Newbie question on running down wind and bailer

After 6 months of flat water paddling my new Epic V5 I had the opportunity to make a 2mile run down the bay with about 8 knot wind behind. I felt like I handled the waves pretty good. I did take some water down into the well to the point where she became sluggish and needed to empty, which I was able to do. My question, do you attempt to, or is it possible when on a good run to leave the bailer open? Should you be able to run fast enough to have a constant emptying? Or will I get to comfort level of being able to reach down and flip it and close it later all while surfing the waves? Thank you...

Definitely leave the bailer open on a downwind run!

I tend to close the bailer on flat water and only open it when needed - but in waves I always leave it open.

I suspect that the difference in drag is so marginal that it's more a mental drawback than anything real - unless you're an elite paddler!

You should be able to open and close the bailer quite easily with a foot so as not to interrupt your stroke.