Poncho

Because you change standing up, in the wind — no towel dance in the car park. The fabric is absorbent and quick-drying, and the hood keeps you from cooling down after a session.

A poncho also works as a mat for rigging on sand; see the models here.

The adult size fits most people up to ~190 cm; the kids version is shorter and lighter so a child cannot get tangled. If the poncho is for changing into a wetsuit, size up — you need room for your arms.

Each model lists its length; if you are on the edge, we will advise based on your height.

Microfibre models dry in one to two hours in the air; classic terry takes longer. Wash at 30 °C without fabric softener — softener seals the fibres and the poncho stops absorbing.

Rinse it with fresh water after the sea; salt attacks the seams just as it does on a wetsuit.

Thicker terry models beat microfibre in winter — they keep you warm while you change out of a wet suit. Use the poncho as your first layer straight out of the water, then change into dry clothes.

With a warm beanie and the right wetsuit thickness, a winter session is perfectly manageable.