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 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 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.

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

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
0054     Water 1 Field 36
0055     Water 1 Field 42
0072    
 
Water 3 Water 3 27 40 40 40
0073    
 
Water 3 Water 3 27 46 46 46
0079    
 
Monster Water 1 36 30 30 30
0079  
Slowpoke
Galarian Form
  Monster Water 1 30 30
0080    
 
Monster Water 1 36 30 30 30
0080  
Slowbro
Galarian Form
 
 
Monster Water 1 30 30
0120     Water 3 Water 3 44 44
0121    
 
Water 3 Water 3 1 1
0131    
 
Monster Water 1 45
0138    
 
Water 1 Water 3 50 56
0139    
 
Water 1 Water 3 56 56
0199    
 
Monster Water 1 30 30 30
0199  
Slowking
Galarian Form
 
 
Monster Water 1 30 30
0245     No Eggs Discovered No Eggs Discovered 54 54 54
0258     Monster Water 1 30 30 30
0259    
 
Monster Water 1 1 1 Rem.
0260    
 
Monster Water 1 1 1 Rem.
0350     Water 1 Dragon 40 40 40
0363    
 
Water 1 Field 40 40
0364    
 
Water 1 Field 46 46
0365    
 
Water 1 Field 48 48
0788    
 
No Eggs Discovered No Eggs Discovered 40
0875     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.
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.


By TM/HM/TR

# Pokémon Types Egg Groups Compatibility
HM03
0007     Monster Water 1
0008     Monster Water 1
0009     Monster Water 1
0025     Field Fairy
0026     Field Fairy
0026  
Raichu
Alolan Form
 
 
Field Fairy
0031    
 
No Eggs Discovered No Eggs Discovered
0034    
 
Monster Field
0054     Water 1 Field
0055     Water 1 Field
0060     Water 1 Water 1
0061     Water 1 Water 1
0062    
 
Water 1 Water 1
0072    
 
Water 3 Water 3
0073    
 
Water 3 Water 3
0079    
 
Monster Water 1
0079  
Slowpoke
Galarian Form
  Monster Water 1
0080    
 
Monster Water 1
0080  
Slowbro
Galarian Form
 
 
Monster Water 1
0086     Water 1 Field
0087    
 
Water 1 Field
0090     Water 3 Water 3
0091    
 
Water 3 Water 3
0098     Water 3 Water 3
0099     Water 3 Water 3
0108     Monster Monster
0112    
 
Monster Field
0115     Monster Monster
0116     Water 1 Dragon
0117     Water 1 Dragon
0118     Water 2 Water 2
0119     Water 2 Water 2
0120     Water 3 Water 3
0121    
 
Water 3 Water 3
0128     Field Field
0128  
Tauros
Paldean Form
(Combat Breed)
  Field Field
0128  
Tauros
Paldean Form
(Aqua Breed)
 
 
Field Field
0130    
 
Water 2 Dragon
0131    
 
Monster Water 1
0134     Field Field
0138    
 
Water 1 Water 3
0139    
 
Water 1 Water 3
0140    
 
Water 1 Water 3
0141    
 
Water 1 Water 3
0143     Monster Monster
0147     Water 1 Dragon
0148     Water 1 Dragon
0149    
 
Water 1 Dragon
0151     No Eggs Discovered No Eggs Discovered
0158     Monster Water 1
0159     Monster Water 1
0160     Monster Water 1
0161     Field Field
0162     Field Field
0170    
 
Water 2 Water 2
0171    
 
Water 2 Water 2
0172     No Eggs Discovered No Eggs Discovered
0183    
 
Water 1 Fairy
0184    
 
Water 1 Fairy
0186     Water 1 Water 1
0194    
 
Water 1 Field
0194  
Wooper
Paldean Form
 
 
Water 1 Field
0195    
 
Water 1 Field
0199    
 
Monster Water 1
0199  
Slowking
Galarian Form
 
 
Monster Water 1
0211    
 
Water 2 Water 2
0211  
Qwilfish
Hisuian Form
 
 
Water 2 Water 2
0215    
 
Field Field
0222    
 
Water 1 Water 3
0222  
Corsola
Galarian Form
  Water 1 Water 3
0223     Water 1 Water 2
0224     Water 1 Water 2
0226    
 
Water 1 Water 1
0230    
 
Water 1 Dragon
0241     Field Field
0245     No Eggs Discovered No Eggs Discovered
0248    
 
