Taking off a tight wetsuit is one of the best feelings; you feel the blood rushing back into your body, and you get a subtle sense of freedom. After a tiring surfing or diving session, you’ll want to take off your wetsuit instantly and wash off. In order to do that, you’ll need a changing mat to accompany you.
It’ll keep your feet clean and your wetsuit dry. Plus, if it’s convertible into a bag, it’ll protect your belongings from water.
Check out our list of the best wetsuit changing mats on the market. You’ll hopefully find your match!
At the beginning of this article, you will find our top picks, as you scroll down you will find a detailed buyer’s guide to help you decide which one is best to fit your needs.
Our Top 8 Picks for Wetsuit Changing Mats
Here’s a roundup of the best wetsuit changing mats on the market. We’ve picked them in different price ranges to fit all budgets.
Parallaxx Changing Matt
Parallaxx has some great all-around active apparel and their wetsuit changing mat is my favorite from the list below. Take a closer look by clicking below.
BPS Wetsuit Changing Mat
If you’ve been practicing surfing for quite some time now, you’ll love the BPS wetsuit changing mat. A professional surfer designed it, and it’s meant for the like. Laid out flat, it reaches a diameter of 35 inches, which makes your changing mission easier because of the large space.
The large space also means the mat can’t only carry your wetsuit, but it’ll also fit your poncho, towel, boots, and any other accessories you have for surfing.
Our favorite feature on the BPS is the sealable pocket on it. You can rarely find such a feature in changing mats; it’s a first on our list. The pocket will fit all your small items, such as your sunblock, mobile phone, and car keys. That way, you’ll rest assured that they’re protected from the sand.
The BPS mat’s waterproofing isn’t as efficient as similar mats, but it’s enough to keep your wetsuit from getting damaged. You should just make sure it won’t leak in your car.
The mat is designed to prevent slipping accidents, courtesy of its gripped base. Additionally, its handle is wide enough for your fingers to be comfortable. It feels way better than flimsy drawstrings.
Pros
- A slip-resistant base for stability on the ground
- Sealable pocket for your small belongings
- Offers plenty of room for changing
Cons
- The waterproofing could be better.
Surf Grass Mat
The Surf Grass Mat looks like it’s going to get grimy once you stand over it, but it’s actually quite the opposite. It’s one of the most comfortable changing mats on the market, thanks to its convenient synthetic grass material. It won’t get your feet wet while you’re changing.
Cleaning the mat is a piece of cake, no matter how much sand you get on it. Plus, it’s extremely portable, thanks to its foldable design. You won’t face any hassle carrying it. On top of that, it’s not only suitable for surfing, but it also works well for scuba diving, tubing, and paddleboarding.
The Surf Grass Mat is pretty easy to store. You’ll merely roll it up and keep it folded until your next use. Besides, it comes bearing a velcro strap that keeps the mat tightly closed while stored.
The Surf grass mat is on the expensive side of the market, which is the reason it’s not most people’s first choice. However, its convenience and ease of cleaning are worth the extra pounds you’ll pay.
There’s also the fact that your furry little friend will love it! Dogs are huge fans of grassy surfaces; you can lay it out in the yard for him to mess around with.
Pros
- Easily-cleaned synthetic material
- Velcro strap attached for storage
- Affordable price
Cons
- Some users didn’t like the grassy texture beneath their feet.
Cor Surf Wetsuit Changing Mat
If you’re on a tight budget, the Cor Surf mat may be the one you’re looking for. Aside from its competitive price, it’s one of the most versatile mats on the market. It’s ideal for surfers, kayakers, boaters, and scuba divers. You can use it for any outdoor activity that includes sand and water.
Not only that, but it also holds up against most outdoor surfaces, including sand, pebbles, and grass.
The mat is made of top-tier PVC poly fabric. It’s both durable and easy to clean, which is what everyone is looking for. In addition to that, it won’t get your car wet if you put it inside. The fabric seals the moisture well, and the barrel lock doesn’t leak any water from the suit inside.
The mat is multifunctional; you can use it as a bag, as well as a changing mat. Plus, it comes in a compact size that’s easily portable, so you won’t face a hard time trying to store it.
Pros
- Convertible to a bag by a barrel lock
- Doesn’t leak water
- Easy cleaning
Cons
- Some users reported that the cord came off after a few uses.
