What is the best way to determine where waves are?

[cre8]

I'm joining the NAVY and in my paid vacation time, I want to sped it surfing the WORLD! As a former snowboarder, I know about the differences in seasons on both sides of the equator, but as a newfound surfer, I want to make sure that if I fly to someplace like south africa or france i wont be spending my precious little time in the wrong place.

Thanks for any replies,
T