When launching through the surf, I always look down the shoreline to check the interval of sets and look for the "channel" to paddle/peddle through. Waves hit the beach diagonal not parallel for the most part, so by checking to your left or right you will notice the "line" of a wave approaching the beach.
When you locate the "channel" this is the area you want to head out through as it is the zone that takes the water back out from the beach. Some channels will be very small, so look for the area that does not braek as much as the other areas in the surf. If you watch some surfers entering the surf you will see them heading out using the channel for the most part.
The channel will provides the best area for you to enter through the surf to the
for
.
If you spend time in the surf you will start to get a feel for what you can handle in the way of surf. Also watch for the rip currents at some beach launch/landings as this can be tough for entering/exiting the water.