Go to the local big park or if you have a big flat beach like me go there. Thats if you want to learn.
Its bloody fun. Just use a 3 or 4 oz sinker. Start of with a small drop, easier to control. Don't lower your drop below eye level. Saves an eyeball if you balls it up. Power out. power out. Straight out from you, backwards of course. Then when you feel the moment arc the sinker. Then when it hits the back of the arc, power on, the rod loads up. up and over your head and away she goes.
I had some terrible moments. To much drop on the line or keeping your rod tip down and you do a sand smacker. Let it go to late and you hit the beach at 40 yards. And then you get a beauty, and think I have got it. And then you get the timing out and a nasty is born. But when it all comes together the line just flys, and when you wind back in it takes ages to retreive.
Thats all dry casting of course.
As you have seen I admit to when I waded out in the surf and it all turned to poo. My answer more dry land practice, become confident and then go do it.
Its a magic cast when you see your line heading so far out you don't believe you could ever do that.
Dont worry about the distance casting competition stuff, that is a lead, a revolving mag reel and a casting blank. State of the art stuff.
On the beach. bad wind, how you feel will affect your cast.
Gary about time you came in on this post. I see you get up early. I do see your name pop up in lotsa places on the net. And to be honest Gary I trust those that started fishing for sprats off a wharf, moved thru the fishing phases, and have now got to where you are. Haven't got your books. I am sure they are full of knowledge you are passing on.
Thank you for your support. I recognise you as a surfcasting guru and being a member of this board.
You are indeed a true master of the surf casting fraternity.
Cheers Trev
PS Our relationship is growing, Miss Solaris said I don't mind the garage Trev, just take me out to the beach where I can show you my stuff