Recently, I overheard a middle-aged surfer talking to his friend. He said, “The most dangerous part of surfing is getting in and out of my wetsuit.” They both laughed and so did I — the gymnastics of the wetsuit dance can be a challenge for everyone.
However, accessories exist to elevate the pre- and post-surf experience. Picture this: After a winter surf, you return to the carpark, open the trunk of your car, and peel off your trusty suit. There it lies, like a tangled casualty, covered in sand. You pick it up and chuck it onto the deck of your board, or into your wet box. Wet sand crumbles across the trunk.
You get home, extract the suit and hang it up. Your car smells like wet dogs, with a generous dusting of beach sand across the inner surfaces.
But it doesn’t have to be this way. Have you ever seen a surfer elegantly step onto a pristine changing mat, slip out of their wetsuit, and then secure that package with the built-in drawstring, sand-free and proud? Do you have a changing mat? If not, read on because this underrated surf essential could save your wetsuit, your car, and possibly your relationship.
We just tried the changing mat/wetsuit bag from surf brand Ho Stevie, which inspired this article. These mats are budget-friendly, durable, and simple. They’re available on Amazon or directly from the Ho Stevie website.
Here are seven reasons why a changing mat might be the right surf accessory for you!
Table of Contents
Protect Your Wetsuit (And Your Wallet)
Wetsuits aren’t cheap, and nothing shortens their lifespan faster than grinding them into sand, gravel, or the mystery sludge in a beach parking lot. A changing mat gives you a clean, safe space to wriggle out of your neoprene suit without adding unnecessary wear and tear. Think of it as a VIP lounge for your wetsuit—minus the champagne.
Keep Your Feet (Mostly) Sand-Free
You step out of the ocean, rinse off, and try your best to keep things clean. But somehow, the second you remove your wetsuit, your feet are covered in sand, small pebbles, and the existential regret of not bringing a mat. A changing mat is your last line of defense against the never-ending war with sand.
Save Your Relationship (Or At Least Your Car’s Interior)
Your girlfriend/boyfriend/ride-share driver loves you—but they don’t love the entire beach in the back of the car. A changing mat keeps the mess contained, preventing the dreaded “Why is there sand everywhere?!” conversation. Bonus points when your mat doubles as a wetsuit bag, so you can neatly stash your wet gear instead of leaving a damp neoprene crime scene on the seats.
No More Parking Lot Acrobatics
We’ve all done the one-legged hop, balancing on a half-unzipped wetsuit while desperately trying to avoid stepping on the ground. It’s a risky maneuver that often ends in defeat—or an unplanned public exposure event. A changing mat provides a stable, non-slip surface, making the whole process way less awkward.
Avoid Pre-Surf Injuries (Because Cuts and Saltwater Don’t Mix)
Nothing ruins your session faster than stepping on something sharp before even hitting the water. Whether it’s broken shells, jagged rocks, or the occasional piece of glass, a changing mat gives your feet a safe zone. Because saltwater in fresh cuts? Not a vibe.
It Doubles as a Wetsuit Bag (Goodbye, Dripping Car Seats)
Many changing mats cinch up into a bag, meaning you can toss your wet wetsuit inside and avoid the dreaded damp car seat situation. Let’s be real—you will forget to lay your wetsuit out to dry at least once, and this feature is here to save you from your own bad decisions.
It Makes You Look Like You Know What You’re Doing
Rolling out a proper changing mat gives off serious “I know what I’m doing” energy—even if you just spent an hour getting rag-dolled by head-high whitewash. It’s an easy way to look more dialed in, even if your surfing skills are still a work in progress.
Final Thoughts: Do You Need a Changing Mat?
Unless you enjoy awkward wetsuit struggles, sandy car seats, and surprise foot injuries, the answer is yes. A changing mat isn’t just about convenience—it’s about saving your gear, your feet, and possibly your dignity. So go ahead, add one to your surf kit. Future you (and your car) will thank you.