Monster Monster
0249    
 
No Eggs Discovered No Eggs Discovered
0258     Monster Water 1
0259    
 
Monster Water 1
0260    
 
Monster Water 1
0263     Field Field
0263  
Zigzagoon
Galarian Form
 
 
Field Field
0264     Field Field
0264  
Linoone
Galarian Form
 
 
Field Field
0270    
 
Water 1 Grass
0271    
 
Water 1 Grass
0272    
 
Water 1 Grass
0278    
 
Water 1 Flying
0279    
 
Water 1 Flying
0283    
 
Water 1 Bug
0284    
 
Water 1 Bug
0295     Monster Field
0296     Human-Like Human-Like
0297     Human-Like Human-Like
0298    
 
No Eggs Discovered No Eggs Discovered
0306    
 
Monster Monster
0318    
 
Water 2 Water 2
0319    
 
Water 2 Water 2
0320     Field Water 2
0321     Field Water 2
0335     Field Field
0339    
 
Water 2 Water 2
0340    
 
Water 2 Water 2
0341     Water 1 Water 3
0342    
 
Water 1 Water 3
0349     Water 1 Dragon
0350     Water 1 Dragon
0363    
 
Water 1 Field
0364    
 
Water 1 Field
0365    
 
Water 1 Field
0366     Water 1 Water 1
0367     Water 1 Water 1
0368     Water 1 Water 1
0369    
 
Water 1 Water 2
0370     Water 2 Water 2
0380    
 
No Eggs Discovered No Eggs Discovered
0381    
 
No Eggs Discovered No Eggs Discovered
0382     No Eggs Discovered No Eggs Discovered
0384    
 
No Eggs Discovered No Eggs Discovered
0393     Water 1 Field
0394     Water 1 Field
0395    
 
Water 1 Field
0400    
 
Water 1 Field
0409     Monster Monster
0418     Water 1 Field
0419     Water 1 Field
0422  
Shellos
All forms
  Water 1 Amorphous
0423  
Gastrodon
All forms
 
 
Water 1 Amorphous
0445    
 
Monster Dragon
0446     No Eggs Discovered No Eggs Discovered
0456     Water 2 Water 2
0457     Water 2 Water 2
0458    
 
No Eggs Discovered No Eggs Discovered
0461    
 
Field Field
0463     Monster Monster
0464    
 
Monster Field
0484  
Palkia
All available forms
 
 
No Eggs Discovered No Eggs Discovered
0489     Water 1 Fairy
0490     Water 1 Fairy
0493  
Arceus
All available forms
  No Eggs Discovered No Eggs Discovered
0501     Field Field
0502     Field Field
0503     Field Field
0503  
Samurott
Hisuian Form
 
 
Field Field
0507     Field Field
0508     Field Field
0515     Field Field
0516     Field Field
0531     Fairy Fairy
0535     Water 1 Water 1
0536    
 
Water 1 Water 1
0537    
 
Water 1 Water 1
0550  
Basculin
Red- and
Blue-Striped Forms
  Water 2 Water 2
0550  
Basculin
White-Striped Form
  Water 2 Water 2
0564    
 
Water 1 Water 3
0565    
 
Water 1 Water 3
0580    
 
Water 1 Flying
0581    
 
Water 1 Flying
0592  
Frillish
All forms
 
 
Amorphous Amorphous
0593  
Jellicent
All forms
 
 
Amorphous Amorphous
0594     Water 1 Water 2
0610     Monster Dragon
0611     Monster Dragon
0612     Monster Dragon
0613     Field Field
0614     Field Field
0618    
 
Water 1 Amorphous
0618  
Stunfisk
Galarian Form
 
 
Water 1 Amorphous
0621     Dragon Monster
0626     Field Field
0635    
 
Dragon Dragon
0647  
Keldeo
All available forms
 
 
No Eggs Discovered No Eggs Discovered
0656     Water 1 Water 1
0657     Water 1 Water 1
0658  
Greninja
All available forms
 
 
Water 1 Water 1
0659     Field Field
0660    
 
Field Field
0672     Field Field
0673     Field Field
0674     Field Human-Like
0675    
 
Field Human-Like
0676  
Furfrou
All forms
  Field Field
0684     Fairy Fairy
0685     Fairy Fairy
0688    
 
Water 3 Water 3
0689    
 
Water 3 Water 3
0690    
 
Water 1 Dragon
0691    
 
Water 1 Dragon
0692     Water 1 Water 3
0693     Water 1 Water 3
0694    
 
Monster Dragon
0695    
 
Monster Dragon
0706     Dragon Dragon
0706  
Goodra
Hisuian Form
 
 
Dragon Dragon
0712     Monster Mineral
0713     Monster Mineral
0728     Water 1 Field
0729     Water 1 Field
0730    
 
