Changing Robes

Start with the season. If you use the water through autumn, winter and spring, choose a waterproof changing robe with a warm lining, storm protection and a hood that stays useful in wind. If you only need something for summer beach days, a towelling robe or lighter poncho may be enough.

Next, think about where you get changed. Car parks, slipways, beaches and club areas need enough robe length and width to change comfortably. Shorter robes are easier to move around in, but longer robes usually give better coverage and warmth.

Finally, look at the details you will notice every session: two-way zips, fleece-lined pockets, internal pockets, cuff seals, hood shape, lining feel, pack size and how quickly the robe dries between uses.

Waterproof changing robes

Choose a waterproof changing robe if you want warmth, wind protection and weather resistance after cold or wet sessions. These are the best choice for winter paddleboarding, surfing, kayaking, wing foiling, kitesurfing, open-water swimming and regular year-round use.

Towelling robes and ponchos

Choose a towelling robe or poncho if you mainly need privacy, easy changing and quick drying in warmer conditions. They are lighter, easier to pack and useful for summer beach days, kids, holidays and indoor pool-to-car use.

Changing mats and wetbags

Changing mats and wetbags help keep your feet clean while changing and stop wet wetsuits, boots and sandy kit soaking the car. They are simple add-ons, but very useful through the UK season.

Winter and cold-water sessions

For winter, choose a warmer robe with a waterproof outer, wind protection, insulated lining, hood and decent cuffs. Windchill is often what makes you cold quickest after a session, so weather protection matters as much as the fluffy lining.

Summer and shoulder-season use

For summer, a lighter changing robe or towelling poncho may be easier to carry and quicker to dry. This is ideal for beach trips, kids, campsites, pools and quick changes after warm-weather paddles.

Everyday “lives in the car” use

If your robe lives in the car or van, prioritise durability, pockets, easy cleaning and a shell that will not soak through on drizzly days. A stash bag or wetbag also helps keep the car organised.

For paddleboarding and kayaking

SUP and kayak sessions often end at exposed launch spots, slipways and car parks. A changing robe helps you warm up, change comfortably and stay sheltered from wind while packing away boards, paddles and wet kit.

For surfing and open-water swimming

Surf and swim users usually need fast warmth after being fully immersed. A warm lining, good hood and proper wind protection make a big difference, especially in winter or after dawn and evening sessions.

For wing foiling and kitesurfing

Wing and kite sessions often involve windier beaches and longer pack-down time. A waterproof changing robe gives you a warm layer while deflating wings, packing kites, sorting foils and loading the van.

A changing robe should be roomy enough to change inside without fighting the fabric. It should not feel like a normal fitted coat. You need space around the shoulders, arms and body so you can pull off a wetsuit, change layers and move comfortably.

Longer robes give more coverage and warmth, especially when changing outdoors. Shorter robes can feel easier for walking, driving short distances or wearing around the beach. If you are between sizes, think about whether you want maximum changing space or a neater everyday fit.

For kids, do not go too huge. A robe with too much excess fabric can be awkward, heavy and less comfortable. Choose enough room for changing and growth, but still keep it manageable.

This collection includes changing robes, ponchos and changing accessories from trusted watersports brands including Red Paddle Co, Red Original, ION, Mystic, Surflogic, Moloko, Prolimit and Dakine.

Red Paddle Co and Red Original

Red Paddle Co and Red Original are strong choices for premium waterproof changing robes, towelling robes, kids robes, stash bags and practical post-session kit for SUP, swim, surf and family use.

ION and Mystic

ION and Mystic are useful for watersports ponchos, changing robes and surf-style changing gear, especially if you want practical beach, wing, kite and surf crossover use.

Surflogic, Moloko, Prolimit and Dakine

These brands are useful for practical changing mats, wetbags, changing support and session accessories that make getting changed and packing down easier.

Adult changing robes are ideal for regular paddlers, surfers, swimmers, kayakers and wing or kite riders who need warmth and privacy outdoors. Choose by season, warmth, waterproofing and fit.

Kids changing robes are brilliant for beach days, paddle sessions, swimming, surf lessons and family trips. They help children warm up quicker, get changed more easily and stay comfortable after time in the water.

For children, pair the robe with suitable kids wetsuits, buoyancy aids, neoprene footwear and kids watersports gear.

Changing mats and wetbags are simple but very useful. They give you somewhere clean to stand while changing, then convert into a bag or storage area for wet wetsuits, sandy boots and dripping kit.

A stash bag is useful for keeping a robe contained in the car or van, especially if you carry more than one robe or want to stop wet and dry kit mixing together.

Useful related ranges include wetsuit accessories, travel bags, waterproof bags and surf accessories.

A changing robe works best as part of a full post-session setup. Add a wetsuit bag or changing mat for wet kit, a waterproof bag for dry clothes and valuables, warm footwear for cold car parks and a good wetsuit for the season.

Wetsuits · Wetsuit accessories · Neoprene footwear · Neoprene gloves

Neoprene hoods · Waterproof bags · Travel bags · Transport and car protection

Let your robe dry properly between uses. Leaving it damp in a car boot or stash bag will make it smell, reduce comfort and shorten its useful life. Hang it up when you get home and keep it away from direct heat unless the care label says otherwise.

If it has been exposed to sea spray, sand or mud, shake it out and rinse or clean according to the care instructions. Waterproof outer shells need more care than simple towelling ponchos, so avoid harsh washing that may reduce water repellency.

Always follow the specific care label on the robe. Good care keeps the robe warmer, fresher and more weatherproof for longer.

If you are unsure which changing robe to choose, contact us with your height, typical clothing size, how you use the water, when you ride most and whether you run hot or cold. We will help you choose the right warmth, length and waterproofing level.

For delivery information, see our delivery information. For product advice or sizing help, use our contact page.

For bigger watersports purchases, our Woodmill SUP Test Centre and Lymington Try It Now service can also help you choose the kit you need before the robe goes over the top of it.