Surfing Pikachu

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Surfing Pikachu in its original appearance as aTCG card

Surfing Pikachu (Japanese:なみのりピカチュウSurfing Pikachu) is a recurringPikachu variant, commonly depicted with a surfboard. These Pikachu know the moveSurf, which, prior toGeneration VIII, have only been given out in special circumstances, such asevents.

Contents

In the core series games

Pokémon Yellow

Pikachu surfing in Pikachu's Beach

The surfing Pikachu was featured in a minigame exclusive toPokémon Yellow, calledPikachu's Beach. This can only be activated in the original editions of the games by transferring a surfing Pikachu from other games. In theVirtual Console editions, onlythe player's partner Pikachu is required. The Surfin' Dude there apparently also has a surfing Pikachu. In addition, using Surf on the overworld with a Surfing Pikachu will show a different overworld sprite.

  • Surfing
    Surfing

Pokémon Gold, Silver, andCrystal

Like before in Pokémon Yellow, using Surf on the overworld with a Surfing Pikachu will show a different overworld sprite. This time, Pikachu has a red surfboard if the player is male, or a blue surfboard if the player is female.

Theplayer may receive a Surf Pikachudoll viaMystery Gift; however, thisitem is very rare. While a Surfing Pikachu's overworld sprite changes depending on the player gender, the doll always has a red surfboard.

  • Surfing (male player)
    Surfing (male player)
  • Surfing (female player)
    Surfing (female player)
  • Surf Pikachu Doll (Generation II)
    Surf Pikachu Doll (Generation II)
  • Surf Pikachu Doll (Generation II), female player
    Surf Pikachu Doll (Generation II), female player

Pokémon HeartGold and SoulSilver

A Surfing Pikachu can be found inYellow Forest, an event-onlyPokéwalker course. This Pikachu, when caught, can be transferred to eitherPokémon HeartGold or SoulSilver. Like the Battle Revolution Pikachu, this Pikachu must forget Surf in order to be transferred toGeneration V.

#0025 Pikachu
Level 14
Type:
Ability:Static
Held item:Lum BerryLum Berry
ID:(Player's)
OT:(Player's)
Met:Pokéwalker
Nature:Random
 Hit PointsAttackDefenseSp. AttackSp. DefenseSpeed
IVsRandom00000
 CoolBeautyCuteSmartToughSheen
Condition000000
Surf
WaterSpecial
Thunderbolt
ElectricSpecial
Thunder Wave
ElectricStatus
Quick Attack
NormalPhysical
GamesMethod
HGSSEvent (Yellow Forest)
ItsPoké Ball depends on the one used to catch it.
This Pokémon cannot beShiny.
This is aroaming Pokémon. The location it was caught in may differ.
This Pokémon is obtained in atrade. Itslevel is equivalent to the requested Pokémon, and itsmoves may vary.
This Pokémon is given to the player as anEgg.
This Pokémon is either Pig Latin or Pig Latin in origin, depending on thelanguage of the game.

Pokémon Ultra Sun and Ultra Moon

InPokémon Ultra Sun and Ultra Moon, after becoming No. 1 by achieving the high scores on all fourMantine Surf courses, the player can go to theHeahea Branch of the Surf Association to receive a famous Pikachu that knows the special moveSurf from the Boss of Surf Association.

#0025 Pikachu/
Level 40
Type:
Ability:Static
Held item:Gold Bottle CapGold Bottle Cap
ID:(Player's)
OT:(Player's)
Met:Heahea City
Nature:Random
Ribbon:None
 Hit PointsAttackDefenseSp. AttackSp. DefenseSpeed
IVsRandom00000
Nuzzle
ElectricPhysical
Discharge
ElectricSpecial
Slam
NormalPhysical
Surf
WaterSpecial
GamesMethod
USUMGift
Moves inbold can be taught again at theMove Reminder if forgotten.
ItsPoké Ball depends on the one used to catch it.
This Pokémon cannot beShiny.
This Pokémon is obtained in atrade.
This Pokémon is given to the player as anEgg.

Pokémon: Let's Go, Pikachu!

