Yes that type of thing worries me too as I'm not a very good swimmer. If I can't catch it in the first 40m I'm gone..

Were you wearing a buoyancy vest? I have a Neil Pryde - helps with waterstarting, keeps you warmer and you can store some stuff in the pocket..
I only sail on Lakes these days..
I went out off Coal pt in 25 kts once and I did a jump and the rig separated from the board..the board was facing downwind and took off at warp speed. I grabbed the rig. Luckily I was only 100m from the launch so I managed to swim in ok dragging the rig.
Someone in a boat went out and got the board..it was several kms away almost at Wangi Pt..

I'm a bit loath to try chop hops for that reason..If I stuff it up and the rig goes on a merry jaunt without me.