Surf Changing Mat – The Best Wetsuit Changing Mat for Surfers! (Tips & Reviews!)

Looking for the best surf changing mats? You’ve come to the right place!

Surf changing mats are very handy tools, which allow you to change after a surf session and remove your wetsuit without getting sand dirt all over it. 

There are loads of brands and different types of wetsuit surf changing mats out there, and I know choosing one can be tricky.

Should you choose a changing mat, bucket or grass pad? Does it need to be waterproof or not? Is a certain brand better than another? In this article we will answer all those questions, and more!

We go over exactly how wetsuit changing mats and bags work, what you need to take into account when choosing one, their use in surfing and we review the surf changing mats we personally use.

So what are you waiting for, let’s dive in and find the perfect surf changing mat for you!

What is a wetsuit changing mat?

Whether you call it a surf changing mat, a wetsuit changing mat, or a beach changing mat bag, the job it does is always the same.

As you may guess from its various names, it’s a type of mat that you use to change after a surf session.

You usually stand on it when taking off your wetsuit, so that when you get to the final section and have to kick it off your feet, you do so on a fairly clean surface.

No more rolling your wetsuit around on the floor, and getting sand and dirt all over it.

Most of these then double up as bags, so that you just close it around your wet wetsuit and use it to carry it around directly. Clean wetsuit and a waterproof bag to carry it with, it’s a win-win!

Click here to find the perfect surf changing mat for you!

Do you need a changing mat for surfing?

Is a wetsuit changing mat a surf essential? No

Will it make your surfing journey easier and more fun? Yes.

Nobody likes a sandy wetsuit, and a surf changing mat ensures you don’t have to deal with that.  

Plus, it’s not just about avoiding to get your wetsuit and car dirty with sand. Removing your wetsuit on a grubby and rough surface means your wetsuit will suffer more wear and tear, and won’t last as long.

And for surfers who then wash their wetsuits at home in the shower, your pipes will also be grateful in the long run.

As you progress through the various surfing levels, you’ll be glad you have a way to change yourself without getting your wetsuit sandy.

Things to consider when choosing your wetsuit mat

There are loads of different types of surf changing mats out there, so how do you choose the best one? Personally I don’t think there’s a specific brand that’s better than the others, it comes down to your personal needs.

In this section, we go over the main defining characteristics of wetsuit changing mats, and what you need to take into account when choosing one.

Is it waterproof?

This may seem like a silly question, but you’d be surprised. Not all wetsuit changing mats are waterproof.

That’s not to say they’re not useful, you can still use them to change, you’ll just need a separate dry bag (or wet bag) to then carry the wet wetsuit.

Whether you prefer it to be waterproof or not, it’s just worth being aware that not all of them are waterproof and thus choosing accordingly.

Different types of mats

There are three main types of surf changing mats. They come as changing mats, changing buckets or grass pads. Each type has its own pros and cons.

Changing mats are the most common and popular choice, as they pretty standard, fold over and are the most compact option. However they’re not always 100% waterproof.

Changing buckets are a bit more awkward to stand in, but they’re comfier and you can rest assured that there will be no water leakage from them.

Grass pads have become popular as they’re soft to stand on while changing, but they’re not as useful when it comes to carrying your wet wetsuit around.

Size

I mean specifically the storage size when you’re not using it. Before and after using your surf changing mat, how much space will it occupy in your car?

Changing buckets are the most waterproof, but also take up the most space as you can’t really fold them up. Normal mats can be pretty compact, but they’re not always 100% waterproof.

It’s not a huge factor, but just something you need to think about when choosing the right surf changing mat for you.

Our surf changing mats reviewed

Personally, we have two different types of wetsuit changing bags. We alternate between them depending on the need and occasion, and can confidently tell you the pros and cons of each.

Ocean & Earth wetsuit changing bucket

We have an Ocean & Earth changing bucket and I love it. It’s not as comfortable as a normal mat for actually changing, but it’s way more comfortable for then carrying it around.

This bucket has a thicker foam base, which makes it soft and comfortable to stand on. It has semi-rigid high walls so that your wetsuit remains contained within it. 

The material is very sturdy and waterproof, meaning no water is going to leak out of it. It also comes with handles, so that you can use it as a bag and easily carry around your wetsuit after changing.

While it may be soft to stand on, the smaller size means you don’t have as much space to move around, which makes changing and removing your wetsuit a bit awkward.

We actually use this more as a wetsuit dry bag, and it does the job splendidly.

This surf changing bucket is perfect for those who don’t mind changing on a smaller surface, and want to be 100% there won’t be water leaks into their car.

Click here to purchase your Ocean & Earth surf changing bucket!

FCS surf changing mat

We don’t use our changing mat as often as our changing bucket, but that doesn’t mean it’s not useful. This changing mat is light, compact and folds over very easily, meaning it doesn’t occupy as much space as the bucket.

It also has a wider surface area, which makes changing easier as you have more space to stand on and wiggle around with your wetsuit.

It has a handy cord lock that you just pull and it turns into a bag, stowing away your wet wetsuit for easy transport.

However the material isn’t as thick and sturdy, meaning it’s not as cushioned and comfortable as the bucket when you stand on it. Plus, over time, it can also deteriorate faster which leads to it not being 100% waterproof.

While we use the surf changing bucket more often (since it works very well also as a dry bag), we still carry our surf changing mat with us every time we go on a surf trip and know we’ll have to change at the beach or by the car.

Click here to purchase your FCS surf changing mat!

Final thoughts on the best wetsuit changing mats

There you have it, the ultimate guide to choosing the best surf changing mat for you! Have you used a wetsuit changing mat before? How did you find it? Let us know in the comments below!

Like I said earlier in this article, a surf changing bag isn’t really an essential, but it’s definitely a handy tool that will make both your life and surfing journey easier.

Trust me when I say, you’ll be glad your wetsuit isn’t full of sand when you take it off after a long surf session.

Being useful, but not essential, is also what makes it such a popular gift for surfers. Similarly to surfing showers, it’s the sort of gift that the surfer in your life will immensely appreciate.

In this article we tried to give you an impartial overview of what you need to look for in a surf or wetsuit changing mat, reviewing the changing mats 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 right surf changing mat for you! If you have any questions, just let us know in the comments below.

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