Best way to work into surfing the face?

[spabo]

Been surfing for a few months, started on a 9"2' tri-fin longboard that was fun, but i was ready to move on so started borrowing friends boards to get a feel for what i like. Anyways, i have a 8" Infinite Secret Weapon and a 5"8' quad-fin fish that ive mainly been using. Ive been having a blast on the fish, but ive still been surfing mainly mushy white wash everyday.

Its killing me because i nice swell just hit and ive had to resort to bodyboarding with friends on the mornings that i was 4-6ft. Boogying just fueled my desire to get better at surfing even more, but im still having trouble surfing anything with a face.

Im really just curious what is the best way to teach myself? Should i just start going for every outside break that i can, getting pounded until i learn? Or are there better ways to learn?

[Rickyroughneck]

Yeah, keep trying to paddle out.

A good way to start catching unbroken waves is to surf when they are small, they move slower so are easier to catch.

[tony g]

Hello spabo,
I would suggest trying to go to surf spots where the waves are slow to break, or even mushy. Try to stay away from hollow beach breaks, or reefs where the waves are hollow steep and fast. This will make it much easier to learn and also reduce your payments (getting worked ).
As you get better on the slow peeling waves you can then start to slowly work your way into the hollower faster waves.

[billie_morini]

spabo's queries, "Best way to work into surfing the face?"
billie responds, "Dunno. I try to avoid work when possible."