SportLite Surf Changing Mat
Nothing works better for surfing than a self-draining changing mat! The SportLife mat isn’t only comfortable for your feet, but it’s also pretty convenient for cleaning and storing. You’ll merely need to flick it away to get the water and sand out of it. Other than that, it’ll drain on its own to avoid getting your car wet.
The mat has a design resembling a waffle, so the draining gets done easier and faster.
On top of the self-draining feature, the SportLite mat is slip-resistant. You can move around as much as you’d like while changing; the mat will stay firm on the ground.
The SportLite is a bit large for some people, measuring 24 x 36 inches. However, it’ll work well for you if you have a company. Moreover, it’s made of top-notch microfiber that’s well-known for its durability and absorbance.
The SportLife is easy to fold down, so you won’t face trouble storing it or putting it in your car trunk. It’s also not bulky, so you’ll be able to put it anywhere with ease.
Pros
- Self-draining design to avoid wetting your car
- Expansive size to fit multiple persons
- High-quality microfiber material
Cons
- Takes a while to dry
- Only available in blue
DORSAL Surf Changing Mat
The Dorsal mat is a highly versatile product; you can use it as a surf changing mat and as a dry wetsuit bag. It has everything you may need on a mat for your next surfing trip. For starters, it’s made of high-quality polyester that won’t leak water. On top of that, the barrel lock keeps your wetsuit inside, so you don’t have to carry a separate bag.
The pullup drawstring that brings the closure together is highly durable, so you won’t have to worry about tearing it. In addition, it makes the mat easy to carry, in case you’ll walk a long distance with it.
You can use the Dorsal mat pretty much anywhere. It can be used on top of sand, gravel, grass, and tarmac. You’ll rest assured the material won’t slip over any of these surfaces, as opposed to other slippy materials.
Storing the Dorsal mat is a hassle-free process. You can keep it laid flat or convert it into a bag, whatever you have room for. When folded down, it’s not bulky, so you won’t face trouble putting in anywhere.
Pros
- Waterproof materials to keep your gear clean
- Convertible into a bag by a drawstring
- Leak-proof barrel lock design
Cons
- Available in one color only
Curve PVC Wetsuit Changing Mat
When it comes to convenience and usability, the PVC wetsuit changing mat is hard to match. It comes with plenty of useful features that you’ll love.
For starters, the PVC mat features a seamless design that ensures no water leaks occur. The mat is basically one piece of PVC, running until the edge. The design will keep your belongings protected from the water inside, and it adds to the mat’s durability.
Along with the seamless design, the mat also comes with double stitching for reinforcement in key areas.
As for the material, it’s 100% PVC without any addition of polyester or nylon. PVC is highly durable, and it’s tear-resistant, unlike similar synthetic materials. Additionally, it’s waterproof, thereby keeping your suit protected from mold and bacteria.
For easy handling, the Curve mat comes with two handles you can use to carry it. That way, it won’t bother you or tire you out when it’s full. And you can easily throw it in your car’s trunk or store it; it’s not bulky when drawn close.
The only downside to this mat is the lack of pullup drawstrings. If they were included, it’d be our top pick indeed.
Pros
- Offers a spacious ground
- Folds down compactly
- Features a seamless design for durability
Cons
- No pullup drawstrings included
Osprey Wetsuit Changing Mat
If you’re a frequent surfer, you may want to consider the Osprey wetsuit changing mat. It’s a heavy-duty mat that’ll stay intact for as long as you’re using it. Its rigid construction is the main reason users love it, along with its waterproof layering.
The Osprey is innovatively designed with a thin high wall that keeps your feet clean while changing. Additionally, it folds out flat into a 39-inch diameter. That way, you’ll have more than enough space to change your wetsuit and move comfortably.
You can use the mat on pretty much all surfaces of outdoor activities, including gravel, tarmac, sand, and glass. The waterproof material will protect your wetsuit inside and keep the water from leaking.
The Osprey changing mat features drawstrings that convert it into a bag in an instant. It’s easy to carry and handle, and the bag will fit all your things.
Pros
- A high wall on edge for protecting your feet
- Highly durable material
- Affordable price
Cons
- Users reported the drawstrings were a bit flimsy.
