What is the first thing you need to know when learning how to surf

Learn the ''rules'' of the ocean. For example, rip tides, currents, where the dangerous parts of reef may be. Surfing is really fun.but there is much more you need to know than just how to catch a wave or how to balance.and if you do not know these things.it could cost you your life.

first, be in good physical shape and be confident in your swimming abilities.
improve your balance and be prepared to practice and sometimes fall off your board. but it is all part of the learning process. be open to learning new things.
know the un-spoken rules of local surf breaks, respect other surfers as well as the ocean.

Three things you learn before surfing:
1. Learn how to respect the power of the ocean
2. Learn how to not endanger others
3. Learn how to keep yourself safe

The bottom line here is you need to learn about ocean safety.

You need to get into shape & u need to learn the etiquette of surfing.

To get into shape I'd recommend push ups or bench presses to get ur pecs in shape so u can push yourself up to stand, & pull ups or lat pulls to strengthen ur lats for paddling.

You can also work on improving ur balance by using an Indo Board:
http://beachtrading.com/original-indo-board.html

As far as etiquette, do not get in other people is way, (it is rude as well as dangerous)! Hang onto ur board - just because u have a leash does not mean it can not hit someone!

Here is a great article l always recommend to beginners called ''Learn How To Surf In One Day'':
http://beachtrading.com/learn-how-to-surf.html

Good luck & have fun!

if you see a big gray dorsal fin sticking out of the water.swim away as fast as you can

How to get to a shop to buy a board!

Do not listen to any of the morons who answered ur very good question EXCEPT the guy who calls himself ''J''. He is absolutely correct. Study the ocean, how it works, how it changes. Master ur surroundings & know ur place. Find the local spot where others r learning as well. DO NOT go out & mix with the advanced crowd. You might hurt yourself or even worse, someone else. Watch & learn from that crowd from the beach. Start slow, & u be that much wiser, skilled, safer, & u will have a lot more fun! That is what we're out there to do anyway, right? Happy hunting. Do not forget. keep those knees bent when ur on ur feet & ur feet together when ur on ur belly. Mahalo.

how to swim, paddle, get up. and you need to know what to do if you're in a rip current, or if there are big waves etc. yeah, then surfing gets fun!!!