I have never been surfing, but it seems like a great way to get out and enjoy the ocean.
Yes it can be quite fun! Surfing is a popular water sport and surfers like to catch moving waves which carry the surfer towards shore. It can be an exciting feeling riding the waves!
Do you know much about the best places to surf?
In general surfing is usually done in the ocean, but you can actually surf in rivers and lakes as well. One of my favorite places for that is San Diego!
In rivers and lakes?  How in the world do they have enough of a wave to be able to surf?
There are sometimes standing waves or tidal bores that can also occur in lakes and rivers surprisingly enough. 
wow - that sure is interesting -perhaps that would be a good place for a beginner surfer to learn.
You also have another option as a beginner. You can use artificial waves made by a machine in wave pools. 
We have a place near us that does wakeboarding - I know that's not the same but I guess it would at least get you up on a board.
If it helps, wave pools are often found in water parks, there might be one near you that you can try.