SUN CUBE Surf Changing Mat
Sun Cube is known for its wide variety of surfing accessories. Along with their famous poncho ropes, they make heavy-duty changing mats. This mat is designed with comfort in mind; it’s hard to match or compete. Its material is durable polyester that’s abrasion-resistant.
You can use the mat on all sorts of surfaces, including sand and pebbles. It’ll protect your wetsuit from everything.
When laid out flat, the mat measures 30-inch wide, which is pretty sufficient for one person to stand and change comfortably. It’s not only suitable for surfing but all kinds of outdoor activities as well. This includes scuba diving, kayaking, skiing, and bodyboarding. We have the waterproof layering to thank for that.
You can use the mat as a dry bag for your wetsuit, which will protect the suit from any foul odor or mold that may develop due to the moisture. It’s also pretty easy to store, seeing as it’s portable and compactly sized. Plus, it’s lightweight, so it won’t tire you out if you carry it for long distances.
Pros
- Made of abrasion-resistant polyester
- No water leaks
- Compact and portable
Cons
- Only available in one color
Buying Guide: How to Choose the Best Wetsuit Changing Mat
If you want to ensure you’re getting the best wetsuit changing mat for you, take a look at our buying guide. We’ll shed some light on the features you need to consider first before buying.
Most surf changing mats work in the same way, but some of them have unique features that you may need.
Material
Durable, lightweight materials should be your priority when choosing a wetsuit changing mat. A heavyweight mat will be a hassle to carry, especially with the wetsuit’s added weight and the water. As for the durability, moisture already deteriorates the material fast enough. You don’t want a non-durable material that’ll get flimsy on the second use.
Reliable materials include polyester and microfiber. These three materials will cost you a bit more than the average, but they’re sturdy enough to hold the wet package, and they won’t leak. They’re all suitable for heavy-duty use.
Size
You’re the only one who’ll be able to determine if the mat’s size is right for you. It should be large enough to fit you and your companion if you have any. At the same time, it shouldn’t be bulky when folded, so it saves you the hassle of carrying and storing it.
You’ll want to opt for a mat that’s compact, portable, and easy to carry. These features are especially important if you tend to walk around a lot after surfing.
Some mats are 3-feet wide; these are ideal for storing and using. Plus, they’ll be sufficient for your wetsuit.
Mats that are convertible to bags are more comfortable to store, even if they’re big. So, you may want to consider one of those if you still need an extensive size.
Barrel Lock Closure
A lot of wetsuits changing mats on the market are available with a barrel lock closure. We recommend getting one of those because they make your life a lot easier. For starters, you won’t have to fold the wet mat down and carry it under your arms. Instead, you’ll pull strings up, and voila!
On top of that, you’ll have a dry bag for your wetsuit, so you don’t have to carry a separate bag for it. The bag won’t only carry your wetsuit, but it’ll also protect all your belongings. You may not have to carry a bag at all.
Lastly, the drawstrings are incredibly handy for effortlessly carrying the package while keeping your hands free.
Waterproofing
You’d think it’s a no-brainer that a wetsuit changing mat will be made of waterproof materials. However, not all mats are. That’s a feature you must consider before buying because you don’t want your cat getting wet on your way back.
Non-waterproof materials can also cause water leaks while you’re walking, which is a hassle to deal with. Besides, they won’t be durable when exposed to water from the wetsuit. Not to mention that they’ll be uncomfortable under your feet while changing.
We recommend getting a mat with efficient, waterproofing material to avoid unpleasant accidents.
Price
Surf changing mats are a nice innovative product to own. However, you’ll want to make sure you’re not paying more than you’re supposed to. A good mat will range from $15 and $30. If you’re aiming at a higher quality, you’ll find options available for $70–$80.
Anything higher than that is just not worth it. Changing mats are pretty limited when it comes to features. You only need to ensure you’re getting a durable material and a convenient design. Other than that, it shouldn’t cost you much.
The Final Verdict
Our top pick for wetsuit changing mats in the BPA Wetsuit Changing Mat. It has everything you may need in a changing mat, plus a couple of innovative features. The small pocket for your items is incredibly handy for carrying your mobile phone and wallet. Additionally, the wide handles are comfortable for handling it and converting it into a bag.
The only downside to the BPA wetsuit is the waterproofing. It’s good enough, but it could be better. If it’s a deal-breaker for you, you can opt for the Cor Surf Wetsuit Changing Mat. It’s convenient, easy to clean, and affordable.
