Surf (move)

Surf
なみのり Surfing
Surf IX.png
Surf IX 2.png
Type  Water
Category  Special
PP  15 (max. 24)
Power  90
Accuracy  100%
Priority  {{{priority}}}
Target
Foe Foe Foe
Self Ally Ally
Affects all Pokémon adjacent to the user
Availability
Introduced  Generation I
Condition  Beauty
Appeal  3 ♥♥♥
Jam  0  
Affected by how well the appeal in front goes.
Condition  Beauty
Appeal  2 ♥♥
Earn +2 if the Pokémon performs first in the turn.
Condition  Beautiful
Appeal  2 ♥♥
Jamming  2 ♥♥
Startles all of the Pokémon to act before the user.

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 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 BadgeRBYFRLG, Fog BadgeGSCHGSS, Balance BadgeRSEORAS, Relic BadgeDPBDSP, Fen BadgePt, or Rumble BadgeXY.

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, except 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.

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 Pokémon. In Pokémon Scarlet and Violet, the player's Koraidon or Miraidon can travel across water in Swimming Build or Aquatic Mode, respectively.

Description

Games Description
Stad A Water-type attack. The power of this technique is strong and highly accurate.
Stad2 A Water-type attack. This move is strong and highly accurate.
GSC A strong water-type attack.
RSEColo.XD Creates a huge wave, then crashes it down on the foe.
FRLG A big wave crashes down on the foe. Can also be used for crossing water.
DPPtHGSS It swamps the entire battlefield with a giant wave. It can also be used for crossing water.*
It swamps the entire battlefield with a giant wave. It can also be used to cross water.*
PBR The entire battlefield is swamped by a giant wave.
BWB2W2 It swamps the area around the user with a giant wave. It can also be used for crossing water.
XYORAS The user attacks everything around it by swamping its surroundings with a giant wave. This can also be used for crossing water.
SMUSUMPE
SwShLA
SV
The user attacks everything around it by swamping its surroundings with a giant wave.
BDSP The user attacks everything around it by swamping its surroundings with a giant wave. It’s also one of the Pokétch’s hidden moves.


Learnset

By leveling up

# Pokémon Types Egg Groups Level
I II III IV V VI VII VIII IX
054   Psyduck
  Water 1 Field 36PE
055   Golduck
  Water 1 Field 42PE
072   Tentacool
 
 
Water 3 Water 3 27PE 40
073   Tentacruel
 
 
Water 3 Water 3 27PE 46
079   Slowpoke
 
 
Monster Water 1 36PE 30 30
079   Slowpoke
Galarian Form
  Monster Water 1 30 30
080   Slowbro
 
 
Monster Water 1 36PE 30 30
080   Slowbro
Galarian Form
 
 
Monster Water 1 30 30
120   Staryu
  Water 3 Water 3 44
121   Starmie
 
 
Water 3 Water 3 1
131   Lapras
 
 
Monster Water 1 45PE
138   Omanyte
 
 
Water 1 Water 3 50
139   Omastar
 
 
Water 1 Water 3 56
199   Slowking
 
 
Monster Water 1 30 30
199   Slowking
Galarian Form
 
 
Monster Water 1 30 30
245   Suicune
  No Eggs Discovered No Eggs Discovered 54
258   Mudkip
  Monster Water 1 30
259   Marshtomp
 
 
Monster Water 1 1
260   Swampert
 
 
Monster Water 1 1
350   Milotic
  Water 1 Dragon 40
363   Spheal
 
 
Water 1 Field 40
364   Sealeo
 
 
Water 1 Field 46
365   Walrein
 
 
Water 1 Field 48
788   Tapu Fini
 
 
No Eggs Discovered No Eggs Discovered 40
875   Eiscue
  Water 1 Field 54 54
Bold indicates a Pokémon gains STAB from this move.
Italics indicates a Pokémon whose evolution or alternate form receives STAB from this move.


