Beginner’s Guide to Surf Mats: What They Are and How to Use Them

A surf mat is a soft, inflatable wave-riding craft that kind of looks like a small air mattress. Surf mats were popular many years ago, and now they’re becoming popular again as more surfers discover how simple, fast, and fun they are to ride.

Today, surf mats fit right in with alternative wave riding. They’re lightweight, easy to carry, and let riders feel very connected to the wave. At Yucca Fins, we want to make sure every surfer has the tools they need to keep themselves safe as they ride.

In this guide, you’ll learn what makes surf mats special, how to inflate and ride them, and tips for catching your first waves. Just remember, almost no one is great on a surf mat right away. It takes a little practice, but once you get the hang of it, it’s an exciting and unique way to enjoy the ocean.

What Is a Surf Mat?

Surf mats are inflatable and made of lightweight, flexible materials that have minimal drag. They’re super light and packable.

Most modern mats use:

•Thin, durable nylon or similar outer fabrics

•A series of internal panels that help control flex

•A soft, low-pressure inflatable shape built for speed and sensitivity

While bodyboards and soft tops are more rigid, surf mats move with the waves. The moment you hop on one, the mat wiggles, flexes, and reacts under your chest. With body surfing, you’re very limited on speed, but surf mats feel like you’re flying because there isn’t any drag. You’ve seen pelicans riding the face of the wave; that’s what a surf mat feels like.

How Surf Mats Work in the Water

Mat surfing is different from anything else because the mat’s flexible frame responds instantly to wave energy. Instead of fighting water, a surf mat almost absorbs it.

A surf mat actually reshapes itself as it hits bumps and pockets on a wave, essentially reading the wave for you. When the mat bends:

•It creates less drag

•It molds to the wave

•It finds natural trim lines

The amount of air you put in your mat completely changes how it behaves. A tiny change in air pressure can totally shift the experience.

Why Surf Mats Are Great for Ocean Enthusiasts

The best part about surf mats? You don’t need any board experience to have fun on one. These inflatable boards are great for surf fanatics looking to have some fun in the water. 

•Low impact: No board rail to bump you.

•Travel-friendly: Roll it up, toss it in a backpack.

•Not intimidating: You’re basically riding a soft inflatable.

•Fun in small waves: Works great in waist-high runners.

How to Use a Surf Mat for the First Time

Your first session won’t be perfect, and that’s the point. Mat surfing is all about feeling things out. Here’s a step-by-step to get you rolling: 

1. Hold the Mat Right

Grab the front corners gently. Keeping a loose grip lets the mat flex as the wave hits it.

2. Chest Position

Rest your chest about halfway down the mat. Too far back and you’ll drag. Too far forward and you’ll flip.

3. Kick from Your Hips

Long, smooth kicks give you power. If you’ve got solid surf fins, you’ll feel the difference instantly. 

4. Catch the Wave Early

Start kicking as the wave approaches. A mat needs a bit of help getting into the pocket.

5. Trim Instead of Steering

Once you’re in, angle slightly and let the mat settle. Steering with your hands doesn’t work, but shifting with your chest and hips does.

6. Glide, Don’t Muscle It

The more relaxed you are, the better the mat rides.

Basic Mat Surfing Techniques

Even with zero experience, you can pick up the fundamentals of mat surfing quickly. Here is what we’d recommend:

Angle Into the Wave

Instead of pointing straight toward the beach, angle slightly toward the shoulder. Mats love a clean angle, so this is how you get that first glide.

Read the Pocket

Surf mats thrive in the part of the wave where the face is smooth and the pocket is pushing forward. The right line is usually just below the steepest part.

Get Speed Early

Focus on smooth kicks, subtle weight shifts, relaxed hands, and a low body position. The mat will start running once you stop trying to force it.

Turn With Your Body

Turn with your body weight instead of arm paddling. Strong turns come from chest pressure, hip shifts, and leaning your upper body.

