Hugh (left) and George Donaldson are in Australia this weekend competing as part off the New Zealand Open Waterski Team. Photo supplied.Ashburton’s water-skiing dynamos, the Donaldson twins, are set to take on the world again, but this time, they’re in the big leagues.

Hugh and George Donaldson jetted off to Australia yesterday as part of a 14-strong Kiwi contingent to compete at the Oceania Championships for the New Zealand Open Waterski Team at Latrobe, just out of Melbourne.

The competition will see two teams of six, plus a reserve for each team made from the 14-member squad and they will compete in the open and over-35 titles during the competition.

Age group stars up until this point, it’s a step up in competition for the Donaldson twins at Latrobe.

Both made podiums at the last Asia-Oceania championships, where Hugh won gold overall and George took the bronze in the under-17 boys championship, but now they take on the open grade, they are expected to face some stiff competition – particularly from the local Australian side.

“We’re expecting it to be tough,” said mum, Janeen Donaldson, who is also the New Zealand Oceania team manager.

“Particularly from the Australians.

“Their best chances of making the finals cut-offs are likely in the tricks or jumps.”

The competition will also see some independent international skiers in action in the open competition as they ready themselves for the Moomba Championships which are held on the Yarra River next week.

Some Kiwis will stay on for the Moomba, but Hugh and George are returning to New Zealand and getting back to their studies as they both complete their final year at Ara this year.

Donaldson said returning to Latrobe felt a bit like going full circle for the family.

“Karl was the first Donaldson selected to a NZ ski team back in 2007 and he and Neil (father) went over for the annual OZ-Kiwi challenge.

“Now we’re returning 12 years later for the Oceanias with the twins at the top of their ski careers.”

The Latrobe skiing set-up is built on a power station lake, and with it being an inland site, the temperatures are expected to be soaring and the prospect of minimal wind has everyone involved hopeful of some high scores throughout the course of the competition.

By Matt Markham © The Ashburton Guardian - 28 February 2019