By TM/HM/TR

# Pokémon Types Egg Groups Machine
I
HM03
II
HM03
III
HM03
IV
HM03
V
HM03
VI
HM03
VII
TM94
TM47
VIII
TR04
IX
TM123
007   Squirtle
  Monster Water 1
008   Wartortle
  Monster Water 1
009   Blastoise
  Monster Water 1
025   Pikachu
  Field Fairy
026   Raichu
  Field Fairy
026   Raichu
Alolan Form
 
 
Field Fairy
031   Nidoqueen
 
 
No Eggs Discovered No Eggs Discovered
034   Nidoking
 
 
Monster Field
054   Psyduck
  Water 1 Field
055   Golduck
  Water 1 Field
060   Poliwag
  Water 1 Water 1
061   Poliwhirl
  Water 1 Water 1
062   Poliwrath
 
 
Water 1 Water 1
072   Tentacool
 
 
Water 3 Water 3
073   Tentacruel
 
 
Water 3 Water 3
079   Slowpoke
 
 
Monster Water 1
079   Slowpoke
Galarian Form
  Monster Water 1
080   Slowbro
 
 
Monster Water 1
080   Slowbro
Galarian Form
 
 
Monster Water 1
086   Seel
  Water 1 Field BDSP
087   Dewgong
 
 
Water 1 Field BDSP
090   Shellder
  Water 3 Water 3
091   Cloyster
 
 
Water 3 Water 3
098   Krabby
  Water 3 Water 3
099   Kingler
  Water 3 Water 3
108   Lickitung
  Monster Monster
112   Rhydon
 
 
Monster Field
115   Kangaskhan
  Monster Monster
116   Horsea
  Water 1 Dragon
117   Seadra
  Water 1 Dragon
118   Goldeen
  Water 2 Water 2
119   Seaking
  Water 2 Water 2
120   Staryu
  Water 3 Water 3
121   Starmie
 
 
Water 3 Water 3
128   Tauros
  Field Field
128   Tauros
Paldean Form
(Combat Breed)
  Field Field
128   Tauros
Paldean Form
(Aqua Breed)
 
 
Field Field
130   Gyarados
 
 
Water 2 Dragon
131   Lapras
 
 
Monster Water 1
134   Vaporeon
  Field Field
138   Omanyte
 
 
Water 1 Water 3
139   Omastar
 
 
Water 1 Water 3
140   Kabuto
 
 
Water 1 Water 3
141   Kabutops
 
 
Water 1 Water 3
143   Snorlax
  Monster Monster
147   Dratini
  Water 1 Dragon
148   Dragonair
  Water 1 Dragon
149   Dragonite
 
 
Water 1 Dragon
151   Mew
  No Eggs Discovered No Eggs Discovered
158   Totodile
  Monster Water 1 BDSP
159   Croconaw
  Monster Water 1 BDSP
160   Feraligatr
  Monster Water 1 BDSP
161   Sentret
  Field Field BDSP
162   Furret
  Field Field BDSP
170   Chinchou
 
 
Water 2 Water 2
171   Lanturn
 
 
Water 2 Water 2
172   Pichu
  No Eggs Discovered No Eggs Discovered
183   Marill
 
 
Water 1 Fairy
184   Azumarill
 
 
Water 1 Fairy
186   Politoed
  Water 1 Water 1
194   Wooper
 
 
Water 1 Field
194   Wooper
Paldean Form
 
 
Water 1 Field
195   Quagsire
 
 
Water 1 Field
199   Slowking
 
 
Monster Water 1
199   Slowking
Galarian Form
 
 
Monster Water 1
211   Qwilfish
 
 
Water 2 Water 2
211   Qwilfish
Hisuian Form
 
 
Water 2 Water 2
215   Sneasel
 
 
Field Field
222   Corsola
 
 
Water 1 Water 3
222   Corsola
Galarian Form
  Water 1 Water 3
223   Remoraid
  Water 1 Water 2
224   Octillery
  Water 1 Water 2
226   Mantine
 
