Starting straight vs sideways

Hey guys, I learned to surf starting the waves straight to the beach and then turn. But I see a lot of people starting the wave already in the position they want to go like with an angle to the right or left depending where they want to go.
Just thinking of it I would think that taking the wave sideways would be a lil harder but don't know...
Which one's the way to go or would be better for some situation?
Thanks!
Just thinking of it I would think that taking the wave sideways would be a lil harder but don't know...
Which one's the way to go or would be better for some situation?
Thanks!