POTTSVILLE surfer Brittani Nicholl has helped her Australian side to a ninth overall finish at the INS International Surfing Association (ISA) World Surfing Games in Costa Rica.

Surfing in water reaching temperatures of 30 degrees, Nicholl and the team featuring Kingscliff surfer Codie Klein, pushed 25 other countries to secure the result.

Nicholl said while the event was tough in the testing conditions, it helped her find some "rhythm” after spending the best part of a year off the board.

"It was a tough run, but it was good to find some rhythm throughout the days I surfed,” Nicholl said.

"The entire team surfed well, and ability wise we all had the talent to contend for a world title, but unfortunately we didn't walk away with the results we'd hoped for.”

Nicholl also competed in the open women's section, which was taken out by American surfer Tia Blanco.

"I found myself a little nervous, but soon warmed into it and, although I found myself teamed up against by two opponents, I fought back and continued to make several more heats throughout the contest,” Nicholl said.

Nicholl made it through to the fourth round before going down to eventual bronze medal winner, French woman Pauline Ado.

"It wasn't the result I was aiming for, but I am thankful to be back in the water and I am so grateful to have had the opportunity to represent my country and take part in such a prestigious event,” Nicholl said.

The games kicked off in the Costa Rican town of Jaco on August 6, with an opening ceremony where competitors from each nation mixed sand from their respective countries.

"It was extremely hot, boiling, but it was awesome to see all of the locals cheer us on and support us as we walked,” Nicholl said.

Nichol is now in Pantin, Spain competing in a QS6000 World Qualifying Series event as she continues her push back up the surfing ranks after ill-health.