If you’re planning on spending a day at the beach or on a calm body of water, then you’ll definitely need a solid surfing mat. These are the best ones on the market and we’ve included our personal favorites as well!
Surfing mats are also great for people who don’t actually surf, but who love to swim and want to patrol the waters for any sharks or water hazards. They’re an essential piece of water gear to own whether you’re going to be in the water for an hour or plan on being on the water for many hours.
If you’d like your kids to be safe while having the best time in the water, then the top rated surf changing mats will be perfect for you.
| Name | Category | Product |
|---|---|---|
| Ho Stevie! Durable Wetsuit Changing Mat/Waterproof Dry-Bag | Best Overall |  |
| PVC Wetsuit Changing Mat | Budget Pick |  |
| DORSAL Surfer Changing Pad Surf Grass Mat | Upgrade Pick |  |
1. Ho Stevie! Durable Wetsuit Changing Mat/Waterproof Dry-Bag
Pros:
- Large, sturdy and waterproof surface which can accommodate a person and his/her entire gear
- Easy to clean and dishwasher safe
- Attaches to your car’s back seat headrests or to any other netting or rope that you can think of
- Made of PVC
- Comes in two colors — green and gray
- Light and easy to store
- Durable
- Has a storage compartment
- Comes with straps and carabiners so you can hang it in your car or anywhere else
- BPA-free
Cons:
- Some users wished it could be folded into a smaller carry-on size
- Some users wished that this bag could be made of material that is more water resistant
In short, the Ho Stevie is a value for money product. It is the ultimate tool for traveling surfers, who may not travel light, and have to change at work or on the beach.
With a capacity to hold up to three people with their gear it prevents wet, sandy and wet suits, or even dry clothes, school uniforms or swim gear from getting you car smelling with mildew.
2. SportLite Surf Changing Mat
Pros:
- Easy to setup
- Large enough to hold multiple baggies of gear
- Lightweight
- Dries fast
- Stylish
- Has a solid feel
- Makes a great beach towel
Cons:
- Not very thick
- Not big enough for 6– foot surfers
- Tray doesn’t drain very well
Material: Enhanced Nylon – Made in the USA – SportLite Sport-Lite
This folding changing mat is versatile. It’s great for your day at the beach as it also doubles up as a sunbed, towel, and drying mat.
The mat folds up to fit in its own handy carry pouch. It’s also machine washable and you can get the mat wet and then just pop it into the dryer to get it cleaned up … and don’t worry about mildew on the towel because it’s fully waterproof.
3. SUN CUBE Surf Poncho Changing Robe
Pros:
- Large, spacious, and well designed; this beach towel is great for covering seats and changing in public restrooms
- Comfortable to wear as it features an adjustable hood, which is ideal for outdoor tasks that require you to cover your head
- It features a pocket, which is big enough to store your phone as well as other valuables
- Super absorbent, keeping you dry through even the most humid summers
- Wide enough to accommodate people of various heights
- Repels sand well, allowing you to sit and recline without constantly brushing the dirt off your seat
Cons:
- The towel features a light sand-like texture, which some users may find annoying
- The towel is a little on the thick side, making it a tad harder to dry than regular beach towels
- There are reviews claiming that the towel is not as waterproof as advertised
- It may unravel after several uses
- The non-medical grade plastic buckle of the hood may break easily
Beneficial for swimmers and surfers alike, the SUN CUBE changing robe is a good choice for those looking for a spacious beach towel that can serve many purposes.
4. DORSAL Surf Changing Mat and Waterproof Wetsuit Dry Bag
Pros:
- Large enough to fit your body on the mat
- Have multiple colors with multiple designs
- Be able to fold it down into a small pouch
- Lightweight and strong
- Comes with 2-year warranty
- Competitive price
Cons:
- The edges of the bag may get moist when in contact with water
- No drain hole
- The smell of the bag may be a turn-off for some people
- The two-year warranty only pertains to material and workmanship only
- The straps attached to the zipper gets stuck easily
With Extra Large Bag – Padded, Portable, Quick Dry, Nylon, Water Resistant, Collapsible, Lightweight, New and Improved, Best for Surfing, Paddle Boarding, Paddle Boarding, Stand Up Paddle Board, SUP, Bicycle, Yoga, Beach, Gym, Kayak, Camping, etc.
This mat is ideal for people who travel a lot, go to sports events, do sports often and have kids, and you should get one for your kids to play on as well.
