Hey,
I'm new in this forum, but I used to check this website a lot! I'm starting to surf on a shortboard, and it took me 3 weeks to catch a wave and pop up! Surfing 3 or 4 times a week depending on the weather. Its just patience and practice!! When I was just about to get really sad and tired, the next day I went surfing and I took almost every wave that I wanted. I don't know how or why, that day I just discovered everything in my head and watching other surfers. Now I'm working on the turns and stuff! Everyday you get better even thoug you don't notice! Hehehe. Keep watching surf and your moral up! Give yourself a challenge and start with shortboard! I'm still challenging myself Hehehe!! I've been surfing for 1 month and a week I think. I'm 20 years old, about 5'7 and my board is 5'10 x 19 x 2 3/8 used!!