Surfing Waves

When catching steeper waves, how do you keep your board from tilting at a sharp angle downward before you stand up? I've been catching steeper waves now, but every now and then before i can stand up my board will tilt downward and a steep angle and shoot down the face before i can stand. Is it because I'm catching the wave to late?

Instead of going straight down the face, you need to be cutting across the face already, even when your paddling to catch the wave.
You will need more experience to take a late drop straight down the face.

Is it because I'm catching the wave to late?

Yes maybe, stand up earlier if poss to see if that solves the problem.

yea, i used to eat xxxxx when i took a steep wave on like i felt like i was falling down., then i noticed that everyone was catching the waves at an angle, i tried that and succeeded, or the water broke over me and ate more xxxxx..

I guess when it comes to catching steeper waves, you just have to keep eating X$%# until you get the hang of it. I need to get better at my timing especially when it comes to 6 foot waves or more. I get freaked out when i'm on top and have a habit of standing up to soon resulting in me not catching the wave at all or going over the falls and getting pounded. I guess I have to surf waves with a, "It's a good day to die," attitude.