I'm pretty new to sailing in the waves.

Is it a good idea to wear life jacket?

Definitely not in any sort of proper wave or shore break. You could never submerge your rig to get under waves and like wise couldn't swim under any waves. If you aren't confident to swim in the surf it would be best to wait until you are.

since you are doing forward loops I would say no.

You can get away with a j.p. impact vest .they offer a tiny bit of flotation.