While no Pikachu can learn Surf inPokémon: Let's Go, Pikachu! or Let's Go, Eevee!, in the former game, the player'sPartner Pikachu can use theSecret Technique Sea Skim. When using this Technique, the player and their partner surf on a surfboard to travel across water, effectively replacing the overworld function Surf used to have.

In addition to the Secret Technique, Partner Pikachu can learn the exclusive moveSplishy Splash, likely inspired by Surfing Pikachu.

GenerationsVIII andIX

Starting withPokémon Sword and Shield, Surf is no longer an event-exclusivemove for Pikachu, and all members of the Pikachu family, including alternate forms, can learn Surf byTM.

In celebration ofPokémon Day 2023, a Pikachu that knowsSurf and has theWaterTera Type was released inPokémon Scarlet and Violet via thePoké Portal News. This Pikachu had the MightiestMark and appeared in 7★Tera Raid Battles running from February 24 to 27, 2023 at 14:59 UTC.

Events

In addition to the methods mentioned above, Surfing Pikachu have often been distributed directly through events. The following is a listing of Surfing Pikachu events:

List of events featuring Surfing Pikachu

GamesEventLanguage/RegionLocationLevelDistribution period
RGBNintendo 64 PikachuJapaneseJapan5September 21 to October 31, 1997
RGBCoroCoro Surfing PikachuJapaneseJapan?September 1997
RBYNintendo Power PikachuEnglishUnited States?October to November 1, 1999
RSEFRLGYokohama PikachuJapaneseJapan10March 19 to April 3, 2005
DP2007 TCG World Championships PikachuEnglishUnited States50August 10 to 12, 2007
DPPt2008 Birthday PikachuJapaneseJapan40December 26, 2008 to December 25, 2009
DPPtPokémon Center Yokohama PikachuJapaneseJapan40October 10 to November 3, 2008
DPPtHGSS2009 Birthday PikachuJapaneseJapan40December 26, 2009 to November 3, 2010
XYMinato Mirai Landmark Tower PikachuAllJapan10August 9 to 17, 2014
XYMinato Mirai Cosmo World PikachuAllJapan10August 9 to 17, 2014
XYMinato Mirai Red Brick Warehouse PikachuAllJapan10August 9 to 17, 2014
XYMinato Mirai Captain PikachuAllJapan10August 9 to 17, 2014
XYMinato Mirai Pacifico PikachuAllJapan10August 16 to 17, 2014
ORASPokémon Center Online PikachuJapanese regionOnline10February 16 to August 31, 2016
XYORASPika Pika Pokémon Spa PikachuKorean regionOnline10July 2 to September 30, 2016
SMUSUMPokémon World Festival PikachuAllSouth Korea10April 27 to May 7, 2018

Gallery

Sprites

Overworld sprite fromYellowOverworld sprite fromGeneration II
(male player)

Artwork

Artwork ofChase'sPartner Pikachu usingSea Skim
fromPokémon: Let's Go, Pikachu! and Let's Go, Eevee!

In the side series games

Pikachu using Surf inPokémon Stadium

Pokémon Stadium series

This section is incomplete.
Please feel free to edit this section to add missing information and complete it.
Reason: Clarify info onJapanese Stadium 2

Surf can be taught to a Pikachu in either theoriginal Japanese orinternational release of Pokémon Stadium. In the Japanese Stadium, Surf will be taught to Pikachu if the player clears the Master Ball division of the L1-30 Division with aPikachu in their party. In the English version, the player is required to clear the Master Ball division of the Round 2Prime Cup with all Pokémon selected directly from a Game Pak, not saving the game during the challenge (continues are permitted), and must ensure Pikachu participates in the final battle (the Pikachu can come from anyGeneration I game). This does not occur in the Japanese version of the game (this game is known as Pokémon Stadium 2 in Japanese). In allStadium series games, Pikachu has a unique animation where it jumps on a pink surfboard while using the move. In addition, all ofLt. Surge's Pikachu and Raichu in the series use Surf.

