Is that the small pool noodle wrapped around the end of the boom? Sometimes the clew ends up on the surface, but the mast tip points almost straight down - guess one could stick another pool noodle around the top of the mast?

I've never used one, but it looks like it could save a few seconds of time. Basically the time it takes to shove the back of the board under the boom in order to re-float the sail

Works a treat I didn't purchase the actual one, but used a modified pool noodle, strapped around clew end. Had it slotted into a small clothh pocket with velcro straps to get it on and off easy.
The latest from Clark Rubber, have a pool noodle with a hole down the centre. Slides on the arms of a boom real easy. Use this for biggg sails at start of season when the arms and physical isn't that flash.

I'm all outta gear man!

Ok the trick to 'flying' a sail, easily, before you waterstart is:

1. Lift it out of the water at the top of the mast/mast tip. Always. It's easy-peasy up there.

2. Try to make sure the mast side of the sail is on the windward/windy side, ie it's pointing the right way.

If not it is often easier to swim it around to the other side of the board, get if flying (see #1), and flip it before you water start.

Sometimes it is possible to get it flying the wrong way and it'll flip all of a sudden for you. Easy to handle when you're at the top of the mast, eh?

Once you get the top of the sail out of the water the rest often pulls itself out too.

3. Waterstart slowly and carefully, else you'll be back in the water all over again. Stitch in time... yada yada.

Exceptions: If the rig ends up with the mast pointing straight down... too bad. You're gonna get a little tired. Getting fit can be a side effect of windsurfing.

Just remember rule #1, and the rest will fall into place anyway.

Swimming the sail across the water will make the clew float up much more than any buoyancy device... 5m of sail area being moved through water will tend to take the path of the least resistance... which is flat on the water

Ie don't lift the sail until the clew is on the surface, just take it for a swim. Often you don't have to swim that far - two good leg kicks and a tug is usually enough to get the clew to the surface - it only has to be moving relative to the water which is going downwind - then AND ONLY THEN another kick and throw it over your shoulder..

Noodle doodles, pftt.

Push tail of board under boom......instant liftage

If there is a gap cos you have a high boom, then hold on to back strap and use your arm as an extension of the board.

Easy peasey lemon squeezy