While proving she can compete with the best in the world, Hawai'i's Carissa Moore says she isn't anticipating a professional surfing career anytime soon.

"I'm in ninth grade," Moore said today after losing to Australia's Chelsea Hedges, 11.33-6.70, in the final of the Roxy Pro Gold Coast in Coolangatta, Australia. "I'm going to finish school."

Moore, 14, became the youngest ever to compete in an Association of Surfing Professionals Women's World Tour final when she swept through the quarterfinals and semifinals today in 3- to 4-foot waves at Snapper Rocks.

"I grew up watching Carissa develop as a surfer," said Hawai'i's Megan Abubo, who fell to Moore in the quarterfinals, 16.50-7.64. "She's only 14 years old and I think she is the most progressed female surfer even at that age."

Moore dispatched Australia's Rebecca Woods, 15.43-10.50, to reach the final heat against the 23-year-old Hedges, who was competing at what amounts to her home break.

"I really wanted to win here because I've never won at Snapper before and my family was on the beach, too, so I'm pretty amped," Hedges said. "I was waiting for Carissa to grab a bomb (set wave) and score a 9.0 or something but luckily for me she didn't."

Moore received a score of 9.33 (out of 10) against both Abubo and Woods, but struggled in the final heat in which her top wave score was 3.43.

"It's always difficult when you draw a darkhorse or any of the younger girls because they surf so crazy these days, they have so much drive," Hedges said. "Carissa is a great surfer and the next few years are going to be unbelievable for her."

Moore, an amateur, had to win a separate trials event to earn a spot in the 2007 ASP Tour opener.

"I was just excited to be out there," Moore said. "I was a little nervous, but just excited. I'm totally stoked with the turnout and I'm just really happy for Chelsea — she did awesome. Just being able to surf out at Snapper with some of the best girls in the world, it was just really nice."

Honing her competitive edge in various trials and junior events, Moore eliminated seven-time ASP World Champion Layne Beachley in the third round Saturday, before ousting former World No. 2 Abubo and 2005 ASP Rookie of the Year Woods earlier today.

"I feel so stoked and honored to be surfing with all these girls," Moore said. "I had a blast and it was really exciting. Most of all it was just an honor and just the opportunity to be out there was just awesome and I wouldn't trade if for anything in the world."

Meanwhile, the Quiksilver Pro Gold Coast meet, with Hawai'i's Bruce Irons and Pancho Sullivan still competing, had the day off.

The Association of Surfing Professionals Web site contributed to this report.