It's hard to get to the point where you can stand up on your surfboard and ride a wave.
Surfing is harder than you think. It takes a while until you actually catch a wave.
この場合、次のような言い方ができますよ。
ーIt's hard to get to the point where you can stand up on your surfboard and ride a wave.
「サーフボードに立って波に乗るまでが難しい」
ーSurfing is harder than you think. It takes a while until you actually catch a wave.
「サーフィンは思っているより難しい。実際に波に乗るまでに時間がかかる」
ご参考まで!