This is almost impossible when laden, but becomes easier with practice. Changing direction while going down a wave is usually slow ans sometimes difficult in a sea kayak. Note that by doing this you will be leaning on the 'wrong side' and will need to be ready for a quyick change of lean for when the wave catches up to you and accelerates your sideways motion. Here are some tips that will make surfing just that little eassier. Avoid other surfers - this is quite obvious as kayaks are relatively logs in the surf and have caused considerable damage.
Arespectable distance is advisable.
Avoid steep waves - they are harder to control and potentially destructive. Avoid surf too large for your ability - being out of control is dangerous. If you enjoy the adrenalin rush, good luck. Weigh lean into waves proportionally to wave strength - leaning too far into small waves will cause you to 'fall over the back' of the wave, though rolling back from this position is relatively easy. Larger waves obviously require a stronger lean.