I know what you are saying about pig boards. Those big plastic ones are the closest I would get to wind surfing! However, you can make useful, smaller wooden ones that are handy. Another advantage you have over many of us is that you probably have another worker on site who can help, will miss you, you can shout for in an emergency, so a pig board in some situations could make a big difference if working in isolation.
I respect entirely your decision about the sow.