Pokémon Box Ruby & Sapphire

InPokémon Box Ruby & Sapphire, after 1499 Pokémon are stored the player will receive an Egg with aPichu that knowsThunderShock,Charm and Surf. This Pichu, of course, canevolve into a Pikachu that knows Surf.

Pokémon InfoTrainer MemoBattle MovesRibbons
PICHU*/Dex No.0172Random nature.ElectricThunderShockNone
Lv5TypeHatched:(Location hatched)NormalCharm
ElectricUnknownatLv 5.WaterSurf
OT(Hatcher's)
(Hatcher's)
 ----
ID No.(Hatcher's)There is no limit to this Pokémon's availability.
It may be obtained on any date, beginning from
when it was released.
It was available inall regions.
ItemAbility
NoneNoneStatic
This Pokémon is English in origin.
This Pokémon must forget the moveSurf in order to be able to be sent toPal Park.
This Pokémon was distributed as anEgg. The OT and ID No. of this Pokémon is the same as its hatcher's.
This Pokémon can beShiny if hatched in a game different from the game it was received in.
Can be obtained with:RSFRLGE
Obtained from:ColoXDBoxChnDistribution

Pokémon Colosseum,XD: Gale of Darkness, andBattle Revolution

Because the models and animations of Generation I and II Pokémon inPokémon Colosseum,XD: Gale of Darkness, andBattle Revolution are derived from the Stadium series, Pikachu retains the pink surfboard animation from those games.

While no distribution of Surfing Pikachu was made in Colosseum or XD, in Battle Revolution, players could download a Surfing Pikachu onto aDiamond, Pearl,Platinum,HeartGold, and SoulSilver game from the shop for free after defeating Pokétopia MasterMysterial for the first time. It can be downloaded by multiple games, but no two Pikachu can be downloaded by a single card. However, the Pikachu cannot betransferred forward toGeneration V or later without forgetting Surf.

Pokémon InfoTrainer MemoBattle MovesRibbons
PIKACHUDex No.0025Hardy nature.ElectricVolt TackleNone
Lv.10Type WaterSurf
ElectricUnknownLovely placeNormalTail Whip
OTPKTOPIAApparently had aElectricThunder Wave
ID No.06257fateful encounter atThere is no limit to this Pokémon's availability.
It may be obtained on any date, beginning from
when it was released.
It was available inall regions.
ItemAbilityLv. 10.
Light BallLight BallStatic 
The date this Pokémon was received is determined by the date on theDS when it was obtained from thePoké Mart.
This Pokémon is English in origin.
This Pokémon must forget the moveSurf in order to be able to be sent toPoké Transfer.
Can be obtained with:DPPtHGSS
Obtained from:PBRRanchRaSoAGSDistribution

In the spin-off games

Takinga snapshot of surfing Pikachu inSnap

Pokémon Snap

A nod to the Surfing Pikachu can be found in the game's first level, theBeach. If the player lures the Pikachu at the start of the stage near a surfboard withPokémon food, it will hop on the board and pretend to surf, allowing the player to take its picture for bonus points.

Pokémon Trading Card Game series

Surfing Pikachu is an obtainable card in bothPokémon Trading Card Game andPokémon Trading Card Game 2: The Invasion of Team GR!. In the first game, the player can obtain two copies by trading aClefable card and aChansey card withMr. Ishihara. In the latter game, the player can obtain two copies by trading aArticuno card and aMoltres card with Ishihara. The second copy of each features theMt. Fuji Surfing Pikachu variant originally released in the TCG through theJR Stamp Rally in September 1997.

Sprite from
TCG GB
Mt. Fuji sprite from
TCG GB
Sprite from
TCG GB2
Mt. Fuji sprite from
TCG GB2

Pokémon Channel

A Surfing Pikachudoll can be bought from Shop 'N Squirtle inPokémon Channel.

PokéPark Wii: Pikachu's Adventure

The Surfing Pikachu appeared inPokéPark Wii: Pikachu's Adventure. By typing in a certain code , a green surfboard is unlocked, which can then be used byPikachu so he can playGyarados's Aqua Dash.

