I have always wanted to go surfing. Do you surf?
Yes I do, I particularly like the sport because  I have to ride on the forward or deep face of a moving wave
It looks to exciting! What all would I need as far as gear to try it out?
You will be fine. Any wave in the form of a standing wave or tidal bore can be used these can be found in the ocean, river and sometimes lakes.
I have never even been to the ocean, so it does seem scary.
These days surfing can be done with   waves created in artificial wave pools.