You will also notice when Woogie is punching into the swell, he follows the rhythm of the ocean by shortening or quickening his stroke to maintain the glide. By timing the stroke to reach over the back of the wave, he gains stability and is in the best position to pull the nose down to stop launching and to take advantage of the run off the back of the wave. This technique is common both to SUP and OC1 and will pay dividends in speed if you learn to do this. Woogie probably doesn't even have to think about it, having spent so much time on the ocean in the past, he's just doing what he has to do to maintain maximum forward motion.
Approaching the wave at a slight angle also helps maintain glide when combined with the above shortening/quickening technique, the effect is some what like a sea-saw when you walk the plank over the pivot point and it drops down the other side.

Cheers Rambo

Woogie, thanks for your response, much appreciated feedback. I might give you a buzz soon to come visit you up Noosa way for a stroke correction/technique lesson.
Thanks to everyone else for their tips too.

Here's a vid on the race, not much SUP but gives you an idea of the cross-wind conditions.




This board is now for sale if anyone is interested, see buy&sell section or pm me