Good call on the rod, PJC. I have a fairly old Okuma 3 pc rod which is still going strong - you don't need to spend a lot when starting out.
If you feel like splashing out a little, you could go to H&F or similar and get a well-matched combo.
If you do stick with switching over the Baitrunner, which is a good size for balancing with a surf rod, you might want to consider getting a spare spool though. Surfcasting has been transformed by the use of braid, which allows for better distance casting - which can be crucial at some beaches. So you can have a spool with mono for boat fishing, and braid for the beach.
Either way, it's best to add a section of shock leader before the main fishing leader for the surf fishing. It is wound down on to the spool when you cast and can handle the force of catapulting a 4-5oz sinker - a normal straylining mainline of about 6-8kg mono sometimes can't. Nothing worse than a potential world record cast which is followed by a wicked crack and your carefully tied rig sailing off to the horizon, no longer connected to your main line.
Last time i saw that was at Mangonui wharf. The guy looked around pretending nothing had happened, and all the other fishos bowed their heads and thought, been there mate!
Beach and rock fishing done well is a real art, and it's great to watch the experts in action. An open beach is a brutal place for gear, and challenges your routines of re-baiting, dealing with fish etc.
Above all, wear sensible clothing, have a big respect for the power of the sea, and be safe!!
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