9,525 waves surfed | 3 Sunburns | 1,7M+ Readers

The 6 best surf ponchos 2024?

by Tim

tim-surfponcho-test-comparison-header
When you buy through links on our site, we may earn a small commission. Learn more about us

Changing on the beach without freezing or attracting unwelcome glances. A surf poncho is a practical towel that won’t fly away while you’re peeling yourself out of your wet and cold wetsuit .

Which surf ponchos are good?

We show you which surf poncho is good for you. The guide also tells you how to recognize good quality and what you should definitely look out for when buying.

Contents:

  1. Top picks: The best surf pochos 2024 reviewed.
  2. Bestsellers: The most frequently purchased diving jackets.
  3. Guide: What you should look out for when buying.
  4. Pattern: Simple surf poncho pattern to sew yourself.
  5. FAQ: Frequently asked questions and answers.

The best surf ponchos 2024 reviewed?

While surf ponchos made of thick cotton are particularly practical on colder and windier days, thin ponchos made of microfiber are ideal in summer. Discover the following recommended surf poncho made of cotton and microfiber.

The 3 best cotton surf ponchos

How do we rate? Our experts thoroughly research and evaluate each recommendation. We take into account the most important product features, adherence to quality standards, prices, customer reviews, our own experiences, and much more. Learn more about our process.

1. best cotton surf poncho

Robust
ZENACROSS surf poncho*

    A lightweight poncho that offers enough room to change clothes. The strong suction power guarantees quick drying

    What we like:

    • Highly absorbent
    • Light
    • Quality
    What we don’t like:

    • Comfort

    Why we like it: This surf poncho impresses with its good absorbency. The cotton used is Oeko-Text certified and offers a perfect fit. The different colors offer the right model for every taste.

    Recommended for: The poncho is suitable for both men and women. It is suitable for both swimming days at the lake and surfing adventures by the sea.

    2. best surf poncho in many colors

    With bag
    Adore Surf Poncho Adults *

      A surf poncho with a breast pocket that is suitable for men, women and children.

      What we like:

      • Material
      • Cut
      • Processing
      What we don’t like:

      • Lint

      Why we like it: The terrycloth fabric of this style is particularly comfortable against the skin. The cut of the poncho makes it the perfect companion for use on the beach.

      Recommended for: The poncho is suitable for adults and children. A worthwhile investment, especially for those who get cold quickly after bathing.

      3. best surf poncho with an appealing design

      Special Edition
      ATLANTIC SHORE Surf Poncho*

        The poncho particularly impressed us with its high-quality material. Its size makes it the ideal companion on the beach and at sea.

        What we like:

        • Quality
        • Function
        • Optics
        What we don’t like:

        • Price

        Why we like it: The surf poncho is particularly impressive thanks to its high-quality material. Its size means it can also be used as a bath towel.

        Recommended for: The poncho is suitable for all water sports fans who are happy to spend more for good quality.

        The 3 best surf ponchos made from microfiber

        How do we rate? Our experts thoroughly research and evaluate each recommendation. We take into account the most important product features, adherence to quality standards, prices, customer reviews, our own experiences, and much more. Learn more about our process.

        1st best surf poncho with an appealing design

        Sustainable
        Penguin surf poncho*

          The poncho is washable at 40 degrees and dries quickly. It is suitable for both men and women and comes in 2 different colors.

          What we like:

          • Available in one unisex size
          • Chest pocket and hood
          • Includes carrying bag with zipper and drawstring
          What we don’t like:

          • Price

          Why we like it: This surf poncho is made from recycled polyester, which is made from plastic that has been fished out of the sea. The poncho is compact and the material blend of microfiber and frotee makes the style particularly comfortable.

          Recommended for: All water sports enthusiasts who value sustainability.

          2. best surf poncho with hood

          Timeless design
          Musegear surf poncho*

            A surf poncho reminiscent of a hoodie. Suitable for anyone who likes to be comfortable and warm.

            What we like:

            • Available in one unisex size
            • Hood can be laced up
            • Soft and fluffy
            • Takes up little space
            What we don’t like:

            • Price

            Why we like it: This fluffy surf poncho is suitable for men and women. It is OEKO-TEX( certified free of harmful substances.
            The hood and belly pocket made of high-quality microfiber give the poncho the necessary comfort.

            Recommended for: The ideal companion for all outdoor activities on and in the water.

            3. best surf poncho with hood

            6 colors
            Hiturbo microfiber poncho*

              This surf poncho offers various designs and excellent wearing comfort. The extra hooks make it particularly easy to hang up after use.

              What we like:

              • Available in one unisex size
              • Press stud to reduce the arm openings
              • Hood available
              • Washable up to 40°C
              What we don’t like:

              • Processing

              Why we like it: The poncho is lightweight and dries quickly. It is not perfect for tall people as it is not very long.

              Recommended for: If you are looking for a surf poncho that is easy to pack and won’t put a strain on your wallet, this is the product for you.

              Search tip: Surf ponchos are also known as change towel, changing robe, hoodie towel, surf towel, surfer towel, hooded towel or hooded bath towel.

              Bestsellers: the most popular surf ponchos

              What do others buy? In our bestseller list, we present the TOP 11 most purchased offers. The selection is updated daily.

