Choose your intended wave early and time out your jibe while angling toward the shore. Jibe in the trough between waves, in front of your intended wave. Let the wave overtake you as you sheet in and ride out of your jibe. Pick up momentum on the face of the wave as you ride down it. Prepare to bottom turn and begin riding the wave, or if you are not ready, straighten out and ride away from the wave.
Timing is the most important aspect of jibing onto a wave.
You can only learn timing by trying and learning from your mistakes. With practice and good timing, almost any transition can be adopted to catch a wave. Always wear a life vest when windsurfing. Begin windsurfing waves on small waves. Do not attempt to ride bigger waves until you are confident in your small-wave skills.