Surf (move) - Bulbapedia, the community-driven Pokémon encyclopedia

Surf (Japanese: なみのり Surfing) is a damage-dealing Water-type move introduced in Generation I.

It is:

Effect

In battle

Surf inflicts damage.

Surf can hit during the target's semi-invulnerable turn of Dive, dealing twice the damage in all generations except in Generation IV, where the power is doubled instead (resulting in virtually the same effect).

If a Cramorant with Gulp Missile uses Surf (or Dive), it catches prey and changes forms, unless it already caught prey or is Dynamaxed.

Generations I and II

Surf's power is 95.

Generation III

In a Double Battle, Surf hits both opposing Pokémon.

Surf can be used as the first move of a Pokémon Contest combination, causing Dive to score double the normal appeal if used in the next turn. It can also be used to finish a combination, with the user gaining 3 bonus appeal points if Dive or Rain Dance was used in the previous turn.

Generations IV and V

In a Double or Triple Battle, Surf now hits all adjacent Pokémon, including allies.

Generation VI onwards

Surf's power has been reduced from 95 to 90. Surf will also destroy stalagmites found in the background of battles.

Outside of battle

In all core series games up to Generation VI and in Pokémon Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl, Surf is a field move; it can be used outside of battle to travel over bodies of water.

From Generation I onwards, Surf is usable from the party screen if the player is facing a water tile. From Generation II onwards, it is also possible to use Surf simply by pressing A to interact with a water tile. A surfing player can resume walking by simply moving onto land.

When surfing, Pokémon Trainers and wild Pokémon can be encountered. The other field moves Waterfall, Whirlpool, and Dive may only be used outside of battle when the player is surfing. The player is also able to fish for Pokémon while surfing.

Surf is required to complete almost all games where it is usable outside of battle, with the exception of Pokémon Black and White. This move is needed to reach some cities, towns, and ultimately the Pokémon League where the Elite Four reside.

Badges

In certain games, Surf requires a specific badge to use outside of battle; the Soul Badge^RBYFRLG, Fog Badge^GSCHGSS, Balance Badge^RSEORAS, Relic Badge^DPBDSP, Fen Badge^Pt, or Rumble Badge^XY.

Speed

The speed of Surfing has varied back and forth through games:

• In Generations I and II, and in Pokémon Diamond and Pearl, the speed is the same as walking.
• In Generation III, and from Pokémon Platinum onwards, the speed is the same as running.
  • In Generation VI, surfing on Kyogre is faster than usual, and surfing on Sharpedo is twice as fast as usual.

Appearance

When Surf is used outside of battle, the surfing Pokémon is controlled by the player. A generic aquatic Pokémon shape is used for most or all Pokémon in a given game. In Generations I and II, the player character is not seen in the surfing sprite; only the Pokémon is seen. Starting in Generation III, the player character is visibly riding the surfing Pokémon as well.

• In Generation I, the surfing sprite used for almost all Pokémon resembles Seel and Dewgong. This is the same generic sprite that represents fifteen Water Pokémon species in the party screen, although the color palette is not the same.
• In Generation II, the surfing sprite used for almost all Pokémon is a Lapras. This Lapras is red if the player is male, or blue if the player is female. This is the same Lapras sprite used in the party screen.
  • If Pikachu uses Surf outside of battle, the sprite is a surfing Pikachu as well. This Pikachu has a red surfboard if the player is male, or a blue surfboard if the player is female.
• In Generation VI, surfing on Lapras specifically will show the player riding on Lapras instead of the usual generic shape. In Pokémon Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire, Kyogre, Wailmer, and Sharpedo all have their own surfing models; additionally, Kyogre moves faster and has a larger hitbox, while Sharpedo moves twice as fast as normal but prevents fishing.
• In Pokémon Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl, when Surf is used via the Hidden Moves app, the player will be shown riding a Bibarel.

Water tiles

Main article: Water tile

In several games, there are water currents where the surfing player is forced to go in a certain direction. They are found in the Seafoam Islands, Hoenn routes 132, 133, and 134, as well as in Unova Route 17.

In several games, there is shallow water and puddles where the player walks instead of surfing. For instance, shallow water is found in the Shoal Cave, and some puddles are found in Hoenn Route 120.

In Pokémon FireRed and LeafGreen, there are some fast currents at the Sevii Islands where the player is unable to use Surf.

Cycling Road glitch

In Generation I, due to a glitch, if the player saves at the Cycling Road and then creates a new game, it will not be possible to use Surf outside of battle (or use the Bicycle) in the new game until the player does any of these things: blacks out (either in battle or the overworld), uses Dig, Teleport, or Fly outside of battle, uses an Escape Rope, or enters and leaves the Cycling Road.

Legacy

From Generation VII onwards, Surf is no longer a field move. In Pokémon Sun, Moon, Ultra Sun, and Ultra Moon, its functions are given to the Ride Pokémon Lapras and Sharpedo. In Pokémon: Let's Go, Pikachu! and Let's Go, Eevee!, the player can use Secret Technique Sea Skim instead. In Pokémon Sword and Shield, the player can travel across water after getting their Rotom Bike upgraded. In Pokémon Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl, Surf is usable in the field again, but now it is accessed via the Pokétch rather than a party Pokémon. In Pokémon Scarlet and Violet, the player's Koraidon or Miraidon can travel across water in Swimming Build or Aquatic Mode, respectively.

