Eckstein wins ironman series opener

Surf lifesaving legend Shannon Eckstein has taken a step towards claiming his ninth surf ironman series victory after taking out on Saturday's round one.

Eckstein, nicknamed the 'Professor', produced a clinical performance to break the tape in front of Matt Bevilacqua and defending champion Ali Day at Coolum Beach on Queensland's Sunshine Coast.

The Gold Coast-based 32-year-old went into the series with a point to prove after being pipped by Day by one point for last season's title.

"I felt good. I felt as though I controlled the races. Even though it was flat, I still tried to put together a good race," Eckstein said.

Rookie Kirsty Higgison produced a massive boilover to win the women's race.

Competing just down the road from her home beach of Noosa, the 22-year-old upset Victoria's Harriet Brown and clubmate Jordan Mercer.

Higgison, the daughter of Olympic silver medal-winning swimmer Karen Phillips, caught a wave during the swim leg to snatch a surprise win.

"I thought it was going to be a sprint finish. I stuck with them as long as I could and tried to relax because swimming is my worst leg," Higgison said.

"I've done a lot of swimming work with Michael Sage this off-season and I just put my head down and sprinted as fast as I could."

Defending champion Liz Pluimers finished fifth.

Round two will take place on Sunday at Coolum.