first time the 17-year-old had travelled by herself and since returning from Victoria, her surfing has gone up another level.

“We went for a surf at Wallabi Point the other day and the difference from her surfing before she went away to now has stepped up a notch,” Mrs Green said.

“It showed her how hard she has to work to get to where she wants to be.

“She knows how hard it will be to get to that level, but she has seen the level of the other girls and she thoroughly enjoyed it.”