Description

Learnset

By leveling up

By TM/HM/TR

By Move Tutor

#	Pokémon		Types	Egg Groups		Game
						Stad0	Stad
0025				Field	Fairy	✔	✔
Bold indicates a Pokémon gains STAB from this move. Italics indicates a Pokémon whose evolution or alternate form receives STAB from this move. A dash (−) indicates a Pokémon cannot learn the move by the designated method. An empty cell indicates a Pokémon that is unavailable in that game/generation.

Special move

Generation III

#	Pokémon		Types	Egg Groups		Obtained with
0172				No Eggs Discovered		Pokémon Box Ruby & Sapphire - Pichu Egg
Bold indicates a Pokémon gains STAB from this move. Italics indicates a Pokémon whose evolution or alternate form receives STAB from this move. A dash (−) indicates a Pokémon cannot learn the move by the designated method. An empty cell indicates a Pokémon that is unavailable in that game/generation.

Generation IV

Generation VII

#	Pokémon		Types	Egg Groups		Obtained with
0025				Field	Fairy	Surf Association Pikachu (Mantine Surf)USUM
Bold indicates a Pokémon gains STAB from this move. Italics indicates a Pokémon whose evolution or alternate form receives STAB from this move. A dash (−) indicates a Pokémon cannot learn the move by the designated method. An empty cell indicates a Pokémon that is unavailable in that game/generation.

Generation IX

By event

Generation I

Generation III

#	Pokémon		Types	Egg Groups		Obtained with
0025				Field	Fairy	Yokohama Pikachu
Bold indicates a Pokémon gains STAB from this move. Italics indicates a Pokémon whose evolution or alternate form receives STAB from this move. A dash (−) indicates a Pokémon cannot learn the move by the designated method. An empty cell indicates a Pokémon that is unavailable in that game/generation.

Generation IV

Generation VI

Generation VII

#	Pokémon		Types	Egg Groups		Obtained with
0025				Field	Fairy	Pokémon World Festival PikachuSM
Bold indicates a Pokémon gains STAB from this move. Italics indicates a Pokémon whose evolution or alternate form receives STAB from this move. A dash (−) indicates a Pokémon cannot learn the move by the designated method. An empty cell indicates a Pokémon that is unavailable in that game/generation.

Generation IX

#	Pokémon		Types	Egg Groups		Obtained with
0025				Field	Fairy	Pikachu the Unrivaled
Bold indicates a Pokémon gains STAB from this move. Italics indicates a Pokémon whose evolution or alternate form receives STAB from this move. A dash (−) indicates a Pokémon cannot learn the move by the designated method. An empty cell indicates a Pokémon that is unavailable in that game/generation.

In other games

Pokémon Mystery Dungeon series

Surf inflicts damage. It will deal double damage to those in middle of using Dive.

Super Smash Bros. series

Piplup using Surf in Super Smash Bros. Brawl

In Super Smash Bros. Brawl, Piplup creates a wave and then surfs on it, pushing any players it hits. Anyone caught in it will be pushed until Piplup disappears, or pushes the character off the stage. Piplup will keep using Surf even when off the stage.

In Super Smash Bros. for Nintendo 3DS/Wii U, Oshawott uses the move with a similar effect.

Pokémon GO

In Pokémon GO, Surf is a Charged Attack that has been available since December 8, 2017.

Pokémon Masters EX

Notes:

• Purifying Surf:
  • This buddy move was known as B Surf prior to version 2.38.0.

Pokémon Rumble Rush

Pokémon UNITE

In Pokémon UNITE, Surf is Slowbro's, Greninja's, and Cramorant's first move, as well as Blastoise's second move.

Blastoise can obtain the move by reaching Wartortle stage at level 7 and upgrading Skull Bash into it instead of Rapid Spin. The user rides a large wave in the designated direction; damaging, knocking back, and stunning enemies hit for 1.6s. The user is unstoppable while surfing, and once it ends, the user can jump in a designated direction. The wave continues for a short duration after the user has leapt off and continues to knock back enemies hit but inflicts no damage. At level 13 or higher, the user gains a small shield when hitting an enemy with Surf.

Slowbro can obtain the move by evolving from Slowpoke at level 4 and upgrading Water Gun into it instead of Scald. The user rides on a wave, damaging, knocking enemies back, and throwing them in the air briefly. Two more waves follow after the first, damaging and slowing enemies. At level 11 or higher, the second and third waves will now also throw enemies in the air, and the second wave will knock them back.

Greninja can obtain the move by evolving from Frogadier at level 7 and upgrading Bubble into it instead of Water Shuriken. The user dashes on a wave, damaging enemies and healing themself for each enemy hit. Enemies below half health are dealt bonus damage, and if this move KOs an enemy, the cooldown is reset. At level 11, the healing increases.

