After a cold session, little beats pulling on a warm changing robe or poncho. Our towels and ponchos range is built around exactly that moment: the change on a windy beach or in a car park, and the warmth you want straight afterwards. We stock changing ponchos, towelling and fleece lined robes, and quick drying towels from trusted watersports brands.

A good changing poncho lets you get out of a wet wetsuit and into dry clothes with warmth and privacy, wherever you have parked. Beyond watersports, the same robes earn their keep at the pool, the gym, open water swimming, or simply drying off at home.

The guide below explains the different styles and what to look for. Browse the full range below, and if you ride, pair your robe with the right wetsuit for the season.

What Is a Changing Poncho?

A changing poncho is a hooded garment you pull over your head to change underneath in public. It covers you from shoulders to thigh, so you can peel off a wetsuit or swimwear and pull on dry clothes without a towel slipping. Towelling ponchos also dry you as you change, which is why they are a staple for surfers, paddlers and open water swimmers.

Poncho or Changing Robe: What Is the Difference?

The two overlap, but the emphasis differs.

• A poncho is usually towelling or fleece and is focused on changing and drying off
• A longer changing robe, often with a waterproof outer and a warm lining, is built to keep you warm for longer between or after sessions

If your priority is a quick change and a dry off, a towelling poncho is ideal. If you want to stay warm on the beach for a while, a lined, weatherproof robe is the better choice.

Why Use a Changing Robe After Watersports?

Cold and wind pull heat from you fast once you leave the water. A changing robe traps warmth, blocks the wind and lets you change without exposing yourself to the elements. That keeps you comfortable, helps you recover between sessions, and makes a dawn surf or a winter paddle far more pleasant. Brands such as Mystic build robes and ponchos specifically for this.

What Are Changing Robes Made From?

Materials shape how a robe performs.

• Terry towelling: soft, absorbent and great for drying as you change
• Teddy or sherpa fleece lining: maximum warmth for cold days
• Waterproof or windproof outer shell: blocks rain and wind for longer stays outside
• Microfibre: light, fast drying and easy to pack

Many robes combine a weatherproof shell with a warm lining, giving you the best of both.

What Features Should I Look For?

• A large hood to keep your head and neck warm
• Wide arm openings for easy changing
• A front pocket for keys, phone or warm hands
• A length that covers you properly while you change
• A durable, quick drying fabric that handles salt water

What About Beach and Gym Towels?

Alongside ponchos we stock quick drying towels that pack small and shed water fast, which suits the beach, the pool and the gym bag. Microfibre towels dry quicker and take up less room than cotton, while a classic towelling option feels plush and absorbent. Many riders keep a poncho for changing and a compact towel for everything else.

How Do I Choose the Right Size?

Most ponchos and robes come in adult one size plus junior and kids sizes, with some brands offering a slim or larger cut. The garment should cover you from shoulder to at least mid thigh so you can change underneath, with room to move your arms. If you want to layer warm clothing underneath on cold days, size up. Children are best in a kids specific size for warmth and a safe, comfortable fit.

How Do I Care for a Changing Robe or Towel?

• Rinse off salt and sand after use
• Wash on a cool cycle and avoid fabric softener, which reduces absorbency
• Air dry where possible rather than using a hot tumble dryer
• Dry a robe fully before storing to prevent mould and odour

Follow the care label, as waterproof and fleece lined robes have their own washing guidance.

How Much Do Changing Robes and Ponchos Cost?

Simple towelling ponchos and microfibre towels sit at the affordable end, mid range ponchos add better fabric and features, and full weatherproof robes with warm linings are the most expensive. A higher price usually buys a better lining, a more durable shell and a warmer, longer lasting garment. Choose based on how cold and exposed your typical sessions are rather than price alone.

Why Buy Your Towels and Ponchos from Surface2Air Sports?

We have outfitted watersports enthusiasts since 2002, with a shop in Poole and the full range online.

• Changing ponchos, robes and towels from trusted brands
• Options for surf, kitesurfing, paddling and swimming
• Styles for adults and children
• Honest advice on warmth, fabric and fit
• A range to suit different budgets

Whether you want a quick change poncho for summer surfs or a warm robe for winter, we can help you pick the right one.

Frequently Asked Questions About Towels and Ponchos

What is the point of a changing poncho?

It lets you change out of a wetsuit or swimwear in public with warmth and privacy, and a towelling poncho dries you off at the same time.

Are changing robes warm enough for winter?

A fleece or teddy lined robe with a waterproof outer is designed for cold, windy conditions and will keep you warm between and after sessions.

What size changing robe should I buy?

Pick a size that covers you from shoulder to at least mid thigh with room to move your arms. Size up if you want to layer warm clothes underneath.

Can I use a poncho for swimming or the gym?

Yes. Ponchos and robes work well for open water swimming, the pool and the gym, anywhere you need to change and dry off easily.

How do I wash a changing robe?

Rinse off salt and sand, wash cool without fabric softener, and air dry where possible. Always check the care label for fleece and waterproof fabrics.

Do you stock kids ponchos?

Yes. We carry junior and kids sizes designed to keep children warm and comfortable while they change.

Is microfibre or towelling better?

Microfibre dries faster and packs smaller, while towelling feels plush and very absorbent. Many riders keep both for different situations.