What are a few guidelines for a novice surfer?

Question

What are a few guidelines for a novice surfer?

Answer 1

Practice a lot and plan to surf during the cooler months, don't go out into the main lineup until you can catch waves on your own and turn comfortably, always watch for others both on the wave and in front of you, don't take off when someone else is closer to the peak and already on the wave, don't talk the talk until you can walk the walk, and finally, pray for surf.  You might want to read a book like Shaun Thompson's The Surfers Code for inspiration.

Answer 2

stay out of the way of more experienced surfers and be cool

Answer 3

do not steal any other surfers waves, dont go out in conditions you cannot handle, and buy a large floaty board to begin with, then buy a smaller board when youre more experienced.

Answer 4

Do not start surfing, thats the best advice I can give a novice surfer, or just stay away from sharks......they bite!