I am fascinated by surfing and how it's such a great metaphor for *life*. You never know what kind of size or wave you'll be riding, moving forward on a crest or a deep face....
Strangely enough I'm actually a surfer I live right on the water in Maryland.  Have you ever been? 
Nooooo! But I'm curious if you've surfed both coasts and your experience? Or if you do/have done artificial wave pool type surfing?
Never in a pool. I grew up in northern Florida and moved north as I got older. Bigger waves on the west coast but more constant waves on the east coast. I have surfed in 2 great lakes and a number of rivers as well.
I absolutely think ocean first -- and it's wild to think you can also do so in lakes or rivers! Where do you find waves with the former?
I've surfed in all 5 great lakes. Lake Michigan was the best. As for river's most white water rivers has spots you can surf. The New River in WV has amazing surfing. 
You officially make me want to go. Honestly, the most I've done is body boarding -- and even then, I never stood up! I love the fitness aspect of surfing, too. 
Yes, it's a great work out. I was actually body boarding last weekend. Hurricane Chris is coming down the coast. Waves were not big enough for a surf board but perfect for a body board.