 
Water 1 Water 1
230   Kingdra
 
 
Water 1 Dragon
241   Miltank
  Field Field
245   Suicune
  No Eggs Discovered No Eggs Discovered
248   Tyranitar
 
 
Monster Monster
249   Lugia
 
 
No Eggs Discovered No Eggs Discovered
258   Mudkip
  Monster Water 1
259   Marshtomp
 
 
Monster Water 1
260   Swampert
 
 
Monster Water 1
263   Zigzagoon
  Field Field
263   Zigzagoon
Galarian Form
 
 
Field Field
264   Linoone
  Field Field
264   Linoone
Galarian Form
 
 
Field Field
270   Lotad
 
 
Water 1 Grass
271   Lombre
 
 
Water 1 Grass
272   Ludicolo
 
 
Water 1 Grass
278   Wingull
 
 
Water 1 Flying
279   Pelipper
 
 
Water 1 Flying
283   Surskit
 
 
Water 1 Bug
284   Masquerain
 
 
Water 1 Bug
295   Exploud
  Monster Field
296   Makuhita
  Human-Like Human-Like BDSP
297   Hariyama
  Human-Like Human-Like BDSP
298   Azurill
 
 
No Eggs Discovered No Eggs Discovered
306   Aggron
 
 
Monster Monster
318   Carvanha
 
 
Water 2 Water 2
319   Sharpedo
 
 
Water 2 Water 2
320   Wailmer
  Field Water 2
321   Wailord
  Field Water 2
335   Zangoose
  Field Field
339   Barboach
 
 
Water 2 Water 2
340   Whiscash
 
 
Water 2 Water 2
341   Corphish
  Water 1 Water 3
342   Crawdaunt
 
 
Water 1 Water 3
349   Feebas
  Water 1 Dragon
350   Milotic
  Water 1 Dragon
363   Spheal
 
 
Water 1 Field
364   Sealeo
 
 
Water 1 Field
365   Walrein
 
 
Water 1 Field
366   Clamperl
  Water 1 Water 1 BDSP
367   Huntail
  Water 1 Water 1 BDSP
368   Gorebyss
  Water 1 Water 1 BDSP
369   Relicanth
 
 
Water 1 Water 2
370   Luvdisc
  Water 2 Water 2 BDSP
380   Latias
 
 
No Eggs Discovered No Eggs Discovered
381   Latios
 
 
No Eggs Discovered No Eggs Discovered
382   Kyogre
  No Eggs Discovered No Eggs Discovered
384   Rayquaza
 
 
No Eggs Discovered No Eggs Discovered
393   Piplup
  Water 1 Field BDSP
394   Prinplup
  Water 1 Field BDSP
395   Empoleon
 
 
Water 1 Field BDSP
400   Bibarel
 
 
Water 1 Field BDSP
409   Rampardos
  Monster Monster BDSP
418   Buizel
  Water 1 Field BDSP
419   Floatzel
  Water 1 Field BDSP
422   Shellos
  Water 1 Amorphous
423   Gastrodon
 
 
Water 1 Amorphous
445   Garchomp
 
 
Monster Dragon
446   Munchlax
  No Eggs Discovered No Eggs Discovered
456   Finneon
  Water 2 Water 2 BDSP
457   Lumineon
  Water 2 Water 2 BDSP
458   Mantyke
 
 
No Eggs Discovered No Eggs Discovered
461   Weavile
 
 
Field Field
463   Lickilicky
  Monster Monster
464   Rhyperior
 
 
Monster Field
484   Palkia
 
 
No Eggs Discovered No Eggs Discovered
489   Phione
  Water 1 Fairy BDSP
490   Manaphy
  Water 1 Fairy BDSP
493   Arceus
  No Eggs Discovered No Eggs Discovered BDSP
501   Oshawott
  Field Field
502   Dewott
  Field Field
503   Samurott
  Field Field
503   Samurott
Hisuian Form
 
