10 Best Surf Towels

the-10-best-surf-towels

Surfing may be a word that brings to mind images of white-sand beaches and professional surfers riding across the azure waves. But like all recreational sports, surfing does come with some negative side effects that can make the overall experience both uncomfortable and overly negative. 

Although surfing can be highly beneficial for both your physical and mental health, this does not mean that it is an easy sport to take up, or that your first surfing experience will leave you wanting more. Especially when you get out of the water and find yourself trapped inside your wetsuit with nowhere to change and towel off. 

When faced with circumstances such as this, you may find yourself having to change in your car or even in a public restroom, which overall can be difficult and unsanitary.

So if you enjoy surfing but have grown tired of the final process, then why not consider purchasing a surf towel, so that you can stay dry and warm, while also having enough coverage to change without issue. 

Of course, there are hundreds of surf towels currently available for online purchase, and you may find it difficult limiting down your choices. That is why we have compiled together a selection of the 10 best surf towels currently available on the market.

These towels are comfortable and provide full-body coverage - so that you can stay dry and change at the same time. 

We have also put together an informative buyers guide, to aid you in your search for the best surf towel. So why not take a look at our choices and see which one catches your eye! 

10 Best Surf Towels

1. Snailman Microfiber Surf Towel

For the first entry on our list, we have chosen this handsome microfiber surf towel by Snailman, which promises to offer a light and portable product that is ideal for surfers and beach-goers alike.

Made from raw materials such as 80% polyester and 20% nylon, this surf towel is capable of drying 3 times faster than your average beach towel, and will not bring any unwanted sand into your home.

Easy to carry due to its portable and compact design, the towel can currently be purchased in a range of sizes and patterns, with some of the most popular designs including ocean waves and palm leaves. 

Pros:

  • Raw Materials: The Snailman microfiber surf towel is made from raw materials such as nylon and polyester, which ensures a smooth and comfortable feel. 
  • Portable Design: The surf towel features a compact and portable design, which makes it ideal for surfers and beach-goers alike. 
  • Patterns & Sizes: The Snailman microfiber surf towel comes in a range of sizes and patterns. 

Cons: 

  • Too Lightweight: There have been some reports of the surf towel being too thin and lightweight for certain requirements. 

2. Catalonia Surf Towel Robe

Considered one of the best surf towels on the market, this surf towel robe by Catalonia is made from microfiber materials such as 85% polyester and 15% polyamide and is super absorbent to ensure your body and hair dries at a fast and efficient rate.

Featuring a comfortable poncho-like design, the surf towel also comes with a removable hood, which works to keep you warm by shielding your body and face from the wind. A must-have for any surfer or swimmer, this surf towel comes in a range of sizes and colors and would make the perfect gift for a friend or family member. 

Pros:

  • Microfiber Materials: The Catalonia surf towel robe is made from microfiber materials such as polyester and polyamide, which makes it both comfortable and super absorbent. 
  • Pocho-Like Design: The surf towel features a poncho-like design and removable hood, which helps to provide full-body coverage from the cold weather. 
  • Versatile Sizes: The Catalonia surf towel can fit most men and women, ensuring overall comfortability and warmth. 

Cons:

  • Cheaply Made: Some buyers have criticized the surf towel for its thin and flimsy materials, with many describing the product as cheaply made. 

3. Lost & Leisure Hooded Surf Towel

If you are looking for a discreet and comfortable way to change at the beach, then this hooded surf towel by Lost & Leisure is the perfect product for you.

Made from 100% Turkish cotton, this durable and fashionable robe is soft out of the box and will only become softer and more absorbent after every wash.

Wonderfully lightweight and smooth to the touch, this flat-woven surf towel can be packed into your suitcase or beach bag without issue and is unlike any other surf towel currently available on the market. 

Pros: 

  • High-Quality Material: The Lost & Leisure hooded surf towel is made from 100% Turkish cotton, making it soft and comfortable to wear. 
  • Advanced Design: The surf towel is soft out of the box and will only become softer and more absorbent after every wash. 
  • Versatile Product: The Lost & Leisure hooded surf towel can be worn to the beach or around the house and can be easily stored away in your suitcase or beach bag. 

Cons: 

  • Small Neck Opening: Some buyers have criticized the surf towel for its small neck opening, which can be tight and constricting. 

4. Flyily Changing Surf Towel

Probably one of the most versatile surf towels on our list, this changing surf towel by Flyily is made using a polyester blend that is softer than cotton and comes in one size that is suitable for most men and women.