5. DORSAL Surfer Changing Pad Surf Grass Mat
Pros:
- Comes with a surfboard carry bag
- Most reviews praise its portability and excellent build quality
- Folds up small and is compact
- The underside of the mat is reflective
- The mat is made from a highly durable hybrid material
Cons:
- Some reviews say it dries slowly
- Doesn’t come with an optional bag or belt for carrying
- Doesn’t come with a waterproof pocket
- Can’t be stored while it’s wet
The Mat Surfboard Traveler 4-in-1 provides a soft surface for you to change wherever you need. This makes it easy to use for both new and experienced surfers.
It has integrated straps that fit over your car top making it easy for you to store. The reflective material also allows you to find it easily.
It can also be used as a paddle board, sea kayak, and windsurfer travel. The seams are sealed so the mat is completely waterproof.
6. Northcore Grass Change Mat/Bag
Pros:
- Extra large, and made from a thicker microfiber material
- Comes in 3 colors
- Machine washable
Cons:
- A lot of stitching
- Does not lie perfectly flat
The Northcore Grass Changing Mat is currently the best on the market. It comes with a detachable carry bag, and a mini mesh laundry bag that uses mesh materials to keep you from getting tangled up in them.
It’s comfortable, well padded, and waterproof, and you can either hang it up or roll it up. You can also attach it to a suitcase handle. This makes it very flexible, and you can carry it anywhere.
It also has a small pocket for your valuables and comes with a pull string for easy cleanup. And, if you’re in a hurry, you can easily wipe it down and it’s clean.
7. COR Surf Wetsuit Changing Mat
Pros:
- It’s large enough to fit most heavy wet suits
- It comes with an adjustable carrying strap
- The mat is made of neoprene material
- The material is water-resistant
Our pick in this category is the COR mat, which works for most wetsuits and comes with a detachable strap.
It’s also very large (16L x 23W x 3cm), so it’s going to have enough room for most wetsuits. When you first get the COR mat, you’ll want to wash it a few times just to soften it. This will decrease the potential for any rough textures from the mat rubbing on your suit.
The carrying strap is adjustable and can be put over one shoulder, which makes it very easy to carry your gear without dropping it. If you frequently or have just recently gotten into surfing, you’re probably going to have your hands pretty full, getting used to the water, and carrying a bag where you keep your surfboard, wetsuit, and other gear.
8. EasyGoProducts Surf Sac
Pros:
- Waterproof
- Perfect for surfers and anyone who doesn’t want to get their car wet
- Affordable
- No more beach towels
- Portable
- 5mm thick padding that is comfortable and soft
Cons:
- Not as easy to carry as a towel
- Sun exposure reduces the usefulness of the bag
This item is marketed as a wetsuit changing mat but can be used as a place to sit when you are at the beach and can also be used to protect your car seats from getting wet when you take your wetsuit off.
The water resistant material means that you can place it in the sand and you won’t have to worry about sand getting into your vehicle. This is because the water resistant material will keep the sand at bay. Place this right on the sand and you’ll find it the perfect place to sit.
It is a large mat measuring 30 x 60 inches and is made of thick, rugged fabric that is waterproof. It only weighs 2 pounds, meaning that you can stuff it in to a beach bag and take it with you on a trip.
9. PVC Wetsuit Changing Mat
Pros:
- The PVC material is waterproof and mold and mildew resistant
- The mat is a good size
- Highly durable
- Easy to clean
- The mat is designed with handles, making it easier to lift
- Reasonable price
- You can choose from multiple colors
- Epoxy coating inside the mat that protects the surface from moisture
- The mat comes with an open design
Guard, Instructor, Instructor, Lifeguard, Ocean Waterpark Changing | Newell Rubbermaid.
We liked the H2Overvuy PVC wetsuit changing mat for the fact that it offers so many options for its users. It has four handles for easy carrying and comes with a convenient shoulder strap. The mat measures 60” by 36’ with a 6” depth. This makes it a good size for those who don’t want to make too much of a mess on the floor.
The mat can be used with or without water, which makes it useful for those who are using it on a solid floor. The PVC material is waterproof and resistant to mold and mildew, which makes it perfect as a germ-free mat to use at various clinics and hospitals. The mat also comes with a closed design to prevent moisture from running out.
Conclusion
Surfing is a great sport for people of all ages and experience levels. It seems to be a favorite for most families to enjoy together, either as something fun to do on the weekends, or a more serious activity that the family does together. Either way, before you can start surfing with others, you have to know how to do it yourself. Learning to surf takes time, but with the help of a few things, you can get started on your journey to becoming a great surfer.
Our Recommendation
| Name | Category | Product |
|---|---|---|
| Ho Stevie! Durable Wetsuit Changing Mat/Waterproof Dry-Bag | Best Overall | |
| PVC Wetsuit Changing Mat | Budget Pick | |
| DORSAL Surfer Changing Pad Surf Grass Mat | Upgrade Pick | |