Surf is an HM move. It cannot be learned on it's own. You must get the Surf HM (HM 03) in order to teach Lapras Surf.
Lapras can't learn surf through leveling you have to use HM3 which can be acquired at the end of the Safari Zone in Fuscia City.
To get Surf, go to the Geodudes on Tangelo Island, and KO them constantly with Lapras. Once Lapras gets to Level 10 (if you're playing on a computer) or Level 12 (if you're playing on a cartridge), it will learn Surf.
You get Lapras from the Tangelo Island Health Center. It's south of where the Geodudes are on Tangelo Island. To get Lapras, however, you need to defeat Tracy.
To get Surf, go to the Geodudes on Tangelo Island, and KO them constantly with Lapras. Once Lapras gets to Level 10 (if you're playing on a computer) or Level 12 (if you're playing on a cartridge), it will learn Surf.
You have to use the HM surf It does not learn surf by leveling
I have a Lapras with surf.
It doesn't learn it at a level because it's a tm but it can be teached surf at any level
Slowpoke does not learn Surf by levelling up, but it can learn Surf via HM in all generations.
To teach a Lapras how to swim you first need to find the hm Surf. Surf is located in the Sarafi Zone at the top of Fuschia City. However, you are not able to use the hm until you beat Koga, the Fuschia City gym leader.
Golduck does not learn Surf by levelling up. You must teach it Surf by using the HM.
you have to teach it the hm surf i believe.............
Marill doesn't learn surf naturally; must use hm