I stay just outside the break, watch, wait, let a few waves pass by and when I'm ready I'll paddle quickly just as a wave passes me but stay behind it. The wave will carry you with it and when it breaks you get a nice boost up on to the beach. Just don't paddle too fast and get in front of wave, then you're screwed
As for storing your rods, I always keep all mine leashed to the yak. Haven't had any issues yet. Hope that helps some.