Overview
Surf is a Ditto transformation move in Pokemon Pokopia that allows Ditto to take on the full form of Lapras and travel across water. It is the seventh move players unlock in the game, learned during the Bleak Beach chapter. Surf is essential for exploring coastal areas, reaching offshore islands, and crossing rivers that would otherwise block progress.
How to Unlock
Surf is taught by Lapras after completing its arrival request at Bleak Beach. The unlock process has two stages:
Step 1: Build the Tropical Seaside Habitat
After building your first home in Bleak Beach, speak to Piplup, who will display a yellow speech bubble saying it wants to swim. This triggers the hint for the Tropical Seaside habitat. The habitat requires the following items placed near the ocean:
Item | Quantity |
|---|---|
Large Palm Tree | 1 |
4 | |
Ocean Water (nearby) | 2 blocks |
Once the habitat is complete, Lapras will spawn at the location.
Step 2: Complete Lapras's Request
Talk to Lapras to receive its request: wash away 80 squares of mud using Water Gun. Head to the mud-covered areas around Bleak Beach and spray them with Water Gun. After clearing all 80 tiles, return to Lapras to learn Surf.
Controls
Button | Action |
|---|---|
B (near water) | Transform into Lapras and begin swimming |
Left Stick | Move and steer while swimming |
A (at waterfall base) | Climb a waterfall (requires the Waterfall upgrade) |
Ditto automatically reverts to its normal form when it reaches land. Surf is classified as a full-body transformation, meaning Ditto takes on Lapras's complete shape rather than just borrowing parts of it.
PP Cost
Surf does not consume PP per use. Once you enter the water, you can swim indefinitely without worrying about your energy meter draining. This makes it one of the more forgiving traversal moves.
Relationship With Waterfall
Surf and Waterfall share the same Lapras transformation. Learning Waterfall later in Sparkling Skylands from Gyarados upgrades your Surf ability so that pressing A at the base of a waterfall lets you swim straight up. Without Waterfall, you cannot ascend waterfalls even while in Lapras form.
Tips
Surf pairs well with Suck Up Liquids for water management. You can Surf to the middle of a lake and then use Suck to collect water for relocation.
Bleak Beach has several small offshore islands that are only reachable by Surf. These islands often contain crafting materials and hidden Poke Balls.
In multiplayer, all players who have unlocked Surf can swim together. Other players see your Lapras form.
You can transition directly from Surf into Glide by jumping out of the water near a high ledge and pressing R mid-air.