Water 1 Field
0746     Water 2 Water 2
0747    
 
Water 1 Water 1
0748    
 
Water 1 Water 1
0751    
 
Water 1 Bug
0752    
 
Water 1 Bug
0767    
 
Bug Water 3
0768    
 
Bug Water 3
0773  
Silvally
All forms
  No Eggs Discovered No Eggs Discovered
0779    
 
Water 2 Water 2
0780    
 
Monster Dragon
0781    
 
Mineral Mineral
0788    
 
No Eggs Discovered No Eggs Discovered
0816     Water 1 Field
0817     Water 1 Field
0818     Water 1 Field
0833     Monster Water 1
0834    
 
Monster Water 1
0845    
 
Water 1 Flying
0846     Water 2 Water 2
0847     Water 2 Water 2
0853     Water 1 Human-Like
0862    
 
Field Field
0864     Water 1 Water 3
0871     Water 1 Amorphous
0875     Water 1 Field
0881    
 
No Eggs Discovered No Eggs Discovered
0882    
 
No Eggs Discovered No Eggs Discovered
0883    
 
No Eggs Discovered No Eggs Discovered
0886    
 
Amorphous Dragon
0887    
 
Amorphous Dragon
0902  
Basculegion
All forms
 
 
Water 2 Water 2
0904    
 
Water 2 Water 2
0912     Flying Water 1
0913     Flying Water 1
0914    
 
Flying Water 1
0960     Water 3 Water 3
0961     Water 3 Water 3
0963     Field Water 2
0964     Field Water 2
0976    
 
Water 2 Water 2
0977     Water 2 Water 2
0978  
Tatsugiri
All forms
 
 
Water 2 Water 2
0980    
 
Water 1 Field
1009    
 
No Eggs Discovered No Eggs Discovered
1024     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.
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.


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 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

# Pokémon Types Egg Groups Obtained with
0025     Field Fairy Secret GiftPBR
Pokéwalker - Yellow Forest
0489     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.
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 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

# Pokémon Types Egg Groups Obtained with
0026     Field Fairy Wild Tera Pokémon - North Paldean SeaSV
0134     Field Field Wild Tera Pokémon - Casseroya LakeSV
0148     Water 1 Dragon Wild Tera Pokémon - West Province (Area One)SV
0195    
 
Water 1 Field Wild Tera Pokémon - Timeless WoodsSVTM
0871     Water 1 Amorphous Wild Tera Pokémon - Glaseado MountainSV
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.


By event

Generation I

# Pokémon Types Egg Groups Obtained with
0025     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.
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 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

# Pokémon Types Egg Groups Obtained with
0025     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.
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 VI

# Pokémon Types Egg Groups Obtained with
0025     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.
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 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.

Game Base
Power
Max
Power
Base
PP
Max
PP
Base
Accuracy
Max
Accuracy
Range Target Cuts
corners
MDRB 18 - 11 - 88% - Front Enemy No
MDTD 18 - 11 - 88% - Front Enemy No
MDS 30 - 11 - 88% - Front Enemy No
BSL 30 - 11 - 88% - Front Enemy No
MDGtI 25 99 15 50 80% 98% Entire room All except user Yes
SMD 25 50 12 30 80% 98% Entire room All except user Yes
With some exceptions, Pokémon learnsets match those from the core series games:

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 and crashes it down on the target.
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 HZ032 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


RBY
   
GSC
       
RS
   
FRLG
   
E
   
DP
   
Pt
   
HGSS
   
BW
   
B2W2
   
XY
   
ORAS
   


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

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*
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
SV
001002003004005006007008009010011012013014015016017018019
020021022023024025026027028029030031032033034035036037038
039040041042043044045046047048049050051052053054055056057
058059060061062063064065066067068069070071072073074075076
077078079080081082083084085086087088089090091092093094095
096097098099100101102103104105106107108109110111112113114
115116117118119120121122123124125126127128129130131132133
134135136137138139140141142143144145146147148149150151152
153154155156157158159160161162163164165166167168169170171
Added in SV 2.0.1
172173174175176177178179180181182183184185186
187188189190191192193194195196197198199200201
Added in SV 3.0.0
202203204205206207208209210211212213214215216
217218219220221222223224225226227228229


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.