Question

What is the secret to reading the surf while surf fishing?

Answer 1

Look for spots with gaps between waves.  Usually indicates break in sandbar.  Also, look for breakers close enough for you to cast over.  The best thing to do is scout the area at low tide and look for holes

Answer 2

dwmc has given a great answer. To that I'd add this... find cuts where the water is moving in or out, holes where fish can lay to ambush bait as it gets washed by, and anywhere you find bait or birds working bait.

Answer 3

Go at low tide and look for structure no the beach where you will fish. You can see the holes, the areas where runout will occur, the trough and the bar locations. Try and relate these areas to reference points on shore...or take pictures so you can find these spots later. At higher tides, notice what the water looks like for the various types of structure so you can find them on beaches you don't have the opportunity to pre-scout.