Many paddlers consider surfing to be just a play boat maneuver, nothing could be further from the truth. We often surf waves on front ferries to save energy when ferrying across fast current. A front surf is nothing more than balancing gravity on the front of a wave against the downstream current. Notice I am not balancing against my forward paddle stroke. I let gravity do the work for me. Side surfing is done in holes. Here you are balancing the current moving downstream from above against the upstream current caused by the recirculation below. You will need you low brace to establish balance when side surfing and excellent edge control.

This is an excellent video on hole surfing technique by Jeremy Laucks: Basic Hole Surfing Technique.

This isn't an instructional video but it does a decent job of demonstrating front wave surfing. Notice how he leans back to keep the front of his boat from diving under water. Also notice how he uses stern draw and rudder strokes to keep the boat facing upstream.  Front Surf - Virginia Chute.

This one is from the Potomac Whitewater Festival Wave Surfing competition. You will notice quite a difference skill levels between the contestants. Potomac Whitewater Festival Wave Surfing.