RegionCode
North America02970626
PAL84925064
Japan78872252

Pokémon GO

Surfing Pikachu were made available forPokémon GO's firstCommunity Day event. During the event, players could also potentially teach existing Pikachu Surf viaCharged TM. Like all special moves, Pikachu will forget Surf it it is transferred to a core series game.

Detective Pikachu

Using the Pika Prompt while near the swimming pool on theS.S. Prime Treasure will revealDetective Pikachu standing on a surfboard. He then jokingly tells Tim that he's using Surf before falling off.

New Pokémon Snap

A female Pikachu inBlushing Beach can be lured over to a sandbank, where she'll hop on aStunfisk, and pretend to surf on it. Taking a picture of this is required for the LenTalk Request "Near the Water's Edge". When submitting the photo, Professor Mirror will comment saying that it looks like the Pikachu is practicing surfing. Similarly, inMaricopia Reef, throwing an Illumina Orb at theCrystabloom at the beginning of the course will cause aMantine to appear with a Pikachu surfing on its back.

Pokémon Quest

A Pikachu that knows Surf can be obtained by purchasing the Mini Expedition Pack.[1][2] The promotion is not available on the Nintendo Switch version.

One of thedecorations that can be purchased for use in thebase camp is aPikachu Surfboard, which is a surfboard patterned after Pikachu.

Pokémon UNITE

This section is incomplete.
Please feel free to edit this section to add missing information and complete it.

In animation

SurfingPikachu inPokémon the Series: Black & White
Puka inPokémon the Series: The Beginning

Pokémon the Series

Pokémon the Series: The Beginning

Puka is a Pikachu that seems to be based on the Surfing Pikachu, appearing inThe Pi-Kahuna.

Ash's Pikachu appeared riding a surfboard inThe Mystery Menace.

Pokémon the Series: Gold and Silver

A surfing Pikachu is mentioned in the full version of the Japanese ending themeExciting Pokémon Relay.

Pokémon the Series: Black & White

Ash's Pikachu appeared riding a surfboard again inExpedition to Onix Island!.

Pokémon the Series: Sun & Moon

InBattling the Beast Within!, Ash wore a T-shirt with the Surfing Pikachu from theTCG card on it.

In the manga

Pika using Surf inPokémon Adventures
Yellow's surfing Pikachu inPokémon Pocket Monsters

Pokémon Adventures

Yellow arc

Yellow was able to teachRed'sPikachu,Pika, the moveSurf by having him mold hissubstitute into a surfboard.

Pokémon Pocket Monsters series

InPokémon Pocket Monsters, one ofRed's rivals,Yellow, has a Pikachu with surfing skills. InThe Fake Pikachu!!, he used it in battle againstRed's Pikachu.

In the TCG

Surfing Pikachu originated from thePokémon Trading Card Game. The first card it was printed on was aWizards Black Star Promo card. They have an originalPokédex entry which reads, "One summer, a group of Pikachu was found riding the waves at the local beach." All Surfing Pikachu have theattackSurf, which notably has an cost that includesWaterEnergy. Since these cards are not named "Pikachu",Raichu cards usually cannotevolve from them.

Celebrations introducedSurfing Pikachu V andSurfing Pikachu VMAX. Surfing Pikachu V can evolve into Surfing Pikachu VMAX. While Surfing Pikachu V still has Surf, the VMAX card instead has Max Surfer. Max Surfer keeps the theme of having Water Energy in its cost.

Surfing Pikachu VMAX depicts aDynamax Surfing Pikachu. It appears that Surfing Pikachu's surfboard does not get any larger when the Surfing Pikachu itself Dynamaxes. This is distinctly unlike how Dynamax is depicted in other media, where the shape of the Pokémon does not change, and contrasts withFlying Pikachu VMAX, which has its balloons change when it Dynamaxes. This may be just for comedic effect.

Surfing Pikachu VMAX, which shows a Dynamax Surfing Pikachu

The following are cards namedSurfing Pikachu, or a variation of such.

