Style Points: The goals of surfing

Here are a few examples of what not to do while surfing:

Style Evolution: Wipeout!

If you are just starting out and still learning the basics of surfing then please surf on small days in safe surroundings. Don't be this guy... 

Some guy learning to surf on the wrong day

If you are just starting out and still learning the basics of surfing then I recommend doing some homework first. Do some research about what it takes to learn how to surfing. Youtube.com is one of the easiest was to get instructional videos for free. Something like this might help you:

Trailer - 110% Surfing Techniques Volume 1