 
Field Field
507   Herdier
  Field Field
508   Stoutland
  Field Field
515   Panpour
  Field Field
516   Simipour
  Field Field
531   Audino
  Fairy Fairy
535   Tympole
  Water 1 Water 1
536   Palpitoad
 
 
Water 1 Water 1
537   Seismitoad
 
 
Water 1 Water 1
550   Basculin
  Water 2 Water 2
550   Basculin
White-Striped Form
  Water 2 Water 2
564   Tirtouga
 
 
Water 1 Water 3
565   Carracosta
 
 
Water 1 Water 3
580   Ducklett
 
 
Water 1 Flying
581   Swanna
 
 
Water 1 Flying
592   Frillish
 
 
Amorphous Amorphous
593   Jellicent
 
 
Amorphous Amorphous
594   Alomomola
  Water 1 Water 2
610   Axew
  Monster Dragon
611   Fraxure
  Monster Dragon
612   Haxorus
  Monster Dragon
613   Cubchoo
  Field Field
614   Beartic
  Field Field
618   Stunfisk
 
 
Water 1 Amorphous
618   Stunfisk
Galarian Form
 
 
Water 1 Amorphous
621   Druddigon
  Dragon Monster
626   Bouffalant
  Field Field
635   Hydreigon
 
 
Dragon Dragon
647   Keldeo
 
 
No Eggs Discovered No Eggs Discovered
656   Froakie
  Water 1 Water 1
657   Frogadier
  Water 1 Water 1
658   Greninja
 
 
Water 1 Water 1
659   Bunnelby
  Field Field
660   Diggersby
 
 
Field Field
672   Skiddo
  Field Field
673   Gogoat
  Field Field
674   Pancham
  Field Human-Like
675   Pangoro
 
 
Field Human-Like
676   Furfrou
  Field Field
684   Swirlix
  Fairy Fairy
685   Slurpuff
  Fairy Fairy
688   Binacle
 
 
Water 3 Water 3
689   Barbaracle
 
 
Water 3 Water 3
690   Skrelp
 
 
Water 1 Dragon
691   Dragalge
 
 
Water 1 Dragon
692   Clauncher
  Water 1 Water 3
693   Clawitzer
  Water 1 Water 3
694   Helioptile
 
 
Monster Dragon
695   Heliolisk
 
 
Monster Dragon
706   Goodra
  Dragon Dragon
706   Goodra
Hisuian Form
 
 
Dragon Dragon
712   Bergmite
  Monster Mineral
713   Avalugg
  Monster Mineral
728   Popplio
  Water 1 Field
729   Brionne
  Water 1 Field
730   Primarina
 
 
Water 1 Field
746   Wishiwashi
  Water 2 Water 2
747   Mareanie
 
 
Water 1 Water 1
748   Toxapex
 
 
Water 1 Water 1
751   Dewpider
 
 
Water 1 Bug
752   Araquanid
 
 
Water 1 Bug
767   Wimpod
 
 
Bug Water 3
768   Golisopod
 
 
Bug Water 3
773   Silvally
  No Eggs Discovered No Eggs Discovered
779   Bruxish
 
 
Water 2 Water 2
780   Drampa
 
 
Monster Dragon
781   Dhelmise
 
 
Mineral Mineral
788   Tapu Fini
 
 
No Eggs Discovered No Eggs Discovered
816   Sobble
  Water 1 Field
817   Drizzile
  Water 1 Field
818   Inteleon
  Water 1 Field
833   Chewtle
  Monster Water 1
834   Drednaw
 
 
Monster Water 1
845   Cramorant
 
 
Water 1 Flying
846   Arrokuda
  Water 2 Water 2
847   Barraskewda
  Water 2 Water 2
853   Grapploct
  Water 1 Human-Like
862   Obstagoon
 
 
Field Field
864   Cursola
  Water 1 Water 3
871   Pincurchin
  Water 1 Amorphous
875   Eiscue
  Water 1 Field
881   Arctozolt
 
