First, this is a Hobie 16 we're talking about here right?

Weather-vaning is pretty much what you're doing by shifting for and aft, to get the tramp to catch the wind and rotate the boat. I'm also big on having my crew stay on the boat, pulling the righting line to keep it from turtling, while I hop into the water at the bows and play anchor to slow the front end down, so the rest of the boat turns to about 45 degrees to the wind

however, I'm curious about what you're saying:

You can get a Hobie 16 up by yourself and keep it up broadside to the elements (say some pretty serious wind and waves): okie dokie please explain a bit more, and also, this jib trick - you're pulling the traveller into the water?

Mr Curious