Possible dangers of me starting out...

[Farno]

To get this back on topic!

I'd say go for it, stay in water you can stand up in, paddle on flat days and take the white water back to shore to get a feel of being carried along.My first few times i went out the swell was forecast at 4-5' so i just took waist deep white water back to shore. I wouldnt call myself a 'surfer' just yet, but i still head out when the forecast is 10'+ and just catch the white water. On learner friendly days 4-6' i now paddle right out. As a learner i find a leash very valuable, i dont what my board flying off and hurting someone.

Get a nice big longboard, one think your gonna need alot of is perseverance, its a hard sport but if you stick at it you'll get fitter and better at it.