Our Expert Guide to Surf Mats
A surf mat looks simple, but there are a few things worth understanding before you buy. The inflation level, the size relative to the rider, and the materials all have a direct impact on how well it rides in the surf. Get these right, and a surf mat could just end up being one of the most used pieces of surf equipment you own across an entire summer. Our guide covers what to look for so your family gets it right from the first session.
A Note From Our Local Experts
"We have been dealing with Land and Sea Sports (now Home Grown Brands) since the very beginning of our business. Their in-house brand, Redback, has been our leading surf mat supplier for a simple reason: the quality holds up, and the ethics of the business are solid. We sell hundreds of their mats each year, and the feedback from customers is consistently positive.
The only mistake I see is people over-inflating the mat until it is rock hard, thinking that will make it faster. It does the opposite. A slightly under-inflated mat flexes with the shape of the wave and holds the surface far better. Inflate to around 80%, and you will feel the difference immediately. Press it firmly with your hand — if there is a small amount of give, the pressure is right. It is one of those things that takes ten seconds to explain in-store and completely changes the experience on the day."
- Ben Czulowski, Owner, Fishing Tackle Shop
Why We Stock Redback Surf Mats
We have been sourcing Redback surf mats from Land and Sea Sports since the early days of the business. The reason we have stayed with them is straightforward — the return and complaint rate on their mats is extremely low. Over many years of selling them, genuine defect issues have been rare. For a retailer, that track record matters far more than a spec sheet. When a product consistently does what it is supposed to do and customers come back happy, those are the brands we like to keep on the shelf.
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Softer and More Forgiving Than a Bodyboard: A surf mat has no rigid edges or hard rails anywhere. This makes it a much safer option in crowded beach areas and far less intimidating for younger children heading into the surf for the first time.
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Suitable for Flagged Zones: Hard surfboards and bodyboards with hard tails are often restricted in flagged beach areas during peak hours. A soft, inflatable surf mat is generally permitted, which makes it the practical option for a busy summer beach.
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Built-in Handles for Kids: Most Redback surf mats come with integrated handles that give younger riders a secure grip point in broken water. In our experience, this can make a real difference to the confidence of smaller kids when a wave knocks them sideways.
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Packs Down for Travel: Deflate it, roll it up, and it fits in a beach bag. For families already carrying towels, sunscreen, and lunch, that convenience counts.
Pro-Tips: Getting the Most From Your Surf Mats
- Start in Whitewater: Our advice for kids and adults starting out is to begin in knee-to-waist-deep water and let the broken whitewater come to them. Lie flat, arms forward, and let the push of the wave do the work. Build from there once comfortable.
- Use Your Body Weight to Steer: Once comfortable catching waves, shift your weight forward toward the nose to pick up speed, and back toward the tail to slow down and hold the wave longer. Leaning slightly to one side will also help the mat turn. It takes a few sessions to get the feel for it, but once worked out, the whole experience improves noticeably.
- Rinse and Store in the Shade: After each use, rinse with fresh water and let it dry in the shade before deflating and storing. Leaving a fully inflated mat in direct sun for extended periods puts unnecessary stress on the seams.
- Never Use as a Life-Saving Device: A surf mat provides buoyancy but is not a certified flotation device. Always supervise children in the water, always swim at a patrolled beach, and always swim between the flags.
Frequently Asked Questions About Surf Mats
What size surf mat should I buy?
We typically stock Redback surf mats in two main sizes — 95cm and 130cm. The 95cm is our recommendation for younger kids. The 130cm suits older kids, teenagers, and adults. If you are unsure, go the larger size. A mat that is too small for the rider will not plane properly and the nose will dig rather than skim across the wave.
Will a surf mat give the rider a rash?
Some will. However, Redback surf mats are designed with a cotton fabric top specifically to minimise rashing — it is softer against the skin than bare PVC and makes a noticeable difference on longer sessions. That said, sand trapped between the rider and the mat during a full day at the beach can still cause irritation regardless of the surface material. Our recommendation is to wear a rash vest — it removes the problem entirely and adds sun protection at the same time.
What is the difference between a surf mat and a bodyboard?
A surf mat is entirely air — no foam core, no hard edges anywhere. Our recommendation for families with young kids is to start them on a surf mat and then upgrade to a bodyboard down the track when they are ready for more speed and directional control. The softer construction makes it the better starting point for building confidence in the surf.
Are Redback surf mats built to last more than one season?
In our experience, yes. We have been selling Redback mats for many years and genuine defect complaints have been rare. How long any surf mat lasts comes down largely to how it is looked after. Rinse with fresh water after each session and store out of direct sunlight — look after it properly, and it should see multiple seasons of use.
Do I need a pump to inflate a surf mat?
Surf mats can be inflated by mouth, but it takes some effort. They use a larger style valve, so a hammer pump or foot pump is the practical choice and makes the job quick and easy. Our recommendation is to keep one in your beach bag so you can top up the pressure during the day without any hassle.
