Not always possible, but that is the best way to do it in ideal conditions. If it's honking at 20+ and you've got nasty swell, expect to crash & burn a few times.

And you can get at least a season of hard racing out of most spins, unless someone goes through it (or it snags on something) in a wreck. I've got one that's been through about 2 racing seasons (distance & bouy)and the 2001 (?) Worrell, but it is a bit on the baggy side....