Surfing Waves

I was told by a doctor to lose weigh, which has in turn made me want to take a passion (I love surf movies), and actually go do it. I've dled an app to get me started on what to expect from surf lessons I'm gonna take soon, and learn some terms so I don't feel totally noob when I'm ask if i'm goofy footed or natural and such. But after looking over the app and this site as well as others, I don't see much on preparing for surfing, as in stretching and diets if anyone is on them. Its always a good idea to stretch and exercise since surfing is a sport and sports require training to do well. But all I see is "do this type" but not some that people recommend. So any help in what stretching or exercises you all recommend or do to help me get in better shape to get the most out of surfing? Thanks in advance to any who reply. (And for the record, I am also talking to my doctor about this, but since you guys actually surf, I figure you ladies and gents have a better insight on what parts of the body is actually needed most and such.)

Core stability!
The thing that will be agonising painful if you're not prepared will be your lower back (from arching as you paddle) so anything that targets your core and your lower back is a good idea.

You'll need to train your shoulders too, but for endurance not strength, and time in the pool will do wonders for your aerobic fitness and your lungs.

Surfing hits pretty much every muscle, joint and tendon so all exercise that improves your fitness and your flexibility is a good idea.

Now stop looking at apps and get out there

Good luck with it.

thanks for the info. lol and i totally cant wait to get on a board even if its just learning to pop up on the beach. now back to exercising so i can lose this gut before it weighs me too much forward and i go head first over the board on a wave lol

Yoga has helped me to get stronger arms and core. And you def need both to surf. I just started learning to surf at the end of last summer and I noticed this summer I am better just by doing yoga all winter. Any body can do Yoga. Comcast on demand has great beginner yoga classes for free.
good luck

so yoga and pool time, sounds fun training to surf lol