Surf Poncho
After a long session, getting changed in the parking lot can be a major hassle, especially if you often surf in a cold environment. Having a surf poncho allows you to change out of your soaked wetsuit in a much warmer climate, all while providing privacy and keeping you dry.
Of course, with so many surf ponchos on the market, many of which have different features, finding the right one for your needs can be a challenge.
Come dive in with us as we explore the seven best surf ponchos on the market today so that you can elevate your next surf session!
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Quick Answer :
Men
#1 Best Overall - Ho Stevie! - Thick Microfiber Surf Poncho→
#2 Best Color Choices - Catalonia - Oversized Surf Changing Towel→
#3 Large Front Pocket - BESTA - Wetsuit Changing Robe→
#4 Most Lightweight - HiTurbo - Beach Wetsuit Changing Poncho→
Women
#1 Best Women's Surf Poncho - Lost & Leisure - Turkish Towel: Surf Change Poncho→
Unisex
#1 Best Fade-Resistant Material - COR Surf - Poncho Changing Towel→
Kids
#1 Best Surf Poncho For Kids - COR Surf - Poncho Towel Robe (Ages 3-8)→
The Ho Stevie! Thick Microfiber Surf Poncho is one of our favorite surf ponchos available. With this handy surf poncho, you can change in or out of your wetsuit with ease, reducing the chance of accidentally flashing unsuspecting onlookers in the parking lot.
We love the sleeveless robe design with the full hood, as it works for both summer and winter changing situations. Because it is made out of microfiber, you get a comfortable feel that doesn't cover you in lint after you're done changing. Microfiber tends to be much more water-resistant than cotton, meaning it doesn't hold lots of moisture either.
One of the main problems with many surf ponchos is that they're too short. We dig the fact that the team at Ho Stevie! went a bit longer with the fabric, giving users 47" to work with.
2. Catalonia - Oversized Surf Changing Towel - Best Color Choices
From pink to blue to grey to black, you get tons of colors to choose from with the Catalonia Oversized Surf Changing Towel. Similar to the Ho Stevie! option, this surf poncho is made out of machine-washable microfiber material for comfort, warmth, and functionality.
Again, the beauty of this microfiber material is that it can absorb water and let it go, never feeling like it's too heavy. Plus, you can keep it in your car for a few hours without it getting smelly.
The Catalonia Oversized Surf Changing Towel is extremely warm, almost doubling as a bathrobe.
One thing to note about this particular changing poncho is that the neck opening is a bit small. So if you have a larger head or are wearing a ponytail, getting your head through might be more challenging.
3. BESTA - Wetsuit Changing Robe - Large Front Pocket
When it comes to comfort and convenience, the BESTA Wetsuit Changing Robe is a clear winner.
From warm to durable to thick to comfortable, we could use so many words to describe this surf poncho changing robe.
We also love the fact that BESTA extended the length beyond what you would find in most surf ponchos, meaning it works for taller people as well!
Of course, our favorite thing about the BESTA Wetsuit Changing Poncho is the roomy front pocket, which you can use to hold your belongings while you change or keep your hands in if it's cold outside. You also get a large hood to keep your ears warm.
Overall, the BESTA Changing Robe is a surf poncho that is so comfortable and warm, you could wear it all day after a surf session and never get tired of it.
4. HiTurbo - Beach Wetsuit Changing Poncho - Most Lightweight
If you're looking for an incredibly lightweight surf changing poncho, then the HiTuro Wetsuit Changing Poncho is an excellent choice.
Even the little ones will feel comfortable changing with this thing on.
Also, with such light volume, you can easily stick it in your bag or backpack and travel with it, barely knowing that it's there. If you're in the market for a new bag as well, check out our best surf backpacks review article.
The entire towel poncho is made out of high-quality microfiber material, keeping you warm without holding in tons of water.
If you live in a windy area, the microfiber is surprisingly useful in protecting your skin from the wind. Plus, the microfiber material blocks out UV rays, keeping your skin safe during an extremely sunny day.
