Surfing Waves

I'm a rookie and have taken some pretty healthy wipe outs. Any suggestions on best body position in the water? When caught in the power of a wave I try to either relax and cover my head, or I ball up in the fetile position. Any suggestions as to what is best?

the best thing to do is definatly to relax and not fight for the surface as this just wears you out.it sounds like your doing things right any way.
surf mello