To be honest, I was never a fan of Surfing, in the case of Pokémon, or Sailing, in the case of Wind Waker. Especially when you need to surf over an area of infinitely vast Blue sea, with monsters awaiting to trap you at every steps.
So then I was playing Pokémon 3rd. Every new things amazed me, but most of all, I was very glad that I didn't need to surf in order to get to dewford island. When I arrive to Slateport, I quietly continue my adventure through the northwest of the Hoenn region, climbing up a volcano, visiting a valley filled with ash, going through a desert and a beautiful waterfall cave with great music.
Then I beat dad in a Pokémon battle, and he tells me Wally's mom has a gift for me! Surely something to coninue my adventure, right?
Yes. I go there to recieve HM03, Surf!
I continue through the game through the hills filled with Rain, and eventually arrive at Lillycove. After some sidetracking, I learn that I have to go through... the Sea. A wide open sea that is easy to get lost in. I open my map and realize that the sea is not only my next route, but also the entirety of the rest of the whole game!
Flashback to Team Aqua telling that their plan was to submerge the land with the sea. I freak out.
"Oh no! If they submerge the land, that means even MORE water to surf through! Water that's too salty to quench thirst, invading the beautiful valleys of this region."
And then it was personal.
So, yeah, Team Magma anyday for me.