Thanks, Eric, great explanation.

So if I understand you, the wave itself tries to turn you upwind, kind of like a wave induced weather helm, and initially, you need to anticipate and counter that to keep from broaching. Then as you get closer to the trough you stay on the same wave by heading up slightly. The only thing that's not clear is that if you head up slightly to try to stay on the same wave, I would think that would power you up which would cause you to just sail onto the next wave (diaganally) through the trough?

Also, if you WANT to sail onto the next wave, is it generally preferable to do that by heading up slightly so you don't hit the next wave head on and sail up it's back more powered up?

Thanks,

Jerry