Sitting just below the knee, this comfortable towel is perfect for discreet changing after a long and enjoyable surf and comes complete with pockets and an oversized hood to protect you from the wind and rain.

Coming in a variety of patterns and colors, the surf towel can also be purchased for children and would make the ideal Christmas gift for the surfer in your life. 

Pros:

  • Soft Material: The Flyily changing surf towel is made from a soft polyester blend that ensures a comfortable and discreet changing experience. 
  • Large Hoodie & Pockets: The surf towel comes complete with pockets for your possessions and an oversized hood to protect you from the wind and rain. 
  • One Size Fits Most: The Flyily changing surf towel comes in one adult size that is suitable for most men and women. 

Cons: 

  • Strange Fabric: There have been some reports of the surf towel being made from a more synthetic material than advertised. 

5. Tirrinia Surf Towel Poncho

Produced using microfibre materials such as 85% polyester and 15% polyamide, this surf towel poncho by Tirrinia is super absorbent and allows you to publicly change out of your wetsuit in a discreet and private manner.

Featuring a comfortable and accommodating design, this surf towel comes complete with an oversized hood to protect you from the rain, while keeping your body warm and dry after every surfing session.

Measuring around 42-inches in length, the also poncho comes in one unisex size that can be worn by most men and women and is perfect for any water sports that involve getting changed outside. 

Pros: 

  • Absorbent Materials: The Tirrinia surf towel poncho is made using absorbent materials such as polyester and polyamide, which ensures full coverage and comfortability. 
  • Accommodating Design & Hood: The surf towel features a spacious and accommodating design that comes complete with a large hood. 
  • Unisex Product: The Tirrinia surf towel poncho measures 42-inches in length and comes in a single unisex size that can be worn by most men and women. 

Cons:

  • No Pockets: Unfortunately, the surf towel does not feature any pockets, which means you wont be able to store away any possessions or valuable items. 

6. Vulken Hooded Surf Towel Robe

Considered one of the best all-in-one garments for water activities, this hooded surf towel by Vulkan has been made using high-quality microfiber materials and has been specially designed to ensure full protection for surfers and swimmers alike.

Sporting a spacious and comfortable design, this surf towel robe comes complete with a large hod, which can provide sufficient air circulation to keep your face and hair dry.

Lightweight and portable, this surf towel can also be easily stored away in your beach bag and is machine washable for a fast and effective clean. 

Pros: 

  • Spacious Design: The Vulkan surf towel robe features a spacious design and large hood, which help to shield your body from the wind and keep it dry. 
  • Lightweight & Portable: The surf towel is light and portable and can be easily stored away in your beach bag without gaining weight or losing space. 
  • Thick Material: The Vulkan surf towel robe has been made using high-quality microfibre materials, which make it thick and comfortable to wear. 

Cons: 

  • Limited Protection: Unfortunately, this surf towel may not provide enough warmth during winter conditions, which could be uncomfortable and dangerous. 

7. Sun Cube Changing Surf Towel Poncho

If you have been searching for a discreet and convenient way to change after a surfing session, then we have the perfect solution for you. This changing poncho by Sun Cub also doubles as a surf towel and allows you to change without having to worry about prying eyes.

Made from 100% polyester microfibre, this surf towel is completely machine washable and ensures warmth and comfortability after you have left the water. Featuring wide armholes and an oversized hood for protection against the sun and rain, this surf towel is also extremely flexible and easy to fold.

It can also be worn in a variety of outdoor settings and is available in a single unisex size that measures around 44-inches in length. 

Pros: 

  • Machine Washable: The Sun Cube surf towel poncho is made from 100% microfiber polyester, which makes it both comfortable and machine washable. 
  • Versatile Product: The surf towel comes complete with wide armholes and an oversized hood, which makes it capable of being worn in a variety of different environments. 
  • One Unisex Size: The Sun Cube surf towel poncho comes in a single unisex size and can be worn by most men and women. 

Cons: 

  • Thick & Heavy Texture: There have been some reports of the surf towel being too thick and heavy to wear once it has gotten wet. 

8. SportLite Microfiber Surf Towels

Marketed as a convenient and affordable towel, this microfiber surf towel by SportLite can be used by surfers and swimmers alike and has been produced using a high-quality blend of polyester and nylon.

Soft and gentle against the skin, this surf towel is perfect for lounging on the beach or drying yourself off after a long session of riding waves.

Featuring an extra-long design and sewn edges, these towels repel sand and come complete with the addition of a useful loop that can be used to hang them up. 

