getting big wave+shortboard training on the US East coast

[pmcaero]

Over here, Northeast, we don't get many days above 3 ft, and my break gets pretty messy when it hits above that mark. Which means that on days like today, I am totally out of my element.
I'm in my 30s and I want to make the most of my surfing, so was wondering if there are advanced surfing lessons for going out in big waves on a shortboard.
Preferably on the US East coast, and maybe a trip I could take during the winter, so somewhere down south.

[IB_Surfer]

yeah, travel!

Anywhere there is surf. Not necesarily expensive, I hear Puerto Rico from east coast is a good deal