Cramorant can obtain the move at level 6 by upgrading Whirlpool into it instead of Dive. The user sends a wave in a designated direction, damaging enemies that make contact with the wave. Once it reaches its full distance, the wave bounces back – further damaging and pulling back affected enemies. The user catches prey with the first wave, and can enter the wave that returns to catch prey for Gulp Missile. At level 13 or higher, the wave also slows down enemies.

Description

In the anime

Main series

Golduck Crawdaunt Dewott Goodra
The user creates a big wave, which it rides until the wave crashes into the opponent.
Pokémon	Method
User	First Used In		Notes
	Golduck creates a huge wave and rides on it.
A wild Golduck	Bye Bye Psyduck		Debut Japanese version only
	Rhydon summons a huge wave that it rides on and then crashes it down on the opponent.
Pietra's Rhydon	Right On Rhydon!		English dub debut
A Scientist's Rhydon	Tag! We're It!		None
	Remoraid creates a huge wave and rides on it.
Marcellus's Remoraid	Octillery the Outcast		None
	Marill creates a huge wave and rides on it. The wave crashes down on the opponent.
Lola's Marill	A Family That Battles Together Stays Together!		None
	Whiscash creates a huge wave and rides on it.
Juan's Whiscash	Eight Ain't Enough		None
	Mantine creates a huge wave and rides on it.
A Coordinator's Mantine	May, We Harley Drew'd Ya!		None
	Wailmer's eyes glow blue it creates a huge wave of water. Wailmer rides on top of it and the wave crashes down on the opponent.
A Coordinator's Wailmer	Pruning a Passel of Pals!		None
	The star on Crawdaunt's head glows yellow and Crawdaunt creates a wave of water. Crawdaunt rides on top of the wave and it crashes down on the opponent.
Kyle's Crawdaunt	Strategy With a Smile!		None
	Dewott creates a wave of water and rides on top of it before crashing down on the opponent.
Cadbury's Caesar	Crowning the Scalchop King!		None
	Popplio jumps up, spins around horizontally, and claps its hands together, creating a giant wave of water. It jumps onto the wave and rides it until the wave crashes into the opponent.
Lana's Popplio	We Know Where You're Going, Eevee!		None
	Brionne creates a big wave, which it rides until the wave crashes into the opponent.
Lana's Brionne	Keeping Your Eyes on the Ball!		None
	Primarina creates a big wave, which it rides until the wave crashes into the opponent.
Lana's Primarina	The Road to the Semifinals!		None
	Goodra creates a big wave, which it rides until the wave crashes into the opponent.
Raihan's Goodra	Aim For The Eight!		None
	Quagsire creates a big wave, which it rides until the wave crashes into the opponent.
Ludlow's Quagsire	Lapras's Feelings for its Friends		None

Pokémon Origins

Nidoqueen Lapras
The user attacks the foe with a powerful burst of water. It can also be used to surf across waters.
Pokémon	Method
User	First Used In		Notes
	Nidoqueen pulls back her hand, forming an orb of water in front of it. She then thrusts her hand forward, slamming the orb into the opponent.
Giovanni's Nidoqueen	File 3: Giovanni		Debut
	Lapras carries its Trainer across waters on its back.
Red's Lapras	File 3: Giovanni		None

Pokémon: Twilight Wings

Goodra
The user creates a large wave of water and crashes it down on the target.
Pokémon	Method
User	First Used In		Notes
	Goodra summons a huge wave of water, which crashes down on the opponent.
Raihan's Goodra	Sky		Debut

In the manga

Be the Best! Pokémon B+W

The Electric Tale of Pikachu

Pokémon Adventures

Pokémon Diamond and Pearl Adventure!

Pocket Monsters HGSS Jō's Big Adventure

In other generations

In battle

Core series games

Side series games

Spin-off series games

Outside of battle

Used by Lapras

Used by Wailmer

Used by Sharpedo

Used by Kyogre

Trivia

• Some of the Pokémon that can learn Surf, like Barboach, appear to lack the physique required to transport a human being at sea.
• Junichi Masuda revealed in an interview that Surf is his favorite move.^[1]
• Surf and Fly are the only HM moves that become special moves on certain Pokémon, both on Pikachu.
  • However, since Generation VIII, Pikachu can learn this move via TM/TR, so it is no longer a special move.
• In Generation VI, Surf and Fly are tied for having the highest base power of all HM moves. Prior to Generation VI, Surf had the highest base power.
• If Secret Power is used in the ocean in Generation III, it will have the animation of Surf.
• There is an unused item allowing players to cross water, identical to Surf in Red, Blue, and Yellow.
• Muddy Water has the same animation as Surf, except that the water is brown rather than blue.
• In the Stadium series, Colosseum, XD, and Battle Revolution, when Pikachu uses Surf, a surfboard appears underneath it, and when Raichu uses Surf, it surfs on its tail. This does not occur in any core series games.
• In Pokémon Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire, a glitch causes the game to freeze if the player is surfing on a Wailmer and it evolves while the player is fishing.
• When using this move outside of battle, the text will always say "The water is a deep blue", even in cases where the water is not blue, such as the green water at Unova's Village Bridge.

References

In other languages