I probably could give you some "tips" but you don't learn surfing over the computer, you learn in in the water. You can't learn how to ride a bike on the computer, and you surely can't read a book and learn how to surf. I could say my first tip on how to surf is to be at home in the ocean. It doesn't matter how fast you can swim in a pool or run on a track, it matters how well can you swim in a rip current in overhead waves.There are way too many dangerous people in the water now. They are a danger to themselves and other surfers, don't join their ranks.
Lessons are the best way to start, unless you are a young adult or adolescent with surfing pals who can teach you . You have to learn surf etiquette (so the experienced surfers in the line up don't want to drown you), how to paddle and take off on a wave, and how to ride a wave. The last thing experienced surfers want is for inexperienced people to just grab a board, rush into the surf and get in our way.
Lessons shorten the learning curve significantly. And they help keep ignorant, un-prepared kooks out of the water and out of the way of more experienced surfers. Lessons can come from friends and family. I taught my kids and grandkids and a bunch of nieces and nephews
Beginners should take advantage of renting boards and wetsuits while taking lessons. If it turns out you don't like surfing, you haven't wasted a whole lot of money on gear that you are not going to use. When you are ready to buy, don't waste your time on line, go to a good local surf shop to discuss your size (weight is import, height isn't), skill level and local wave conditions. After almost 43 years of surfing, I still get my surfboard buying advice from good local shops in the places where i surf.
If I lived near you, I would be glad to spend some time in the water with you, helping you out. But this isn't the kind of advice you can get/give on line. No matter what anybody tells you. Good luck!