Surfing Pikachu
Cards listed with ablue background are only legal to use in the currentExpanded format.
Cards listed with agreen background are legal to use in both the currentStandard andExpanded formats.
CardTypeMarkEnglish
Expansion
Rarity#Japanese
Expansion
Rarity#
Surfing PikachuLightningWizards Black Star Promos 28Unnumbered Promotional cards  
    Unnumbered Promotional cards  
    Pokémon WebUncommon025/048
Rising Rivals114/111Bonds to the End of TimeUltra-Rare Rare089/090
Evolutions111/108XY-P Promotional cards 264/XY-P
Surfing PikachuV
CardTypeMarkEnglish
Expansion
Rarity#Japanese
Expansion
Rarity#
Surfing PikachuVLightningECelebrations008/02525th Anniversary CollectionRR021/127
Surfing PikachuVMAX
CardTypeMarkEnglish
Expansion
Rarity#Japanese
Expansion
Rarity#
Surfing PikachuVMAXLightningECelebrations009/02525th Anniversary CollectionRRR022/127

Merchandise

20th Anniversary Special Pack: M Slowbro-EX + Surfing Pikachu

The20th Anniversary Special Pack: M Slowbro-EX + Surfing Pikachu (Japanese:20th Anniversary スペシャルパック「メガヤドランEX+なみのりピカチュウ」20th Anniversary Special Pack: MYadoranEX + Surfing Pikachu) was released on the same day as theExpansion Pack 20th Anniversary subset, September 16, 2016, in the buildup to the 20th Anniversary of the Japanese TCG. The pack features the Hermit Crab PokémonSlowbro in both its regular andMega Evolved forms asPokémon-EX cards, its Spirit LinkItem card, and a re-imagined version of theSurfing Pikachu promotional card originally released in 1997. All cards feature a layout reminiscent of those from the Original Era. The special pack also comes with 3Expansion Pack 20th Anniversary booster packs.

Promotional cards:

Product image:

20th Anniversary Special Pack:
M Slowbro-EX + Surfing Pikachu
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In other languages

LanguageTitle
ChineseCantonese会冲浪的皮卡丘Surfing Pikachu
Mandarin会冲浪的皮卡丘Surfing Pikachu
FrenchPikachu surfeur
GermanSurfer-Pikachu
Surfendes Pikachu (TCG)
IndonesianPikachu Berselancar
ItalianPikachu Surf
Surfing Pikachu (TCG)
SpanishPikachu Surf

References

Related articles

  • For more information on this Pokémon's species, seePikachu.
Pokémonforms andvariants
PermanentShiny Pokémon (GO ·GO list ·TCG) •Alternately colored Pokémon (animation) •Gender differences
Form differences (GO) •Totem-like PokémonBrilliant PokémonAlpha Pokémon
Form changes and
transformations
Mega Evolution (Shuffle ·Masters ·GO) •Primal Reversion (GO) •Bond Phenomenon
Ultra BurstDynamax (GO) •Gigantamax (GO) •EternamaxTerastal phenomenon
GroupsTotem PokémonNoble PokémonTitan Pokémon
Regional formsAlolanGalarianHisuianPaldean
Analogous speciesParadox PokémonConvergent species
Species-specificArbok variantsPikachu variants (Surfing ·Flying ·Cosplay ·Cap)
Ditto transformationsEevee variants
MiscellaneousGiant PokémonSpiky-eared PichuPartner Pokémon (LGPE)
Fusions (GO) •Human–Pokémon transformationTalking Pokémon
Side series originalColo/XD:Shadow Pokémon (Shadow Lugia ·list)
Spin-off originalGO:Shadow Pokémon (list) •Battle-Only FormMighty Pokémon
Mystery Dungeon:Primal DialgaRumble:Toy Pokémon (Rusty Pokémon)
Pokkén:Shadow MewtwoQuest:PokéxelNew Snap:Illumina phenomenon
Animation originalPokémon the Series:Pink ButterfreeClone PokémonCrystal Onix
Mirage PokémonMeta GroudonGreen-crystal Deoxys
Manga originalAdventures:Thu-Fi-ZerElectric Tale:Black FogGolden Boys:Black Tyranitar
TCG originalCrystal PokémonDark PokémonLight Pokémon
δ Delta SpeciesBREAKVSTARRadiant Pokémon
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