After 20 odd years as a shortboarder I've just brought my first sup a 9'7 psh hull ripper been paddling flatwater for few days feeling pretty balanced and just tried surf for first time what a humbling experience. Was 2' max but very choppy , couldn't paddle standing was getting knocked off sideways ( any tips ?) Secondly struggled to get board on rail falling wave side of board ? Finally how to tell if foot over fins with no tail block on traction. Know it will take time but some pointers in right direction be appreciated

Practice practice practice.

I usually buy a tail block or full tail pad and trace it, then cut out the grip, remove glue residue and then
put the tail pad in. IMO the tail blocks that come standard are usually a few inches too far back for my
riding style, taking into account the fin positions etc so I find this helps.

When paddling in also helps to switch to a diagonal surf stance to increase forward/backwards balance
as the wave approaches.

Avoid the crowds, be aware of others in the water and keep yourself and others in the water safe.

Time on flat water will make wonders.

You need to realize that paddling technique is not as obvious as it seems. You must train to paddle on flat water, read articles and see videos explaining the paddling stroke, and train pretending you are catching a wave on flat water, ideally with some ripple to act as "waves", doing u-turns, changing hands, etc... Technique come fast, but you must learn it.

Chop is also hell on SUP, try to practice in glassy conditions.

I found that it takes real time to get to the point where standing and paddling on a SUP feels 'natural'(9 weeks plus).

Keeping knees bent and leaning forward as the wave picks you up seems to help also. Paddling at an angle so you are staight when the wave reaches you is another tip. Usually you intially seem to have a preference on which side you prefer to paddle irrespective of which direction the wave is breaking. This seems OK to me. Once the wave picks you up your shortboard skills will come into their own.

Matt this video might be helpfull. These boards need to be surfed off the tail, hard.

Thanks for all the tips really helpful just installed tail pad what a mission just had second surf after 4 days of flat water still dunking heaps but was a little better

Keep the hull ripper for sure.....but mayb buy a wider fatter board to build up your "standing up in the surf zone" skills.....even if its on its last legs

way easier when there is no chop on the surface.