Our top 4 picks for surf ponchos that got you covered
Looking for the perfect surf poncho that can keep you warm and dry, and also double as a portable changing room? We tried and tested some of the best options on the market so that you don’t have to. We’ve picked our 4 favorites, including both sustainable and budget-friendly options so you can meet your needs without compromising on ethics or budget.
Why do you need a poncho?
We truly believe a high-quality surf poncho is an essential item for any surfer’s supply kit. Whether you’re surfing on a brisk morning or in the sweltering heat, a surf poncho is a total game changer. There’s nothing quite like the feeling of throwing on a cozy poncho and peeling off your wetsuit after a long, exhausting session and letting yourself dry out in the sun, all while being wrapped in the oversized comfort of knowing you won’t accidentally flash anyone as you change!
If you’re in the market for a new surf poncho, then keep scrolling to check out our in-depth reviews. We take pride in providing honest and thorough reviews with an emphasis on product transparency, we cover everything from material quality to design, so you can make an informed decision on which surf poncho is right for you. And of course as lovers of nature and the sea, we have highlighted eco-friendly options so you can be cozy and conscious at the same time. Along with budget friendly choices that still mark all of the boxes without breaking the bank!
How did we make our picks?
We looked at 4 main factors when reviewing surf Ponchos.
Design
Does the poncho have any special features that make it truly stand out amongst the competition?Material
What materials were used to make the poncho? What kind of weather are they best for and how are their absorption and drying rates?Style
Is there anything unique about this poncho such as patterns or general style that makes it special?Sustainability
Is the material sustainable, and if not does the company creating the poncho make any efforts to help our environment and preserve the beauty of the ocean?Let’s kick things off with a tried and true classic, shall we!
Rip Curl Surf Sock Hooded Towel
Rip Curl is a brand that the surf community turns to for reliability and quality and their Surf Sock Hooded Towel is no different.
This product has a unique multi use design that allows it to function as both a board sock and a hooded towel. This means that it can give your board a bit of extra protection and also dry you off after your session or function as a changing room on the go!
Design
This product has a unique multi use design that allows it to function as both a board sock and a hooded towel. This means that it can give your board a bit of extra protection and also dry you off after your session or function as a changing room on the go!Material
Made from a soft and cozy cotton terry material, which provides excellent warmth and comfort, making it perfect for chilly mornings or cold water sessions while also being super absorbent.Style
We love the nylon deep kangaroo style front pocket, and wide roomy hood on this poncho, along with a few different pattern options.Sustainability
Although it is durable, the nylon used for the pocket and hood is a synthetic material. So if you’re looking for an eco option, this may not be the one for you. Ripcurl is B-Corp certified, and has an eco driven initiative called Rip Curl planet but we couldn’t find more info about this particular product’s material sourcing.Overall we’d say this is a good pick, nothing flashy or extravagant but gets the job done with ease. For those of you who like to stick to the classics when it comes to gear shopping, ripcurl has got you covered.
Slow Tide Surf Ponchos
When it comes to Slow Tide we couldn’t just pick one poncho. Their options are endless, and they even make kids sizing for the groms in your life.
Design
The buttons and drawstring make it easy to protect yourself from the wind when wrapped up in this poncho. The pocket has internal access for easy changing, and all of the material options are extremely absorbent.Material
These ponchos come in assorted materials to meet everyone’s needs, from thick cotton terry, to lighter weight turkish towels, waterproof options, and packable quick dry ponchos too!Style
We can’t find a single con here, this poncho is out #1 pick. We love all the variants from the Turkish towel to the kids versions. We also find they have more pattern options than any other poncho on the market. There is truly something for everyone.Sustainability
Slow Tide’s Oeko-Tex Standard 100 Certification is music to our ears! Their cotton ponchos use sustainability sourced cotton, and their quick dry options use post consumer waste and hold 4x their weight in water. While still being super packable for those tropical surf trips you’re planning!Overall, we’re a bit obsessed with this Poncho and want one in every material they offer! It hits every nail on the head and we love having it in our poncho line up.
Avvexa turkish towel poncho
For those of you in warmer climates, who prefer something lightweight, this Avvexa turkish towel poncho may be your favorite option on our list!
Design
This design is simple and straightforward with no extra bells and whistles. It features a front pocket and deep hood. We did notice however that the side slits on this poncho are a bit higher than others, so it could be a privacy issue for changing if you’re on the taller side.Material
Something we love about turkish towels is their ability to keep sand off with ease. With some of the heavier cotton poncho’s, sand can stick and be a bit more work to clean. Turkish towel material shakes out fast! This poncho is lightweight cotton and packable as well.Style
We love the unique patterns and colors that Avvexa offers.Sustainability
This poncho is made of OEKO-TEX certified cotton, so it’s both sustainable and practical while also being the most budget friendly on the list.This is a great pick for surfers in warmer climates that need a packable, light and quick dry poncho option. It’s super budget friendly in comparison to our first 2 options while still being sustainable.
Ho Stevie Microfiber Surf Poncho
We love highlighting the underdogs, and Ho Stevie is a brand that gets us psyched! A small surf shop based in San Diego, creating thoughtfully made gear.
Design
Ho Stevie takes their poncho design seriously and we love that about them! This small business makes one of the longest ponchos on the market for ultimate privacy during your next parking lot changing session. The poncho also features a fabric loop to hang it from a hook for simple storage.Material
Their ponchos come in both microfiber and cotton that claim to be thicker than the competition, while also being nearly half the price of options like Ripcurl or slow tide.Sustainability
Their new addition of cotton is noted to be more sustainable than the microfiber option, however we couldn’t find any more information about material sourcing or certifications.Overall this is a great pick for all of you tall surfers who don’t wanna expose yourself while completing the difficult task of removing a wetsuit in public. It’s budget friendly, and dare I say, super cozy!