              (**Last update 2024-11-18)

              What should I look out for when buying a surf poncho?

              what can a surf poncho do

              The decisive factor in surf ponchos is the material they are made of. They are made of either 100% (terry) cotton or cotton with a polyester or microfiber content. Both types have advantages and disadvantages:

              1) Surf ponchos made from 100% cotton

              Cold-water surfers usually choose ponchos with towel fabric made of 100% cotton. These are particularly fluffy, absorbent and pleasant on the skin.

              The advantage: cotton terrycloth ponchos can be washed at 60°C and can even be tumble dried. What’s more, unlike microfiber ponchos, no microplastic fibers get into the water during washing, which then end up in the sea.

              The disadvantage: they are quite heavy and take up a lot of space in your luggage.

              2) Surf ponchos with polyester content

              Lighter models feel more like T-shirts and are ideal for warm surfing areas or a visit to the outdoor pool in summer. Travelers and backpackers often opt for ponchos with polyester content or ponchos with microfibers made of pure polyester.

              The advantage: surf ponchos with polyester content dry much faster than cotton ponchos and are lighter and more space-saving to carry in your luggage.

              The disadvantage: they absorb little or no water and are not exactly breathable. Then there is the negative environmental aspect of microfiber clothing mentioned above .

              Can I sew a surf poncho myself?

              Of course, we don’t know if you can do that. 😉 But don’t worry, the pattern is pretty easy!

              If you know how to use a sewing machine and have nice old terry towels at home, a cozy changing towel is a nice DIY project.

              The following instructions show you the exact pattern and the best way to proceed:

              surf poncho pattern instructions
              ” Click to enlarge image.

              Depending on how good you are at sewing, you can complete a poncho in less than an hour! The advantage: you can be sure that nobody has an upcycled surf poncho as cool as yours.

              FAQ: Frequently asked questions and answers

              What is a surf poncho?

              In principle, a surf poncho is nothing more than a cape made from a towel sewn together at the sides with wide armholes that allow you to change comfortably.

              The best:

              Surf and swim ponchos are now available in many colors and shapes. Many of the “Change Towels” are unisex models – but ponchos that are not explicitly labeled as gender free can of course also be used as women’s surf ponchos as well as men’s surf ponchos.

              Some are only available in one size or in one child and one adult size. Others are offered in different sizes.

              Tip: For maximum comfort, choose one size larger.

              There are ponchos cut like hoodies with hoods and kangaroo pockets at the front. An absolute basic accessory for coldwater surfers, because you can wrap yourself up so comfortably in these cozy ponchos.

              The hood protects your ears from the cold wind and your hair dries at the same time. The belly pocket is perfect for surf wax or muesli bars and you have your hands free on the way to the spot.

              Why do I need a surf poncho?

              A surf poncho is both a towel and a mobile changing room. You can use it to dry off after sport, warm up and change your clothes away from prying eyes.

              A towel poncho will serve you well on many occasions:

              • on the beach, at the surf spot and in the parking lot,
              • in the swimming pool or outdoor pool,
              • in the sauna, spa or thermal baths,
              • in the camping bus or at the campsite,
              • on the way back from the beach to the hostel or surf camp,
              • during outdoor activities on and in the water, e.g. surfing, surfing, kitesurfing, windsurfing, swimming or diving.

              The possible applications are almost unlimited:

              • as a privacy screen for relaxed changing without unwanted glances,
              • as a hooded towel to keep your head and ears warm,
              • as a beach towel/beach sheet and carpet pad for sunbathing,
              • as a warming cape during surf breaks or after bathing.

              Well-known surf poncho brands and manufacturers?

              The Atlantic Shore label, for example, is popular in the scene. The portable towels are made from cotton in Portugal. Atlantic Shore attaches great importance to fair working conditions and environmental protection. The ponchos are also made almost entirely by hand.

              Other well-known brands:

              Cotton surf ponchos are available from Rip Curl, Northcore, Pacifique Sud, FCS or Adore, for example.

              Quick-drying microfiber/polyester surf towels are available from musegear, Mystic, Manera or Billabong, for example. The Manera poncho, for example, is made of 100% polyester and – according to the manufacturer – it supposedly dries 2 x faster than cotton and absorbs 3-4 x more water. Sounds too good to be true?

              By the way: A nice souvenir is an individual handmade poncho that you buy on site from a surfer who earns a little extra money for the surf trip, such as from Körmi.

              Where can I buy a good surf poncho?

              You can now buy a surf poncho in almost every surf store and sports stores, such as Empty, or order them online from Amazon or Empty, for example.

              Surf poncho conclusion?

              “No question, as a surfer, a surf poncho is practically a must! Cozy, comfortable and simply super practical. I now even own three ponchos.” – Tim Lehmann (★★★★★)

              Tim

              Tim has been surfing and paddling for over 20 years and is known from FitForFun, FreshSurf, and Zeitjung. Whether surfing in Portugal, snorkeling in Greece or wakeboarding in Germany ... one thing is certain: you'll definitely find him in the water!

              How useful was this post?

              Click on a star to rate it!

              Average rating 0 / 5. Vote count: 0

              No votes so far! Be the first to rate this post.

              As you found this post useful...

              Follow us on social media!

              We are sorry that this post was not useful for you!

              Let us improve this post!

              Tell us how we can improve this post?

              Add comment