 
No Eggs Discovered No Eggs Discovered
882   Dracovish
 
 
No Eggs Discovered No Eggs Discovered
883   Arctovish
 
 
No Eggs Discovered No Eggs Discovered
886   Drakloak
 
 
Amorphous Dragon
887   Dragapult
 
 
Amorphous Dragon
902   Basculegion
 
 
Water 2 Water 2
904   Overqwil
 
 
Water 2 Water 2
912   Quaxly
  Flying Water 1
913   Quaxwell
  Flying Water 1
914   Quaquaval
 
 
Flying Water 1
960   Wiglett
  Water 3 Water 3
961   Wugtrio
  Water 3 Water 3
963   Finizen
  Field Water 2
964   Palafin
  Field Water 2
976   Veluza
 
 
Water 2 Water 2
977   Dondozo
  Water 2 Water 2
978   Tatsugiri
 
 
Water 2 Water 2
980   Clodsire
 
 
Water 1 Field
100   Walking Wake
 
 
No Eggs Discovered No Eggs Discovered
Bold indicates a Pokémon gains STAB from this move.
Italics indicates a Pokémon whose evolution or alternate form receives STAB from this move.


By Move Tutor

# Pokémon Types Egg Groups Game
Stad0 Stad
025   Pikachu
  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.


Special move

Generation III

# Pokémon Types Egg Groups Obtained with
172   Pichu
  No Eggs Discovered 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.


Generation IV

# Pokémon Types Egg Groups Obtained with
025   Pikachu
  Field Fairy Secret GiftPBR
Pokéwalker - Yellow Forest
489   Phione
  Water 1 Fairy My Pokémon Ranch
Bold indicates a Pokémon gains STAB from this move.
Italics indicates a Pokémon whose evolution or alternate form receives STAB from this move.


Generation VII

# Pokémon Types Egg Groups Obtained with
025   Pikachu
  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.


By event

Generation I

# Pokémon Types Egg Groups Obtained with
025   Pikachu
  Field Fairy Nintendo 64 Pikachu
CoroCoro Surfing Pikachu
Nintendo Power Pikachu
Bold indicates a Pokémon gains STAB from this move.
Italics indicates a Pokémon whose evolution or alternate form receives STAB from this move.


Generation III

# Pokémon Types Egg Groups Obtained with
025   Pikachu
  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.


Generation IV

# Pokémon Types Egg Groups Obtained with
025   Pikachu
  Field Fairy 2007 TCG World Championships
2008 Birthday Pikachu
2009 Birthday Pikachu
Pokémon Center 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.


Generation VI

# Pokémon Types Egg Groups Obtained with
025   Pikachu
  Field Fairy Minato Mirai Landmark Tower Pikachu
Minato Mirai Cosmo World Pikachu
Minato Mirai Red Brick Warehouse Pikachu
Minato Mirai Captain Pikachu
Minato Mirai Pacifico Pikachu
Pokémon Center Online Pikachu
Pika Pika Pokémon Spa Pikachu
Bold indicates a Pokémon gains STAB from this move.
Italics indicates a Pokémon whose evolution or alternate form receives STAB from this move.


Generation VII

# Pokémon Types Egg Groups Obtained with
025   Pikachu
  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.


Generation IX

# Pokémon Types Egg Groups Obtained with
025   Pikachu
  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.


In other games

Pokémon Mystery Dungeon series

In Red Rescue Team and Blue Rescue Team, and Explorers of Time and Darkness, Surf is a move with 18 base power, 88% accuracy, and 11 PP. It damages an enemy in front of the user, dealing double damage to a target in middle of Dive.

In Pokémon Mystery Dungeon: Explorers of Sky, the base power is raised to 30.

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.

