This year, as she embarks on the middle leg of her qualification campaign, she feels more prepared than ever to achieve her goal of making the top tier of surfing.

The Merewether 24-year-old has made a consistent start to the year.

She is ranked fifth on the qualifying series after two ninth placings in high-rated events but knows that can quickly change.

“There are only six, six-star events this year so basically if you win one you probably qualify,” Anderson said.

“This is probably the best start to a year I have had. Ninth is not really a keeper but it’s not a throwaway result either. If I had a win now I would maybe need a ninth and fifth to get me through.

“But obviously the more you finish in the top eight the better your chances are and if you are reaching the quarter-finals consistently then you are probably going to make it.”

The best five contest results count towards qualification and only the top six surfers from the qualifying series make it through to the top tier each year.

Anderson has used a two-month break since her last contest to prepare for events in Mexico and El Salvador next month and the natural-footer heads to Central America full of confidence.

“I finished third in Mexico last year and that was one of my best results ever, so I am pretty confident going back,” she said. “It is also a right-hand point break for both of the Central America events and I feel really comfortable on my forehand.”

The two remaining top-rated contests are in California in July then Spain in August.

This is the surfing instructor’s fifth year campaigning for a world championship tour berth on the qualifying series.