Search:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8S9F7ADXfkU&list=WL&index=2

This guy uses braid when surfcasting. Seems to work for him, but he fishes sandy beaches. Old rule of thumb was 10lb leader for every 1oz sinker. I'd up that if using braid straight through.
...

I don't do a lot of surfcasting as I'm rubbish at it, but think braided mainline with a long mono shock leader gives you the best of both worlds as long as abrasion isn't a big issue.