As an experienced SUP-surfer and open-ocean paddler there are 2 tips I would recommend to everyone.

Tip 1:

Use the buddy system.  The ocean is a fickle beast and you never know what could happen.  It is always nice to have a helping hand when you need it most!  I have plenty of stories of how having a friend in the water saved my boards, and even life!  I remember during last years El Nino swell, I was caught inside, after my paddle had been pulled out of my hands and dragged out to sea.  If alone my only option would be to leave my paddle and hope I could properly maneuver my way back to shore by HAND!  Lucky for me my friend Tom made his way in and out of the swell to retrieve my paddle so that I could safely return to our surf session.  Boy was I glad I had a friend!

Tip 2:

Never forget the waves behind you.  Some people become forgetful when exiting the water and make a last ditch effort to paddle in as quickly as possible.  Remember the timing of the sets and use it to your advantage.  Send it in right after a set arrives for a push from the oceans currents and to avoid any sneaky sets that are off from their normal timing.  We just had to do a repair on a "nose-planted" board of a customer who forgot about the sets on his way back in!  This tip could save you and your board from injury!