Surfing Waves

So I fell on my shoulder a bunch of times while snowboarding and now it appears I developed a tear, probably not a full separation, but I will have to see an orthopedist.
Anyone has experience with this kind of injuries? When should I expect to be able to get back in the water, assuming it's not a full tear?
Any remedies to help one surf with this injury?

I have never had that injury or know anyone who has but from a physics point of view that seems bad. Your shoulder is what you paddle with. Make sure you ask the orthopedist how to approach a return to surfing.

My son has had that injury on both shoulders and has had a double total reconstruction on one.
There are a number of considerations,
firstly a partial tear often heals with a thicker but less elastic tendon so correct and devoted physical therapy is vital to gaining as much of the original movement as possible.
Attention must be paid to the whole of the groups muscles and tendons surrounding the injured shoulder and they should be redeveloped in a balance that keeps the structure of the shoulder in correct alignment. ( this slows down wear and tear in the actual joint)
Appropriate medication to ease pain and lessen inflammation is vital too but they only cover the issue, so attention is needed for what i have already said.

massage and tissue work can lessen scar tissue that can inhibit full function of the muscles around the shoulder and into the neck and midback.
Doctors Physiotherapist, Chiropractor, massage therapist all need to know that you surf and your aim is surf again.
You may have to acquaint them with what is actually required in both paddling and popping up so they can help you work towards recovering that.
They need to either work together or have your permission to talk to each other about how they will manage your case.
You may get a time frame for recovery, don't rush back, the injury you could do on top of what you have will be more severe.

Meanwhile get smart, work on fitness and flexibility in other non injurious ways.
Some of the shoulder exercises you get may be progressive swimming follow the schedule.

A caution under no circumstances do ballistic shoulder stretches.
get shown slow, release stretch techniques and use them as advised .
There are Chinese liniments and balms that also help the healing, and they can be useful.
just consider allergies.
I'm giving this as general advice as I have not actually seen your injury and seen the limitations it has placed on you.

Thanks for the informative post Jaffa. I am seeing an orthopedist on Wednesday.

Jaffa has good info. I have had both shoulders reconstructed as well as a few trims on each side. make sure you do what the doctor says. The rehab part is critical. It's boring and it's takes time. Like time every day as well as time to build your shoulder up so you won't get hurt again, whether you require surgery or not. sometimes rest and ice will do it. Some doctors will make you do months of therapy and then do surgery, very time consuming. As far as when you will be back on the water, after my last surgery I was paddling slalom in 4 weeks. After my first surgery it took 5 months. You might just not be able to reach forward as far on each stroke at first. Do a search for OrthoInfo, the web site of the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons. Lots of good info there

fortunately, the doctor said it was minor. they did recommend some physical therapy, but I don't have time for it.
essentially he said I should go surfing and see how my arm feels.
so now I'm waiting for a good day

For crying out loud, PM, go to at least one session with the Physical Therapist, learn the exercises and do them yourself.
If you haven't got time to do the repair work on the minor tear, you will have heaps more down time if it worsens through neglect.
Do the exercises and approach the surfing with respect for your body.
If you want longevity in your surfing take care of you