Norman

Norman is the player’s father and Petalburg’s Normal-type Gym Leader. He introduces Wally’s catching lesson early, before the player can challenge him.

• Story: Four badges are required before his Gym challenge. Winning earns the Balance Badge and TM42 Facade, and the subsequent reward opens Surf exploration.
• In the game: His team is Slaking at levels 28 and 31 with level 30 Vigoroth between them. Slaking’s Truant creates alternating action turns, but its attacks remain dangerous.

Story spoilers.

Pokémon Ruby / Sapphire · Game Boy Advance · 2002 · Original Pokémon Ruby Version and Pokémon Sapphire Version for Game Boy Advance. Version-specific encounters and story roles are labelled. · Picture: Original Game Boy Advance-era trainer sprite.