Changing Ponchos

Changing ponchos — why you need one

A changing poncho solves the most universal problem in surfing: getting out of your wetsuit in a parking lot without putting on a show for everyone around you. Pull it over your head, change underneath, and walk away with your dignity intact — whether you're at the Venice Beach lot, the Malibu Colony lot, or a South Bay street park. Once you use one regularly, going without feels wrong.

Beyond privacy, a good poncho keeps you warm immediately after a session when the wind is up and your core temperature is dropping. It doubles as a dry-off towel. It keeps your clothes clean while you change. And the pocket on most models holds your keys and wax while both hands are busy pulling on your boardshorts.

Plush cotton ponchos — warm, absorbent, made to last

Cotton and Turkish cotton ponchos are the classic choice. They're thicker, heavier, and more absorbent than microfiber — they dry you off as you change and stay warm even when the marine layer is sitting low. The hood is generous, the fit is relaxed, and they feel great to wrap up in after a cold winter session. If you surf mostly local breaks and keep your poncho in the car, cotton is the right call. They come in a wide range of prints and colorways — we always keep a strong selection.

Quick-dry microfiber ponchos — lightweight, packable, travel-ready

Microfiber quick-dry ponchos are a completely different product for a different use case. They're significantly lighter than cotton, pack down to roughly the size of a water bottle, and dry in minutes rather than hours. If you're travelling with a board bag, camping, or heading to a surf trip where you need to fit everything into one bag, a microfiber poncho takes up almost no space and is ready to use again by the time your next session is done. The trade-off is warmth — microfiber doesn't insulate like cotton, so on cold LA winter mornings a plush poncho is more comfortable.

Sizing

Most ponchos come in S/M and L/XL. S/M suits adults up to around 5'10" with standard proportions — enough coverage for a comfortable change. L/XL for taller surfers or anyone who wants more room. Kids' specific ponchos are available in our selection — sized so they don't drag on the ground or trip up a child trying to change independently.

The full post-surf kit

A poncho handles the change. A mat handles the ground. Together they turn a parking lot change into a comfortable, two-minute routine. Browse changing mats to complete the kit.

Related

Changing mats · Wetsuit accessories · Wetsuit care · Wetsuits