A towel poncho, also called a surf poncho or beach poncho, is an oversized hooded towel in poncho shape, designed to change in after water sports. You pull it over your head and get instant privacy and warmth while you take off your wetsuit and put on dry clothes. It's made of absorbent material (usually cotton, microfiber or fleece) and has wide arm openings so you can move freely underneath.

The choice usually starts with the material. Cotton (terry cloth) is thick, warm and soft, the most comfortable to hang out in after a cold session, but it takes a day or so to dry. Microfiber is fast-drying and compact: ideal for kite trips, road trips or multiple sessions in one day. Fleece is extra warm, perfect for winter sessions, and often has a more casual look you can easily pull over your regular clothes. For most kiters who hit the water in both summer and winter, a cotton or fleece poncho is the most versatile choice.

They overlap, but they're not quite the same. A towel poncho is a hooded towel you pull over your head to dry off and change underneath, light, absorbent and quick to throw on. A changing robe is more of a jacket: a longer robe with sleeves and often a waterproof outer shell and warm fleece or sherpa lining, made to keep you warm standing on a cold, windy beach long after your session. Choose a towel poncho if you mainly want to dry off and change fast; choose a changing robe if you want a warm outer layer to wear before and after your session too. At Kitemana you'll find both.

Most classic towel ponchos are sleeveless: wide arm openings, a hood, and you pull them over your head in one move. Some models have sleeves, which makes them closer to a changing robe or poncho jacket. Pro: you can wear it like a jacket, for example on your way to the spot or after a session at a beach café. Con: changing is a bit slower because your arms have to go through the sleeves. Which one suits you depends on how you'll use it: purely as a changing poncho, or also as a warm outer layer.

Most towel ponchos come in one size or in S/M and L/XL. A good size covers at least your upper legs, has wide arm openings so you can easily pull off your wetsuit, and isn't so tight that you can barely move underneath. Are you taller than 6'1" (1.85m)? Go for L/XL or a brand with a specific "long fit". An adult towel poncho usually fits well in one size, but when in doubt: a little roomier beats too tight. Size charts vary per brand, so always check them per product.

Focus on four things. First, the material: cotton for warmth and comfort, microfiber if you want it to dry fast and pack small. Second, the size: it should cover at least your upper legs and have wide arm openings so you can get your wetsuit off underneath. Third, the hood and pockets: a hood keeps your head warm after a cold session, and a side or inner pocket is handy for your keys or phone. And fourth, the thickness of the fabric: thicker cotton is warmer but dries slower. Choose based on how and where you'll use it most: daily at your local spot, or mainly on trips.

Definitely. A towel poncho doubles as a beach poncho or swim poncho, and works for far more than kiting. It's great for surfing, SUP, wing foiling, open-water swimming, or simply a day at the beach or pool. Anywhere you need to change out of wet gear without a changing room, a poncho does the job, keeps you warm, and dries you off at the same time. That versatility is exactly why so many water sports lovers end up using theirs far more often than they expected.

Yes, we stock dedicated kids ponchos: shorter, lighter, and with the same functional details as the adult models. A kids poncho is handy for surf and kite lessons, but just as good for a day at the beach or pool. Filter the poncho collection by kids sizes or browse the kids models per brand. Not sure about the right size for your child? Check the brand's size chart.

With a poncho you have both hands free while staying dry and covered. A regular towel needs to be held or tucked, a changing poncho just stays in place. On top of that, a towel poncho is thicker, warmer and blocks wind better than a regular towel, great after a cold session. And you can keep it on afterwards to warm up on the beach.

We carry ponchos from several major kite brands, each with its own range and style. Mystic offers plenty of choice, from classic cotton ponchos to warm Teddy models and technical changing robes for cold, wet conditions. ION also has a broad line-up, with light, fast-drying changing ponchos, Bamboo models and warm Storm Coats for rougher conditions. Prolimit focuses on functional ponchos in various versions, including models for women, kids and water-repellent changing robes. Not sure which brand or model suits you? Give us a call or drop us an email, we kitesurf ourselves and are happy to help.

Wash it at 30°C (86°F) with a mild detergent, no fabric softener. For microfiber ponchos this is even more important: no fabric softener, no tumble dryer. Rinse your poncho with fresh water after each session to get salt and sand out. Hang it to dry in a well-ventilated spot, out of direct sunlight.

It depends on the material. Microfiber dries fastest, often within a few hours. Fleece sits in the middle. Cotton terry is the slowest (half a day to a full day), but feels best after a cold session. For kite trips and multiple sessions per day, microfiber is the practical choice; for pure warmth and comfort go for cotton or fleece. Always hang your poncho out in a well-ventilated spot after use to keep it fresh and ready for your next session.