Pros: 

  • High-Quality Materials: The SportLite microfiber surf towel has been made using a high-quality blend of polyester and nylon, making it soft and capable of repelling sand. 
  • Useful Loop Addition: The surf towel comes with the addition of a useful loop that can be used to hang the towel up. 
  • Extra-Long Design: The SportLite microfiber surf towel features an extra-long design and is machine washable, which means it is suitable for tall surfers.

Cons: 

  • Limited Coverage: Unfortunately, the towel may not provide enough coverage if you intend to use it to change in public. 

9. Winthome Hooded Surf Towel Poncho

Although the Winthome hooded surf towel poncho is one of the more basic designs currently available on the market, this does not mean it is any less effective.

Made from a blend of polyester and polyamide, this surf towel is thick and durable, while also being soft and comfortable to wear. Featuring a loose fit that makes it easy to change in public, this surf towel can be worn in a variety of different settings and is perfect for hardcore surfers and beach lovers alike. 

Pros: 

  • Durable Material: The Winthome hooded surf towel poncho is made from microfiber materials and is extremely thick and durable. 
  • Comfortable Loose Fit: The surf towel features a loose fit that makes it easy and comfortable to change in public. 
  • Machine Washable: The Winthome hooded surf towel poncho is completely machine washable, making it easy to clean and soften. 

Cons: 

  • Thick & Heavy: Some buyers have criticized the surf towel for being too thick and heavy once it has gotten wet, which can make wearing it uncomfortable. 

10. COR Children’s Surf Towel Poncho

If you have children who love to spend their days paddling in the ocean, then we recommend that you purchase these surf towel ponchos by COR.

Made from delicate microfibre materials, these surf towel ponchos are fast-drying and can be used in a variety of different settings, whether that be the beach or your local campground.

Soft to the touch and comfortable against sensitive skin, these surf towels also come complete with a spacious hood and front pockets, which makes them capable of carrying various toys and knick-knacks. 

Pros: 

  • Soft Material: The COR surf towel poncho is made from soft microfibre materials, which are comfortable and help to protect your childrens sensitive skin. 
  • Hood & Front Pockets: The surf towel comes with a hood and front pockets, which can be used to store away various items. 
  • Versatile Poncho: The COR surf towel poncho is a versatile product that can be worn in a variety of different settings.

Cons: 

  • Insufficient Fabric: There have been some reports that the fabric is too thin and not very absorbent. 

Buyer’s Guide

If you are considering buying a surf towel, then there are certain factors that you need to consider before you complete your purchase.

Down below, we have outlined some key points that should always be kept in mind when it comes to purchasing a new surf towel. By consulting these points, we hope that you will be able to find the best surf towel for your requirements, saving you both time and money. 

Material

When it comes to choosing a new surf towel, you have to consider what type of material you want the towel to be made from. To help you decide this, we recommend taking a look at your previous experience with towels, as your general towel preference will help you find the best surf towel for your needs. 

For example, if you prefer your towels to be soft and comfortable, then you will benefit from buying a surf towel that is made from a material such as cotton. However, if you want a towel that is more pliable and absorbent, then materials such as polyester may be better. 

With most things in life, what material you choose to purchase will come down to your taste. However, we do recommend purchasing a surf towel that is light and comfortable, as this will make wearing it and transporting it much easier. 

Weight & Size

Another important factor to consider is the weight and size of the surf towel that you are interested in buying. If you choose to purchase a surf towel that is large and heavy, then chances are that it will only get heavier once it is wet, which can make transporting the towel very difficult and strenuous. 

The weight of the towel also works in conjunction with the size, which means you will most likely prefer to purchase a surf towel that is light and more manageable to carry.

Although this is something that again comes down to personal preference, we recommend that you purchase a towel made from microfiber materials, as these tend to be lighter and warmer overall. 

Drying Time

It is no secret that towels get wet when you use them and that different towels can take longer to dry than others. So if you want to avoid damp and smelly surf towels littering your car and home, we suggest buying ones made from a fast-drying material. 

In the world of surf towels, microfibers are known to dry at a much quicker rate than other materials, with the second quickest being cotton. Although the decision here may seem simple, you have to remember that cotton often makes for a more comfortable and sturdy towel, so how you decide between the two materials again depends on preference and taste. 

Frequently Asked Questions

What Towels Do Surfers Use?

Commonly, surfers will use surf towels or ponchos to get dry after a surfing session, which are considered more absorbent and warm than your average beach towels. Although they may seem like a simple accessory, surf towel ponchos come in a variety of shapes and forms and often exhibit different features and capabilities.

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