"What kind of crazy start is that?

That video shows a reach on both tacks."

Hi Bill,
That`s slalom racing, you reach between bouys, normally a lot closer together, and normally do more "laps". Also the course is mostly set with a cross-shore wind so the sailors are jumping waves out through the surf and then surfing them back in - the inside gybe mark is usually set in knee-deep water in the breakers. These boards are designed for a lot of speed, and don`t go upwind at all, the best you can do with them is close reach. But pull one off the wind and go on a broad reach, and expect to be afraid.... Try not to break ankles in a wipeout though.
The start is a gate start, and I`d agree, it looks crazy !