You have paddled out to the line up and are ready to catch a wave, what do you do next?

Sit near the shoulder of the wave; it is a better spot for beginners. If the waves are super small you could sit on or close to the peak. Try to choose a wave that has not broken yet.

As the wave approaches look around for other surfers paddling for the same wave.

If other surfers are going for the same wave, wait for the next one, waves come in sets and waiting for the second or third wave pays off.

When ready turn and point your surfboard toward shore. Center your body with feet near the end to maintain the board's momentum.

Take a deep breathe and paddle as hard as you can in the direction of the shore. Continue to look left and right for other surfers.

Continued

The wave's energy will carry you up and forward, grab the rails near your waist and get ready to pop up.

After you have glided to the bottom of the wave, stand up smoothly with your feet coming up under your upper torso with knees bent, focus straight aheaduse your peripheral vision so you know what's around you.

If you are catching a wave in the whitewater, surfing straight toward the beach is a good start.  But if you are catching the wave at the peak where the more experienced surfers are, it is best to angle your board away from the peak approximately 30 degrees and stay with the peeling portion of the wave.

As your wave ends, slowly ease yourself back down onto your board and paddle back to the lineup by going to either the left or right of the peak or white water to avoid other surfers.