Staying Low = Stability

Keep your ribs, hips, and thighs connected with the mat. The lower your weight, the smoother the ride.

Advanced Surf Mat Techniques

The secret of experienced mat surfers? They ride with very little air, sometimes almost flat. This lets the mat mold perfectly to the wave, grip better, and reach exhilarating speeds.

An advanced rider uses the mat’s natural bend to build acceleration. As the mat flexes into the wave’s energy, it creates a pocket of lift and speed. Newer surf mat users may feel this accidentally, but advanced riders do it intentionally.

Ideal Conditions for Mat Surfing

One of the best things about surf mats is that they thrive in mellow conditions. Knee-to waist-high waves are ideal when you first start. You’re looking for friendly runners, not hollow dumpers. Beach breaks are also great for practicing because you get tons of waves and short rides.

Point breaks are the dream setup for mats once you get the hang of them, with long walls, plenty of trim time, and consistency. Reef breaks can be fun too, but they’re more advanced and not ideal for first-timers.

Essential Gear for Mat Surfing

Surf Mat

Find one that’s built for beginner-to-intermediate riders with a bit of durability and flex.

Premium Fins

High-performance fins make it easier to build speed and catch waves. For fins that feel comfortable but still give you plenty of power, our short blade fins are a solid choice. Their firm flex makes them ideal for regular mat-surf sessions.

Safety Tips for New Mat Surfers

•Stay Aware of Others: Mats are fast once they get going. Keep your head on a swivel, watch the lineup, and don’t blast through someone’s line accidentally.

•Avoid Crowded Zones: If the beach has a ton of surfers stacked in one takeoff spot, go a little down the beach. You’ll have a way better time, and you won’t get in anyone’s way.

•Follow Basic Ocean Safety: Know the currents, watch the shorebreak, and stay clear of rocks.

•Exit a Wave Safely: Slow your kicks, sit back slightly on the mat, drift into the whitewater, and simply roll off the mat.

Common Mistakes Mat Surfers Make

You’re going to make a few mistakes in the beginning. Everybody does. The cool part is that mats forgive almost everything. Here are some of the most common mistakes new mat surfers make:

•Over-Inflating: Mats should feel floppy and soft. Too much air makes them skittery and stiff.

•Lying Too Far Back: This slows you down. Slide forward until the mat feels lively.

•Trying to Steer Like a Board: Don’t let your hands do the steering. The wave + your body weight = all the direction you need.

•Taking Waves Too Late: Start kicking early. Mats need momentum to slip into the pocket.

•Not Relaxing the Mat: Your reflex may be to death-grip the front corners. Instead, loosen your hands and let the mat flex.

•Kicking from the Knees: Smooth, long kicks from your hips make all the difference.

•Riding Without Fins: Technically, you can, but you’ll miss 80% of the fun.

Starter Session Checklist

Before you run into the water for your first mat session, hit this quick list:

•Soft, floppy inflation

•Comfortable, secure fin fit

•A mellow, friendly wave

•Positioned near the front half of the mat

•Smooth, hip-driven kicking

•Quick scan of the shoreline for safety

Final Tips Before You Paddle Out

•Stay loose. Stiff riders fight the wave.

•Keep the mat soft, always softer than you expect.

•Trust the wave to carry you.

•Kick a little earlier than feels natural.

•Let the mat bend and breathe under you.

•Enjoy the ride!

Your Surf Mat Journey Starts Here

Surf mats are an easy and fun way to get in the water, whether you’re brand-new to wave riding or just want something different in your surf routine. And when you’re learning, the right fins can make all the difference.

Yucca Fins’ short-blade and long-blade fins give you solid thrust, quick acceleration, and reliable control, making mat surfing way more exhilarating from the jump.

If you’re ready to get started, Yucca Fins has the gear to help you make the most of your sessions. Browse our collection of rideables for extra speed and fun on the waves.