Yes down the line means your facing the wave, going downwind, but it doesn't have to be off shore to do that.
In Mark's case it probably was.

In Esperance it's possible to wave a seabreeze that's cross off, due to the angle of the coast. (side off means you power up down the line, and you can get good air off the lip, also the waves aren't as choppy)

Here the seabreeze is side side on, which works quite well down the line, ( power almost neutral down the line, don't power up, don't power down) not as nice as side side off, but still good fun.

If the waves have a bit of power, side on is ok too (down the line you depower a bit), but you have to watch you don't get backwinded when hitting the lip.

In strong winter wind and waves here at gearie's some guys can sail down the line in side on on, they have to sail clew first to do it but, and it's more surfing the wave than sailing it.
Once it's this far onshore I find it much better going up the line.

Hey Nebbian, 12-15knts isn't flukey, water starting isn't a problem even with a smalish wave sail, don't know what Mark uses, but my biggest is 5.3.
Once it drops below 10, then the problems start!

Still sounds like fun Mark, head high on the head isn't too bad.
And Nebian, that's the down side of off shore, powered up on the wave, but when you turn off the back you can really struggle, to get back out.

Roger that

Noting else would have done it with me at 87kg. .... well some boards would have but prolly wouldn't turn so well