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Weaving around razor-sharp snags protruding out of murky river water while being propelled at speeds of up to 120km/h isn’t most peoples idea of fun.
But Cody Rigg, third-placed finisher in the Southern 80 water ski race, which claimed its second life in two years on Sunday, is unperturbed.
“It (possibility of tragedy) doesn’t come into it at all – I have total faith in my crew and trust them with my life,” said Mr Rigg, who clocked a personal-best time during the weekend race.
The Sydney-based competitor, who has been skiing since he was eight-years-old, said the adrenaline and the feeling on freedom on water was unparalleled.
“I love it, it’s my passion – my whole life, basically,” he said.
The Murray River, littered with tree stumps and narrow corners, was a daunting task for the unprepared, Mr Rigg said.
“It’s completely different water to what i'm used to, full of debris.
“If I hadn’t done the preparation i’d be worried.”
Unfortunately, Mr Rigg, 23, had a similar experience to Sunday’s tragedy while skiing in Sydney.
“It makes you wonder why you do it, but i'm still going to do it, it’s not going to phase me,” he said.
A meticulous planner, Mr Rigg said weeks of training helped prepare him for the annual event held in Echuca, which is the largest waterskiing race of it’s kind in the world.
“I train, I do everything I can to prepare mentally and physically, as do my crew – it’s a team sport,” he said.
The superclass skier, racing for the 99 Psycho Clowns Ski Racing and Powerboat Team, said his involvement in the sport has changed his life for the better.
The Sydneysider’s skills have helped him travel the world, from Belgium to the US.
“I never would have been where I have without ski racing.. it’s quite amazing,” said Mr Rigg, who supplements his skiing hobby by working full-time building race boats.
The annual river race in was suspended on Sunday after multiple injuries.
The most serious incident killed 50-year-old David Morabito, from Grose Vale in New South Wales.
That followed the death of a 51-year-old Sydney man in the 2016 race.