Your Expert Guide to Choosing a Surf Mat
A surf mat is the perfect introduction to the fun of riding waves. They're softer and more forgiving than bodyboards, making them an ideal choice for kids and beginners. This guide explains why a quality surf mat is a beach essential and what makes the Redback brand our top recommendation.
A Note From Our Local Experts
"We've been dealing with Land and Sea Sports (now Home Grown Brands), one of the best watersports suppliers in the industry, since the very beginning of our business. Their in-house brand, Redback, has become our leading supplier of surf mats for a simple reason: quality and ethics. We sell hundreds of their mats a year because we know that if looked after, they offer fantastic durability and fun for the whole family. It was a no-brainer for us to back a brand that delivers such reliable quality for our customers."
- The Team at Fishing Tackle Shop (Ocean Storm)
Why a Surf Mat is the Perfect Choice for Families
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More Suited for Crowded Beaches: The soft, inflatable design makes surf mats a forgiving option to use in busy, flagged beach areas where hard surfboards are often banned.
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Fun for All Ages: From a young child's first time in the waves to adults looking for some classic fun, the stability and ease of use make surf mats enjoyable for everyone.
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An Ideal Learning Aid: A surf mat is a fantastic, non-intimidating way for people to learn wave sense and how to handle themselves in the surf before graduating to a bodyboard or surfboard.
Pro-Tips: A Guide to Fun & Safe Surf Mat Use
- Perfect Inflation: Don't over-inflate the mat until it's rock hard. It should have a little bit of "give" when you press on it. This allows the mat to flex and mould to the wave, giving a much better ride.
- How to Catch a Wave: For kids, the best way to start is in waist-deep water. As a small, broken wave approaches, get them to lie on the mat and give them a gentle push forward just as the whitewater reaches them. They'll get the thrill of planing across the water.
- Look for Models with Handles: Many of our Redback surf mats come with built-in handles, which are fantastic for kids. They provide extra grip and security, giving them more confidence in the water.
- Always Supervise: A surf mat is a flotation device, but it is not a life-saving device. Always supervise children closely when they are using a surf mat in the water, and always swim between the flags at a patrolled beach.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Redback surf mats durable?
Yes. Redback is a well-regarded Australian brand known for making quality beach products. Their surf mats are constructed from heavy-duty materials designed to withstand the rigours of sun, sand, and saltwater, offering much better longevity than generic, no-name brands.
What's the difference between a surf mat and a bodyboard?
A surf mat is a fully inflatable air bladder, which makes it very buoyant and forgiving. Many Australians grew up with the classic canvas "Surfoplane" style mats. A bodyboard, on the other hand, is a rigid foam core board. While some people search for an "inflatable bodyboard," they are typically looking for the fun and convenience that a modern, durable surf mat provides.
What's the best way to care for a surf mat?
It's simple. After each use, give it a quick rinse with fresh water to remove salt and sand, and let it dry in the shade before deflating and storing it. Avoid leaving it in direct, intense sunlight for extended periods when not in use.
