Good lessons for launching in the surf.  It's in a sea kayak, but still applicable to SOTs.
Key point was lack of focus on the launch and worrying about things he had little control over once he pushed off.  Since there's nothing he could control after the push-off, the focus should be only on doing that well.  It points out the importance of having the kayak set up for the launch WELL before touching the water.  BEFORE getting in the water forget about the gear and focus only on the mission at hand, the surf, sand, current, waves, etc.  There's always surprises, but prepare before the launch so you're only thinking about one thing at the water edge, getting past the rollers.