Flip 57, instead of heading up into the wind when a puff comes on, keep going straight, just ease the mainsheet a foot or two, to keep the hull from coming up too high. You should be looking over your shoulder to see the puffs coming so you can unclete the main and be ready to ease it as the puff hits.

You should not have to use one hand to hold onto the stay, ever. Instead, spread your legs about 2 feet apart at the base, lean your weight towards the back of the boat, bend your leg but keep your front leg straight, that will keep you from being launched to the front of the boat if you do stuff the lee bow into a wave. Are you wearing rubber sole booties or sneakers so you won't be slipping-sliding around? That helps alot. It may save you a cut on your foot too.