Thanks guys.
It's an 8km run from west to east but we did maybe 2km only due to the conditions - an hours prep for a 20 minute run - but a great experience.
Read the GoPro web page info and yes, there are silicon implants available but currently on back order which is not ideal......so, you pay for the camera and case and then pend more on a product that only has a relatively short shelf life then you have to buy more - not ideal IMO - and not happy about it. At least it's not my camera or case. Might buy the case with the open back for my helmet on downwind / river runs as chances of it getting wet are next to none.
Tony rode the Laird 14' well but it was agreed that it probably has the capability of a fun downwind run at 20 knots max and not 30-45 like y'day - it was obviously slower than the 16 & 17' - he had a 300 metre headstart and we caught him no problems.....BUT, it's a brilliant board for cruising and FUN peeling surf, family outings and light downwind runs - that's why I have one as does my wife.
So, Port Hacking downwinder next Saturday afternoon so it seems with the PM's running through my inbox - bring it on !

Thanks again for your replies to the topic guys.