  Surf
Charged Attack
Gyms & Raids
Power 65
Energy cost 50
Duration 1.7 seconds
Damage window 1.4 - 1.6 seconds
 
Trainer Battles
Power 65
Energy cost 40
Secondary effect ?
Effect chance ?%
Eligible Pokémon:
Standard eligibility
                          
By Elite Charged TM
     
By GO Snapshot
 
As Shadow Pokémon
As Purified Pokémon
Formerly eligible
None

Pokémon Masters EX

Name Category Move Gauge MP Base Power Max Power Accuracy Target Effect Tag Description Playable Users
Surf Special 3 100 120 100% All opponents No additional effect. May & Wailmer (Direct link)
Scottie/Bettie & Marshtomp (in Victory Road)
1 100 120 100% All opponents All the following sync pairs have chances to use this move when they use Metronome:

Burgh (Spring 2021) & Togepi
Elesa (Palentine's 2023) & Togetic

Sync move
Crystal Clear Surf Special 250 300 —% An opponent Default: No additional effect.

6★ EX: The sync buff is doubled the first time a sync move is used.

Sygna Suit Kris & Suicune (Direct link)

Pokémon Rumble Rush

  Surf
★★★★
Attack power 86.29259
Charge time 1.16 seconds
Range type Wide Shot
Number of hits 1
Number of projectiles 1
Critical hit rate 1.5%
Additional effect None

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

Games Description
MDRB Inflicts damage on the target. Inflicts double damage on a diving foe.
MDTDS Inflicts damage on the target. It will inflict double damage on a Diving target.
BSL てきポケモンに ダメージをあたえる ダイビングじょうたいの ポケモンには 2ばいのダメージをあたえる
MDGtI It damages all Pokémon in the same room except you.
SMD
MDRTDX
It damages all Pokémon in the same room except you. It can hit a Pokémon with the Dive status.


In the anime

Main series

       
Crawdaunt Dewott Golduck Goodra
The user creates a large wave and rides it. It then crashes it down on the target.
Pokémon Method
User First Used In Notes
  Golduck Golduck creates a huge wave and rides on it.
A wild Golduck Bye Bye Psyduck Debut
Japanese version only
  Rhydon 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 Remoraid creates a huge wave and rides on it.
Marcellus's Remoraid Octillery the Outcast None
  Marill 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 Whiscash creates a huge wave and rides on it.
Juan's Whiscash Eight Ain't Enough None
  Mantine Mantine creates a huge wave and rides on it.
A Coordinator's Mantine May, We Harley Drew'd Ya! None
  Wailmer 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
  Crawdaunt 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 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 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 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 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 Goodra creates a big wave, which it rides until the wave crashes into the opponent.
Raihan's Goodra Aim For The Eight! 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 Nidoqueen pulls back her hand, forming an orb of water in front of her. She then thrusts her hand forward, slamming the orb into the opponent.
Giovanni's Nidoqueen File 3: Giovanni Debut
  Lapras 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. It then crashes it down on the target.
Pokémon Method
User First Used In Notes
  Goodra 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

  This section is incomplete.
Please feel free to edit this section to add missing information and complete it.
Reason: Images of surfing Pikachu (Crystal, if the player is female); Serena (default) surfing; other special surfing Pokémon


RBY
   
GSC
     
RS
   
FRLG
   
E
   
DP
   
Pt
   
HGSS
   
BW
   
B2W2
   
XY
  File:XY Surf F.png
ORAS
   


Used by Lapras


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. It has been fan-named as "surfboard".
  • Muddy Water has the same animation as Surf, except it uses a brown coloring instead.
  • In the Stadium series, Pokémon Colosseum, XD, and Battle Revolution, when Pikachu uses this move, a surfboard appears underneath it; and when Raichu uses this move in these games, 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 clearly not blue, such as the green water at Unova's Village Bridge.

