going downwind in following seas can be a bit tricky for a noobie. When I started sailing in the stuff, I'd be afraid my bows would bury themselves while reaching, so I'd bear off more DDW. Problem is, in following seas, that will put your bows directly into the back of the wave. The trick is to play the sheet a bit and depower while you're bearing down, and DON'T heat it up until you're on top of the wave again