There are alot of videos of the pro anglers on youtube in surf conditions. guys with different styles. I have noticed the return in, is the toughest. I believe that nose weight has a lot to do with the handling. Some guys if you watch have it down well though. One guys goes out far enough to install the drive and also hand paddels out through the waves. He says the mirage drive and the paddling together powers through the waves. Make sure you have a leash though for your mirage. I think getting wet is part of the ride
I live on the oregon coast and the surf is rough a lot. I have a new PA14 and will be testing this summer. I think a lot like with everything it takes practice.
I also will consider the backwards style I have heard about this. I was on a lake for the first time last week in the PA 14 it was blowing 40-60 gusts and the PA handled great
The chop was 1' -2 ' peddeling in to the wind I was able to maintian a 1.5 mph (knot) when I turned and headed back with the wind behind me I reached 5mph (GPS Speed) and peddeling fast I noticed with the chop it did fish tail me once to the point of turning completely side ways.
I had a blast though
I will report on the surf try-outs this summer.
good luck and have fun