Empire Ave Guides
Our Guide to the Best Surf 
Ponchos
Changing out of a wetsuit in a windy car park or on a chilly beach is a rite of passage — but it doesn’t have to be a shivering experience that shows off your shrunken tricky bits. Enter the surf poncho: part towel, part hoodie, all portable changing room. Some call them hooded towels. Some call them hoodie towels. Whether you’re after warmth, modesty, or just a dry place to stash your hands, we’ve rounded up the best surf ponchos for a bit of cozy goodness.
To help guide you in a bit in which surf poncho is best for you, here’s a run down of some of what we think are the radder options around right now.
Ultimate Surf Poncho:
Creatures of Leisure Offshore Poncho
This is the Rolls-Royce of surf ponchos. The Creatures Offshore Poncho is built for serious surfers who charge no matter the conditions. With a weather-resistant outer layer and plush internal lining, it’s ideal for cold mornings, post-surf wind chills or even hanging out on your jetski if you want an extra layer of protection. Kaipo should get the WSL to buy him one. Oversized fit, zip-up front, and storm-ready styling.
Best Value Surf Poncho:
Rip Curl Brand Hooded Towel
Simple. Reliable. Affordable. Rip Curl’s Brand Hooded Towel is a classic that nails the essentials. It’s like a velour towel you can slip over your rig. It’s absorbent, roomy, and easy to throw on and off. If you’re not fussed about bells and whistles but still want post-surf comfort and a reputable brand behind it, this one’s a no-brainer.
Best Women’s Surf Poncho:
Slowtide Ginny Changing Poncho
Who’d have thought you could add hints of style to the dorky hooded towel. Slowtide’s Ginny Changing Poncho is epic though. There’s a button up collar, plus soft, warm, and luxurious feel. Side slits make movement easy, while the patterns and fit are designed with women in mind — function meets flair in the best way.
Best All-Round Hooded Towel:
FCS Poncho
The FCS Poncho is the reliable workhorse of the surf world. Thick, soft cotton, an oversized fit, and a clean design that appeals to surfers who just want to get changed and get on with it. No fluff, no fuss — just a solid, all-rounder hooded towel that’s warm and absorbent. Hard to go past.
Best Kids’ Hoodie Towel:
Ocean & Earth Youth Irvine Hooded Poncho
For the little frothers. Ocean & Earth’s Youth Irvine Poncho makes life easier for both kids and parents. The playful prints keep things fun, and the soft cotton keeps young groms warm and dry while they peel off wetsuits or run back to the carpark barefoot and sandy.
The Cheapest
Sun Cube Surf Poncho
If the wallet is hurting and the budget is tiny, the Sun Cube Surf Poncho on Amazon will cover the basic needs that a surf poncho requires. Made of 100% microfiber polyester, the Sun Cube will cover all the parts that need covering while you get changed. It comes with a Kangaroo Pocket for keeping ya hands warm, and a handle on the back to hang it up to dry. Easy win at $25.
Verdict
A surf poncho is one of those things you don’t realise you need… until you use one. Whether you’re chasing stormy slabs or warming up after a mellow beachie, the right hoodie towel makes the whole experience smoother. Pick your weapon, keep it in the car, and thank yourself later.
