Surf Launch

[dtf]

New to this sport, so the learning curve is severe. Have made two beach launches, and each time I'm coming in, just before I jump out to grab the bow line, I toss the paddle which is on a leash. Seem like it is hard on the paddle, must be a better way. What would an experience person do?

Also read a post about deploying the drift shut. I can see good and possible bad things happening.