I’m not a spring chicken anymore (53 years old) and have never learned to surf. I’ve never taken a lesson before but see that you also include Stand-up Paddling as well as wave surfing. Which of the two is easier to learn?

Answer
For most people the Stand Up Paddling will be much easier to learn. Usually paddlers will be up and maneuvering on their own within about fifteen minutes. The boards are big and stable and of course you won’t have to deal with the motion of the waves. This is a great exercise anyway and one that you might be able to do on any flat body of water near where you live so its a great skill to learn. Its also a lot of fun!