>>44584666Scald. Simple as that. I don't even fucking know what Smogon is up to and still I know that an 80 bp move that gets boosted to 160 bp with a practically 1/3 chance to burn (which is one of the best, if not the best status effects in the game due to how powerful physical sweepers are.) is the superior choice to a move that would have 20 more BP with no effect. That's reason enough to take it over surf. Hydro pump on the other hand definitely has an argument going for it. But it really depends on the set.
Before you call me a "meta slave" for daring to recommend you a popular move. You should look at the set you have planned for your mon, & go with the option that goes better. Speedy specs? Hydro Pump. Bulky Leftovers? Scald. Don't even consider teaching it surf unless you actually have taken into mind the benefits of it, and when is it more useful than the already godlike scald.
Now stop making intentionally suboptimal choices, & making your self look like a fool.
