

The speed was returned to running speed in Pokémon Platinum. In Pokémon Diamond and Pearl, the Surfing speed was reduced to walking speed again. In Generation III, the speed was increased to running speed. In Generations I and II, the speed was at the same speed as walking.

The speed of Surfing has varied back and forth through games. In certain games, Surf requires a specific badge to use outside of battle the Soul Badge R B Y FR LG, Fog Badge G S C HG SS, Balance Badge R S E OR AS, Relic Badge D P BD SP, Fen Badge Pt, or Rumble Badge X Y. This move is needed to reach some cities, towns, and ultimately the Pokémon League where the Elite Four reside. Surf is required to complete almost all games where it is usable outside of battle, with the exception of Pokémon Black and White. The player is also able to fish for Pokémon while surfing. The other field moves Waterfall, Whirlpool, and Dive may only be used outside of battle when the player is surfing. When doing so, Pokémon Trainers and wild Pokémon can be encountered. In all core series games up to Generation VI, Surf is a field move it can be used outside of battle to travel over bodies of water. If a Cramorant without a catch uses Surf (unless it is Dynamaxed), Gulp Missile activates and it finds a catch. Surf will also destroy stalagmites found in the background of battles. Surf's power has been reduced from 95 to 90. If Surf hits a Pokémon during the semi-invulnerable turn of Dive, its damage dealt to that Pokémon will be doubled instead of its power (resulting in virtually the same effect). In Triple Battles, Surf will hit all other adjacent Pokémon, including allies. If Surf hits a Pokémon during the semi-invulnerable turn of Dive, its power will be doubled instead of the damage dealt (resulting in virtually the same effect). Surf will now hit all adjacent Pokémon, including allies. It can also be used to start a combination, causing Dive to give extra two appeal points if used in the next turn. Surf can be used as part of a Pokémon Contest combination, with the user gaining extra three appeal points if Dive was used in the prior turn. In a Double Battle, Surf will hit both opposing Pokémon.

Surf can hit a Pokémon during the semi-invulnerable turn of Dive, and if it does, will deal double the damage. Surf inflicts damage and has no secondary effect.