While many smaller surf ponchos have a scratchy, tacky, or artificial feel, this surf poncho is made out of some of the softest and most comfortable fabrics out there. The Turkish surf changing poncho comes in at 5'6", is perfect for smaller users, and is made of quick-drying, textured cotton for a vintage look and soft feel.
Of course, you get all of the top benefits of a high-end surf poncho as well, including a warm hood and large front pocket.
In addition, we love the subtle waffle weave, which helps to wick water away so that it dries much faster than other cotton ponchos.
The hanging loop on the back is a nice touch, allowing you to hang your surf changing poncho up in your laundry room after you wash it without stretching it out.
If you're in the market for a luxurious surf poncho that is made for shorter people, the Turkish Towel is a beautiful choice.
Unisex
COR Surf - Poncho Changing Towel - Best Fade-Resistant Material
Having a surf poncho that won't fade is crucial if you find yourself changing in the sun a lot.
Though the COR Surf Poncho comes with vibrant colors and designs, you won't have to worry about it fading, even after tons of time in the sun or many washes.
The Cor Surf Poncho Towel is one of our absolute favorite unisex towels and one of the only towels you will need. The microfiber material is ultra-comfortable and dries quickly, keeping you nice and warm when you get out of the water.
Beyond the beautiful colors, the COR Surf Poncho Changing Towel is functional. It uses a large front pocket for storing your belonging or keeping your hands warm. So when you're hanging by the pool, you can keep your phone and keys near you at all times.
Not all surf ponchos will work for little ones, as most of them are made for people over 5'6.
Not only does this surf poncho come in small sizes for little surfers, but it also comes in plenty of cool designs, including palm leaves, retro sand, nautical, and Mexican blanket designs.
As with the other COR poncho on our list, this one was also made with fade resistance in mind.
So no matter how often you're in the sun with this surf robe or how often you choose to wash it, you can expect the colors to retain vibrancy.
The material dries extremely quickly, keeping your little surfer warm and dry at all times. With its soft characteristics, it won't irritate their sensitive skin either.
Of course, as with most high-end poncho towels, the COR Poncho Towel Robe comes with a large front pocket and a hood for added comfort and warmth.
Factors To Consider When Buying
Materials
One of the first things you will need to consider when looking for the best surf changing robe is the material. In all, the fabric should be durable, lightweight, and comfortable. It should also have an absorbent quality so that you don't stay wet when it's on.
A warm surf changing robe is something you'll want to spend hours in after a surfing session, not a wet, heavy robe.
Microfiber is one of the most popular materials for surf robe products, as it dries quickly and provides warmth. Cotton is also popular, though you want to ensure that your cotton poncho is moisture-wicking, so you don't stay wet.
Length and Fit
Surf ponchos aren't made to fit perfectly, though the one you choose should fit well enough so that you can easily change out of your wetsuit and into your dry clothes. If it's too small, you might find yourself flashing unsuspecting onlookers in the beach parking lot. If it's too large, it will end up dragging on the ground.
Remember, this isn't a jacket or a hoodie. Take a look at surf ponchos online to see how they are supposed to fit so you can get a better idea of the size you need before buying one.
Style
While not the most essential factor in the world, style is something you might want to consider. After all, you're going to be changing in a public space where people will see you. So why not look good while doing it?
Remember that you can also wear these surf ponchos in different situations besides surfing. From the pool to the spa and beyond, there are endless uses for a high-quality surf poncho.
Bottom Line - Finding The Right Surf Poncho For Your Needs
With so many different sellers and companies creating high-end surf ponchos, finding the right one for your needs can seem like a challenge. However, if you follow our little guide above and check out our favorite surf poncho products, we guarantee you'll find one the perfect one for you.
If we had to pick our favorite, it'd be the Ho Stevie! Thick Poncho. No matter the surfer, this poncho is undeniably comfortable and made out of some of the highest-quality materials around.
There's no need to hit the changing room any longer. Instead, get yourself a surf poncho and enhance your surfing experience.