References

In other languages

Language Title
Chinese Cantonese 衝浪 Chūnglohng *
滑浪 Waahtlohng
Mandarin 衝浪 / 冲浪 Chōnglàng *
乘風破浪 Chéngfēng Pòlàng *
洪水 Hóngshuǐ *
  Czech Příbjový útok
  Danish Surfe*
  Dutch Surf
Surfen*
  Finnish Surffaus
  French Surf
  German Surfer
  Greek Πλεύση Pleúsi
  Hindi पानी की लहर Pani Ki Lehr
  Italian Surf
  Korean 파도타기 Padotagi
  Polish Fala*
Serfer*
Serfujący Atak*
Portuguese   Brazil Surfar (games, BW126–present, HeartGold & SoulSilver, Plasma BlastBREAKpoint, Sun & Moon–present, manga)
Surfe (AG111DP079, HS01, UnleashedNext Destinies, Evolutions)
  Portugal Rebentação (DP078–present)
Surf (AG111DP050, HS01)
  Serbian Surfovanje
  Spanish Surf
  Swedish Surfa*
  Thai โต้คลื่น
  Turkish Sörf
  Vietnamese Lướt Sóng



Generation I TMs
01020304050607080910111213141516171819202122232425
26272829303132333435363738394041424344454647484950
Generation I HMs
0102030405
Generation II TMs
01020304050607080910111213141516171819202122232425
26272829303132333435363738394041424344454647484950
Generation II HMs
01020304050607
Generation III TMs
01020304050607080910111213141516171819202122232425
26272829303132333435363738394041424344454647484950
Generation III HMs
0102030405060708RSE
Generation IV TMs
0102030405060708091011121314151617181920212223
2425262728293031323334353637383940414243444546
4748495051525354555657585960616263646566676869
7071727374757677787980818283848586878889909192
Generation IV HMs
01020304 • 05 (DPPtHGSS) • 060708
Generation V TMs
01020304050607080910111213141516171819
20212223242526272829303132333435363738
39404142434445464748495051525354555657
58596061626364656667686970717273747576
77787980818283848586878889909192939495
Generation V HMs
010203040506
Generation VI TMs
0102030405060708091011121314151617181920212223242526
2728293031323334353637383940414243444546474849505152
5354555657585960616263646566676869707172737475767778
798081828384858687888990919293 • 94 (XYORAS) • 9596979899100
Generation VI HMs
010203040506ORAS07ORAS
Generation VII TMs
SMUSUM
0102030405060708091011121314151617181920
2122232425262728293031323334353637383940
4142434445464748495051525354555657585960
6162636465666768697071727374757677787980
81828384858687888990919293949596979899100
PE
0102030405060708091011121314151617181920
2122232425262728293031323334353637383940
4142434445464748495051525354555657585960
Generation VIII TMs
SwSh
0001020304050607080910111213141516171819
2021222324252627282930313233343536373839
4041424344454647484950515253545556575859
6061626364656667686970717273747576777879
8081828384858687888990919293949596979899
BDSP
0102030405060708091011121314151617181920
2122232425262728293031323334353637383940
4142434445464748495051525354555657585960
6162636465666768697071727374757677787980
81828384858687888990919293949596979899100
Generation VIII TRs (SwSh)
0001020304050607080910111213141516171819
2021222324252627282930313233343536373839
4041424344454647484950515253545556575859
6061626364656667686970717273747576777879
8081828384858687888990919293949596979899
Generation IX TMs
001002003004005006007008009010011012013014015016017018019
020021022023024025026027028029030031032033034035036037038
039040041042043044045046047048049050051052053054055056057
058059060061062063064065066067068069070071072073074075076
077078079080081082083084085086087088089090091092093094095
096097098099100101102103104105106107108109110111112113114
115116117118119120121122123124125126127128129130131132133
134135136137138139140141142143144145146147148149150151152
153154155156157158159160161162163164165166167168169170171


Variations of the move Surf
  Petal BlizzardLand's Wrath
  SurfHyper Voice


  This article is part of Project Moves and Abilities, a Bulbapedia project that aims to write comprehensive articles on two related aspects of the Pokémon games.