l get intimidated by any wave over 6.5 ft faces. I am going to start surfing bigger, but l can only hold my breath for 35 seconds and i'm not the best swimmer.Can anyone give me advice on lung-capacity training or any other useful info?

youll be fine. the main thing is not to panic because it uses up oxygen. go out with someone experinced it helps alot. dont go too big too quick. and go out on a clean day where you can easily tell when the sets are. find a point on the beach or wheever so you can make sur eyou are in the right place. good luck! it might feel like your being held under for a long time. but your not most hold downs are like 10 seconds max.

Holding ur breath underwater in the pool or calm seas versus in the middle of the trauma of getting hammered by a gnar-gnar wave is totally different.

The main thing is u have to find a way to remain calm. Panicking burns a ton of oxygen. So if u need to, think about staying loose underwater. Try things like counting how many times u rolled underwater, or counting how many waves passed over you.

For training, swimming is great, as is running on sand to reduce the impact on ur joints. Controlling ur breathing while running or swimming is key to training ur body to function with less oxygen. Slowing ur breathing while running is great as it forces ur body to adapt. Running underwater with a rock is an advanced way to train, but DO NOT try it without a training partner as u can black out very easily.

Interval training will help ur endurance greatly while running. Sprint for 30 seconds, jog for 60, sprint for 30, jog for another 60, etc.

Brudda, start running. The better shape you in, the longer you can hold your breath. Exercises and stay in shape.
Sounds strange just for surfing, but it really helps.
And no panic when you get pounded, stay calm. Most times
you wo not drown. You no like da chicks see you get dragged out of da water by the life guards eh?