Surfing Waves

Newbie heading to monterey CA and looking to surf. On an 8' foamie. Waves at Asilomar are 8 foot and I suspect I'm out of my league there. Any advice? Del Monte beach is said to be better for beginners.

Also passing through Santa Cruz and want to try the Hook, but its supposedly soooo crowded and the locals are jackasses (I'm told)

So go to capitola warf south of the hook. You park right downtown. It’s a more chill smaller wave and more beginner friendly.