Breaking Waves

[lhosphotography]

Hello All.
Would appreciate some feedback and thoughts on this image.

I realy did struggle to produce good shots of waves breaking, I spent an hour experimenting but could not seem to find the correct settings, I shot 185 pictures and probably only got 5 useable images.

Can any body give me some ideas camera settings, I know fast shutter speeds must be used to freeze the water, I struggled to know what F number to use e.t.c

Also settings for shooting water so you get a creamy effect again i know a slow shutter speed should be used and a ND grad filter 9+ (but Idont own one)

I tried some but totaly over exposed the shots, they couldnt be saved!!