what should I look for when catching a wave

[justice]

I'm still learning how to catch a wave before it is white water. How do I know what to look for? I know not to paddle as the wave is breaking but if I go to early I miss it. Is there a site or pictures I can peak at. any advice would be great thanks

[Buttertoes]

Justice, have you looked at the Big Whiteboard Wednesday videos on youtube? I think you'd find that helpful. I did!

[surf patrol]

I know not to paddle as the wave is breaking but if I go to early I miss it.

You've summed it up pretty well there. It's all about timing, and this is something you'll get better and better at the more time you are out surfing.
You have to make sure that you match the speed of the wave by the time it reaches you. Make sure you've really caught the wave before trying to get to your feet. If you've not caught the wave, it will go right under you.
Take a look at other surfers catching waves around you. This will give you a better idea of where you should be sitting in the lineup, and when to start paddling for a wave.

There are lots of topics on this forum, so search for some similar topics and posts.

[IB_Surfer]

Basically, if you are paddling and the wave is going by you, then you need to just keep at it till the wave no longer goes on by you. It's all part of learning, as you become a stronger paddler your ability to enter a wave will improve, as will your ability to cath them.

[garbarrage]

One tip that helped me at the start is, if the wave is breaking reasonably consistently in or near the same spot, there should be a white-wash left behind it. Sit just outside that, and wait. As a wave approaches, make sure the wave is steep enough (this is something you will get better at in time). Then paddle just in to the whitewash, and then paddle out of it as you catch your wave. If that doesn't make sense now, it will next time you are in the water. Look for the triangle of white left after a wave, and try not to get caught out by a sneaker set.