Australia's leading surfer on the men's tour Joel Parkinson has had enough of being the bridesmaid.

The Gold Coast-based 21-year-old led Australia's charge on the pro tour this year with two victories and a second place overall behind world champion Hawaiian Andy Irons.

But after arriving home carrying trophies for winning the Rip Curl Pro at Sunset Beach and being the most improved surfer on the tour, Parkinson was focussed on being No.1 next year.

"I don't want to be a Cheyne Horan or Gary Elkerton that ends up runner up for about five years in a row," he said.

"Runner up once is good enough but I'm over that."

While Layne Beachley has dominated the women's tour, Australian men have only won one world title in the past decade.

With eight of the top ten surfers on the tour this year being Australian the drought may end in 2003.

"There's always been a large volume of us but that top spot is pretty hard to get," said the Gold Coast's Luke Egan who finished third this year.

"We got every spot except No.1 so we'll have to work harder next year and make sure an Aussie takes it."

Sydney's Damien Hardman was crowned world champion in 1991 and the only Australian to win a title since was Mark Occhilupo in 1999.

Occy, who has also arrived home to the Gold Coast, finished tenth this year despite an ankle injury.

"I think next year one of the boys from up here (on the Gold Coast) should win. I really do," he said.

"They are just finding their feet right now and I reckon it will happen."

Rookie Mick Fanning ended the season in fifth place and believes he'll be better equipped to be a contender next year.

"It's a lot of learning curves for me being first year on tour. I made a lot of mistakes and next year I'll hopefully change them and do well," he said.

The momentum is swinging back towards Australia, according to Association of Surfing Professionals CEO and former world champion Wayne Bartholomew.

"It's been a long time since Australia got the top spot," he said.

"But the Australians are coming through with a new era."

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