While Jess and his crew’s second place in the modified open cockpit (MOC) social is nothing to shirk at, Mark went one better with a first in the 60 miles per hour (mph) class and a third in the 60mph social as observer at the Bridge to Bridge Water Ski Classic last weekend.

“I’ve been letting him know, too,” Mark said with tongue in cheek.

“It doesn't happen very often.”

While Mark was chuffed about the win, he also said things didn’t go his son’s way.

Jess’ crew claimed the fourth fastest overall return time on the first day before a stroke of bad luck hurt the crew’s chances on day two.

Roughly 40 kilometres into the second race, Jess’ partner hurt his ankle which saw the team forced to finish the race at a leisurely pace.

Instead of focusing on the negatives, Jess flipped it and turned the run into an enjoyable one.

“There wasn’t any stress on us anymore,” Jess said.

“We had a nice, easy ride home. It was a bit disappointing but it’s nothing worth stressing over.”

For Jess the physical toll a race takes can be brutal but the mental strength needed by driver, skier and observer is monumental.

Mark is essentially the driver’s eyes out the back of the boat and the safety of the crew – mainly the skiers – is in his hands.

He said it’s something he has gotten used to

“The most stressful part is looking after your skiers,” Mark said.

“If one of them falls off, it’s probably my fault.

“It gets a bit draining but that race (Bridge to Bridge) wasn't too bad because we didn't get caught in a lot of traffic.

“You just try to watch your skiers as close as you can, try not to miss a signal from them and let them and the driver know when boats are coming.”

The Spencers will be back into it this weekend before taking a break.

They are set to miss two events early next year – one being the nationals – before hitting the water in February.

The Griffith skiers have their eye on the Southern 80 which is held from February 10-12 and hosted by the Moama Water Sports Club.