Here's How To Buy Your First Surf Towel

Surfers, we love you. You're adventurous, determined and always on the lookout for the next epic sesh. So what if your car reeks of funky-smelling wetsuits and soggy upholstery? 

You're a big part of the reason why Happy Faced exists, and for that reason, we want to give you a helping hand in buying your first made-for-surfers towel.

What is a surf towel?

Picture this: you've just come out of the ocean after a long surf sesh. You're wet, sandy and salty.

The only bummer after trading barrels or epic rides with your mates?

You're about to dry off with a thick cotton beach towel that's also wet, sandy and salty from the previous surf. Now, banish that thought from your mind. This situation only applies if you’re using an old-school cotton beach towel.

Surf towels, on the other hand, are designed specifically for surfers.

They’re lightweight, fast-drying and sand-resistant, making them the perfect towel to use after a surf session.

Why do you need one?

Surfing towels, and more specifically Happy Faced surf towels, are designed to make your life easier and more comfortable after a surf session.

They're made from microfiber, which is super absorbent, so you can dry off quickly and efficiently without having to rub your skin raw.

Plus, they're sand-resistant, so you won't have to deal with that annoying feeling of getting sand stuck on your towel or in your car.

Happy Faced surf towels are also lightweight and compact, making them easy to carry in your surf bag or car.

That’s right… no more soggy towels stinking up your van. No more rubbing a dirty, germy fabric over open rock or reef cuts. 

Our antimicrobial fabric keeps everything clean and fresh so you can dry off, drive away and get on with your life.

Surfing towels vs. beach towels?

Look, we're not here to cast shade on cotton beach towels. That's not our jam. 

What we want to do is highlight the benefits of a surf towel over a traditional beach towel... and trust us, there are many. Here are a few of the main points.

Weight

Microfiber towels are by nature lightweight and compact, making them perfect for travel. They won't add any extra weight to your already heavy surf bag, and they take up minimal space in your car or backpack.

Drying time

Back-to-back surf sessions once meant that you were forced to reuse a soggy, smelly towel. A surfing towel not only dries quicker, but it also helps to prevent that lingering smell of wet fabric (which we're sure your non-surfing gal or guy loves, right?).

Sand resistant

Ever gone to use your cotton beach towel, only to unravel it and cover yourself, your vehicle or *clutch my pearls* your post-surf snack in gritty sand? A surfing towel doesn't do that, so we recommend you make the switch ASAP.

Buying a surf towel: 9 questions to ask yourself

Now we've established the importance of a surf towel, here are some questions to ask yourself before making a purchase.

What is your budget?

You don't need to mortgage the house to buy a towel for surfing. That said, you also don't want to spend more than you need to.

Do some research and compare prices to find a surf towel that fits your budget. You'll find that most range in cost from $20 to $50, depending on the brand and features.

We've priced ours so that we're not breaking the bank, but we also have high-quality features that make them worth every penny. The key here is longevity.

A premium towel can't also be the cheapest towel, but you'll have it for years to come, so it's worth the investment.

Does size really matter?

It's the question that's plagued towel buyers for centuries. In all seriousness, the size of your surf towel depends on your personal preference and needs.

Some prefer a larger towel for maximum coverage, while others prefer a smaller, more compact option. Some people like round towels – we don’t judge!

We stock both small personal towels and larger 6x3 feet towels. You can choose the one that fits your needs.

Is the towel designed to be eco-friendly?

We love the earth. You love the earth. Everyone loves the earth (hopefully).

So why not choose a soft surf towel that’s been designed with sustainability in mind? Our towels are made from recycled plastic bottles, so you can feel good about your purchase knowing that you're helping to reduce waste.

Of course, we're under no illusion that our towels are going to save the planet, but every little bit helps, right?

Am I buying from a small brand or a large corporation?

This one is especially close to our heart: supporting small businesses that are doing good in the world.

When you buy from a small brand, you're not only getting a high-quality product, but you're also supporting a dream and a community. Small brands also often have more personalized customer service and are more likely to care about your satisfaction.

A larger corporation, while adept at what they do, may not have the same level of care and passion for their products. 

You might be a small business owner yourself, and we bet you'd rather give your hard-earned cash to another likeminded small business owner than a big company.

Will a microfiber towel still dry me effectively?

Microfiber towels are (unsurprisingly, given the name) made of microfibers, which are incredibly soft and absorbent.

In fact, microfiber cloths absorb up to 98% of moisture. In comparison, regular cotton cloths absorb only about 70% of moisture.

This means that if you're surfing back-to-back sessions with a quick break in between, you can dry off, hang your towel over the side mirror or leave it on the beach knowing it'll be dry when you return.

Are surf-specific towels easy to care for?

Yes! There's a misconception that surf towels need to be washed after every use. That's not the case with a microfiber towel.

Microfiber towels don't hold onto bacteria and odors like cotton does, so they can last multiple uses before needing to be washed.

When you do wash them, wash cold with similar colors and never use bleach. Don't use softener either and remember that if you need to tumble dry, keep it low and warm (not too hot).

Essentially, you'll treat them like you would any premium quality towel. With tender loving care and quiet whispers of greatness.

Learn how to care for your Happy Faced surfing towel.

To artwork or not to artwork?

Do you want a mono-colored towel that's straight out of your nanna's linen cupboard? Or are you the type of person who likes to make a statement?

A surf towel can be an extension of your personality and style, so why settle for something plain and boring?

Towels with unique designs and artwork make for great conversation starters on the beach, and with so many cool artists to choose from, you'll never run out of options.

Our towels feature original artwork from surf artists and talented creatives from around the world, so not only will you stand out on the beach, but you'll also be supporting cool people in the surfing community.

Is my towel antimicrobial?

Anti-what-now? Let us explain.

Microfiber towels are naturally antimicrobial, meaning they resist the growth of bacteria and mold. This not only helps to keep your towel smelling fresh but also prevents bacterial infections from developing.

And it's a good thing too, considering we don't always have time to wash our towels after each use. 

Besides, surfing takes us to tropical destinations and often involves saltwater or humid conditions, so it's important to have antimicrobial properties in your towel to avoid any unpleasant surprises.

Are sand-free towels worth the money?

Sand might not be the natural enemy of people, but it's definitely the enemy of phone jack holes, vehicle upholstery and living room carpets. 

Fortunately, there exist sand-free towels.

Sand-free towels are made from a unique fabric that allows sand to pass through without getting trapped in the fibers. This means you can shake off your towel before packing it up, and any remaining grains of sand will simply fall out.

While these towels may be pricier than regular microfiber towels, they're definitely worth the investment if you want to avoid pesky sand particles following you home from the beach.

Wrapping up

Wondering how to choose the perfect surf towel? Think about your needs, preferences and values.

Our soft, practical and warm towels are designed with all of these in mind, providing high-quality, eco-friendly products from a small brand that cares about its customers. Order yours today and experience the difference for yourself! You'll be making a statement from the checkout all the way to the beach.