A BREATHING problem could not stop Tanyn Lyndon from a strong finish in the opening round of the Kellogg's Nutri-Grain Ironman Series in Western Australia.

The Lennox Head product finished the second round in fifth after a tough start on Saturday.

"I had a bit of a breathing problem," Lyndon said.

"I got through the first lap and came in to a bit of trouble at the second swim.

"I don't really know what happened; I just started to wheeze up in the chest and couldn't suck in any air.

"It dropped me from six to 14th, so I was a bit rattled by it, but as soon as I got my puffer I slowly picked up a couple of positions.

Defending champion Shannon Eckstein also struggled on the first day, finishing two spots ahead of Lyndon in eighth.

Eckstein finished first on Sunday with Ali Day, Ky Hurst and Jack Moyes ahead of Lyndon.

Lyndon goes into the second event at Surfers Paradise on the Gold Coast seventh overall.

"It was a lot better racing (Sunday) and I'm really looking forward to racing in Surfers and doing even better," Lyndon said.

Lyndon now lives on the Gold Coast and competes for Northcliffe Surf Lifesaving Club.

He finished sixth last season and is competing in the series for the third time.

Meanwhile, former Lennox Head resident and Byron Bay Surf Lifesaving Club member Brodie Moir had a promising start to the year in the ironwoman.

The former Coolangatta Gold winner is bouncing back from a disappointing series last season and a knee injury.

She finished sixth on Saturday and is ninth overall.

"I went surprisingly well, I thought (on Saturday)," Moir said.

"I was aiming for top eight and considering my preparation and injuries, I'm happy with that.

"It hasn't been an ideal lead-up, but this gives me a confidence boost."