A new surf break is always an exciting thing for surfers, since it offers an opportunity to revisit one’s skills and growth with respect to surfing. I recently visited a “new to me” surf break with some friends, and discovered something new about my after surf habits that introduced me to a very helpful surf-related product.

After having surfed the same familiar breaks for the last few years, I noticed that my after surf routine became very familiar, and in a way, became “spoiled”. The ever present showers and paved parking lots allowed me the luxury of easily changing back into my street clothes and shoes without a thought about sand. Yes, sand. It dawned on me that at this particular surf break, where I possessed all of my usual “ready to go” surf accessories, I found myself completely surrounded by sand – at the beach, at the showers, and even in the parking lot. A fine layer of sand covered everything from my slippers to my rash guard; it was everywhere!

That was when I spotted this girl using an ingenious device to resolve the sand situation: a waterproof change mat! A change mat that’s also a wetsuit bag, that keeps sand off you and your clothes and gear, AND keeps your car dry. When opened, the bag becomes a flat mat and is laid down on the ground while you change. Once changed leave your wet clothes on the mat and pull the drawstring to create the bag.

I was amazed at the ease by which she changed into her street clothes, cinched the bag closed and toss it into the back seat of her car. I would imagine that parental units that frequent the beach would have definite uses for this item, seeing how difficult it is to change small children from wet each clothes!

There are a variety of available change mats out in the market – FCS mat, Frostfire Moonbag, Cinch Sac,   – and they range in price … from cheap to “oh-my-goodness” expensive. The thing to keep in mind is tha function of the change bag. Since it will be the surface that separates you from the elements like sand, then it has to be sturdy and strong – I recommend a rubber or wet suit type material that cushions and protects, as well as provides a waterproof barrier between your wet clothes and your car.

If you are tired of getting your feet or legs sandy and possibly dirty, and do not want that musty wet aroma in  your car wet after a surf session, then I think this type of change mat is a must! Just cinch it up toss it in the car when you are ready to go.