Any Advice on Gyarados?

[Underboss]

Hey RBY 2K10, a few people have been telling me that I should be that one guy who is amazing with my boy, Gyarados, and you know what, I agree. I love Gyarados, he is my favorite pokemon by far. There is something about the story of Magikarp, a utter weakling, who, with determination, perseverance, dedication and patience, reaches level 20 to become an absolute powerhouse that really moves me.

Anyway, the point is, I want to make him shine in competitive play. The problem is he is deadly allergic to one of the best and most common attacking types in the game; dang zappers. But I still want to use him regardless

So one question I have is, how do I best play Gyarados in both BL and OU? Do I send him out on something he counters or do I keep him until the end when most of the electric users are dead?

Who would be good partners to have on a team with Gyarados in OU? Would Golem be good to counter the OU electrics? Or maybe Chansey to deal with Starmie and weaken Lapras.

What is the best moveset to use on Gyarados? I've been trying:
Body Slam
Hyper Beam
Blizzard / Surf
Thunderbolt

I can't decide between Surf or Blizzard though. Blizzard helps against Eggy, but Surf takes out Golem in one hit before he Rock Slides me and I get STAB on the move.

Or maybe you guys would recommend some other movesets. Thanks in advance for the help.

[Inf]

I think that even Surf + Blizzard is an option, because Thunderbolt will only be really usefull against Cloyster (Starmie and Lapras will kill you btw), and some others, like Kingler, that we never see.

[t3h Icy]

Anything with Thunderbolt, you want to avoid. Even if Starmie is paralyzed and Gyarados is fresh, there's a very slim chance of getting a 2HKO and I don't recommend Thunder.

But, Gyarados has monster HP and high Special, and can survive non-STAB Thunderbolts. Electrode is the strongest Electric that is not guaranteed to OHKO with Thunderbolt (258 Special).

While anything you need Thunderbolt for you shouldn't be using Gyarados against, it can be handy for finishing if they're paralyzed. As a Hybrid Sweeper, use Gyarados to take out low Defense Pokemon with Body Slam/Hyper Beam and use Special moves for others (Exeggutor, Rhydon, Golem, etc).

Also, have something to cover Electrics, whether it be one of the Grounds, or a modified Pokemon (such as Reflect Chansey).

This is rad that you're doing this. =)

EDIT: An important point is that Hydro Pump can 2HKO Tauros, which you may decide handy.

[WaterWizard]

I would not recommend Thunderbolt. Gyarados relies on his high Attack power and his STAB to take down enemies. Starmie/Lapras is going to kill you first, and Slowbro will laugh at you.

Standard:

BodySlam
Hyperbeam
Blizzard
Surf/HydroPump

Chansey really shouldn't switch in on Gyarados as she is 3HKO'd by BS BS HB.

An alternate set might be this:

Splash
Skull Bash
Rage
Dragon Rage

Good Luck!

[posthuman]

That alt set is awesome.

Also Gyarados isn't really going to work in OU. Too much TBolt, like you said. It might catch people off guard, but that's about it. It's cool that you're trying though. My favorite Pokémon is already OU (Snorlax).