Looking for the best surf ponchos? You’ve come to the right place!
Surf ponchos are very handy tools, which allow you to change after a surf session without having to awkwardly hop around a towel, and risk flashing everyone on the beach.
There are loads of brands and different types of surf ponchos out there, and I know choosing one can be tricky.
What is the best material for surf changing ponchos? Does the style or design matter? Is a certain brand better than another?
In this article we will answer all those questions, and more! We go over exactly what surf ponchos are, what you need to take into account when choosing one, and we review the surf changing ponchos we personally use.
So what are you waiting for, let’s dive in and find the perfect surf changing poncho for you!
Changing with my surf poncho
What is a surf changing poncho?
Whether you call it a surf changing poncho, a surf changing towel, or a surf poncho hoodie, all the names are quite self explanatory.
A surf poncho is a poncho made of towel-like material, used by surfers to change before and after a surf session.
There are lots of different brands and styles, but regardless of whether they have pockets, hoodies and the material they’re made of, they all do the same job.
They’re usually pretty baggy and long, so that you can fully cover yourself and change under the poncho.
Click here to find the perfect surf poncho for you!
Ale surfing in Tenerife, Spain
Do you need a surfing poncho?
Is a surf poncho towel a surf essential? No.
Will it make it incredibly easier for you to change before and after a surf session, and thus make your surfing journey easier and more fun? Yes.
My boyfriend got me a surf poncho hoodie around six months into my surf journey, and I can honestly say it’s one of the best surf gifts I’ve received.
It’s not something that will impact your surfing level, but it will make it easier to change before and after a surf session.
Using a surf poncho and changing bucket to change after a surf session
What to consider when choosing the best surf ponchos
Before I dive into the review of the surf ponchos we personally use, I just wanted to go over some of the key distinguishing factors of surf ponchos, and what you need to take into account when choosing the best one for you.
Material
Surf ponchos are usually made with a material similar to towels. These range from proper fluffy towels to microfibre towels and even more cloth-like ones.
Personally, I really like the fluffy towel ones, as they will keep you warm and also allow you to dry yourself properly. However, they’re quite a lot bigger and bulkier than the microfibre ones, and they also dry more slowly.
Depending on what you do before or after surfing, it’s up to you whether you want something easier to carry around or something warmer to change.
Click here to purchase a microfibre surf poncho!
Using my surf poncho and surf bucket to change after a surf session
Extras: Pockets, hoodie & side zipper
At its simplest, surf ponchos are completely plain ponchos that cover you while you change. However there are now lots of ponchos with extra elements like hoodies, pockets and side zippers.
Pockets are very handy since you can store things in them while changing. Hoodies are also great as they allow you to dry your hair and warm up your head after surfing.
But personally, my favourite feature of my surf poncho are the side zippers.
These are two zippers at the height of your hips, which you can use to get access below your poncho without having to bundle it up and risk exposing yourself.
They’re very handy for changing and a useful extra for a surf poncho.
Changing with my surf poncho
Size
Some brands only offer one-size-fits-all surf ponchos, whilst others offer the standard S, M and L sizes.
Pick the right poncho for you, and don’t forget that it’s supposed to be quite long, don’t get a really short one or you won’t be comfortable changing!
Design & colour
I can’t really advise you on this one, as it ultimately depends on your personal taste. Nowadays there are surf ponchos of all colours and patterns, so you’re sure to find a design you like.
Just make sure it also ticks off the other elements you need, and you’ve got yourself the best surf poncho for you!
Click here to see prices and availability for your perfect surf changing poncho!
Greta surfing on a foam surfboard in Tenerife, Spain
Using my surf poncho to take off my wetsuit in my surf changing bucket
Our surf ponchos reviewed
I use a pink and teal color Ocean & Earth surf poncho, while Ale uses a standard Decathlon surf poncho. Quite frankly, you don’t need to spend loads of money on a surf poncho.
It’s not like your first beginner surfboard, which needs to be right for your surf level and is something you need to think about before purchasing.
A surf poncho is a useful extra, but it doesn’t need to be particularly fancy, expensive, or something you overthink too much.
Personally, I love my Ocean & Earth surf poncho since I really like the colour, it’s warm and of a nice towel-like material, and I find the extras like side zippers and pockets really useful.
Ale’s poncho doesn’t have side zippers, but it still does the job.
Neither of our surf ponchos are of fancy brands, and they don’t really need to be. For very affordable prices we have two great ponchos, which allow us to comfortable change before and after surfing.
Ale doing a bottom turn while surfing in Tenerife, Spain
Final thoughts on the best surf changing poncho
There you have it, the ultimate guide to choosing the best surf changing robes for you! Have you used a surf poncho before? How did you find it? Let us know in the comments below!
I might sound exaggerated when I say it, but my surf poncho is one of the best purchases I made for my surfing journey.
Like I said earlier in this article, a surfer poncho isn’t really an essential, but it will make your life so much easier.
Especially for the lady surfers like me, it’s so much easier to change under a surf towel poncho that covers you entirely, while also leaving your arms free, than having to wiggle about with a towel wrapped around yourself.
Click here to find the perfect surf poncho for you!
Ale doing a snap back surfing a right wave in a local spot, Tenerife.
Whether you use it to remove your wetsuit on a surf mat, or if you’ve used a surf shower and are removing whatever you’re wearing under your wetsuit, trust me when I say that using a womens surf poncho will make things considerably easier.
In this article we tried to give you an impartial overview of what you need to look for in a surf changing towel or poncho, reviewing the ponchos that we personally use, and sharing useful tips in selecting the best one for you.
I hope you will find it useful in picking the best surf poncho for you! If you have any questions, just let us know in the comments below.
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