A car seat cover for surfers can save you a lot of cleaning after every session. No matter how careful you are, wet neoprene, sand stuck to your legs, damp booties, and salt end up getting into your vehicle.
The quick fix is usually to put a towel over the seat. It may do the trick in a pinch, but it shifts around, gets soaked quickly, and the moisture often ends up reaching the upholstery anyway.
If you often use your car to go surfing, a waterproof cover lets you drive back from the water without worrying about every drop dripping off your wetsuit. In this article, we explain what to look for and how to use one properly.
The problem with a wet wetsuit in your car
Those of us who surf know the scene well. You get out of the water, the wind picks up, it's cold, and the last thing you feel like doing is changing leisurely in the parking lot. So you dry off a little, put a towel on the seat, and drive home still wearing your wetsuit.
The problem is that the wetsuit keeps dripping water throughout the drive. Moisture runs down your back, collects at the base of the seat, and eventually seeps through the towel. If you also have sand stuck to you, the combination can leave watermarks, stains, and a musty smell on the upholstery.
It usually isn't a problem if you do it once. Things change when you use your car to go surfing every week. Little by little, moisture and salt build up, and the seat starts to show it.
Whenever you can, it's best to take off your wetsuit before driving and let it dry properly once you get home. In our guide to how to dry a surf wetsuit you'll find tips for preventing unpleasant odors and helping your gear last longer.
What a surf seat cover should have
There's no need to overthink it. A good cover should do three things: protect the upholstery, stay in place, and be easy to clean.
Before choosing one, we'd look at these features:
- Water resistance: it should prevent moisture from your wetsuit from passing directly through to the seat.
- A good fit: if it shifts every time you get in or out of the car, it will quickly become uncomfortable.
- Durable fabric: sand, salt, and frequent use quickly wear out thinner materials.
- Easy to clean: after a session, the last thing you want is to take apart a complicated cover to wash it.
- Side airbag compatibility: this is essential when fitting a cover on the front seats.
It's also worth checking that it covers both the backrest and the seat base. Some covers only protect the middle and leave the sides exposed, right where water tends to drip when you sit down in a wet wetsuit.
Why a towel isn't always enough
We've all used a towel to protect the seat at some point. It's a quick fix, takes up little space, and can work if you only go to the beach occasionally.
The problem is that a towel is designed to absorb water, not keep it out. When your wetsuit is very wet, the towel gets soaked and transfers moisture to the upholstery. It also tends to shift when you get into the car, leaving parts of the seat uncovered.
Sand also gets trapped between the towel and the seat. As you drive, those tiny grains can end up rubbing against the upholstery.
A waterproof cover offers more reliable protection. It fits the seat, covers a larger area, and makes it easier to remove dirt when you get home.
The Glassy cover for driving back from the water without getting the seat wet
Glassy was founded in 2010 by two surfing friends from Huelva. So when we started designing our covers, we knew exactly what problem we wanted to solve: getting back from the beach without worrying about every drop dripping off your wetsuit.
Our waterproof seat covers are made from a three-layer technical fabric. They feature Oxford polyester on the outside and a PU membrane that helps protect the seat from water, sand, and mud.
They're waterproof and breathable, though they're not watertight or designed to be submerged. They're made to protect the upholstery during everyday use after surfing, paddleboarding, or any activity that leaves you in wet clothes.
The Universal Premium design fits different types of seats using adjustable straps. The covers are also certified as compatible with side airbags, which we consider essential for any cover made for the front seats.
90% of our production takes place in Spain, and another 5% in Portugal. We've spent more than 15 years testing fabrics, seams, and adjustment systems because, as we like to say, we're quality fanatics. When a cover has to stand up to salt water, sand, and weekend getaways, the details matter.
You don't need to put it in the washing machine after every session, either. Shake off the sand, wipe it with a damp cloth, and it's as good as new!
How to install it properly
Installing a seat cover should take no more than a few minutes, though it's worth taking your time the first time around.
In this video you can see exactly how to fit your Glassy covers.
Frequently asked questions
Does it also work after kitesurfing or paddleboarding?
Yes. The problem is much the same: water, sand, and salt getting into your vehicle. You can use the cover after surfing, kitesurfing, windsurfing, wingfoiling, paddleboarding, or any activity that leaves you in a wetsuit or wet clothes.
Does it also work after kitesurfing or paddleboarding?
Yes. In fact, it was designed for this kind of use.
After a surf session, it's common to get into the car with a damp wetsuit, sand, or salt. Our covers help protect the upholstery from everyday wear and tear thanks to their waterproof, durable technical fabric.
That said, it's important to remember that waterproof doesn't mean watertight. If your wetsuit is completely soaked and you have a very long drive, some moisture could seep through the seams.
So if you've had a particularly long session or your wetsuit is dripping wet, it's best to wring it out before driving or, better yet, change before setting off.
Can I leave the cover on every day?
Yes, as long as it's installed properly and doesn't interfere with the side airbag, seat rails, or seat mechanisms. If it's very wet after a session, we recommend airing it out before using the car again.
So, is it worth keeping a cover in the car?
If you only use your car to go surfing now and then, a towel can help in a pinch. But if you go in the water often, a waterproof cover is much more practical for keeping moisture, sand, and salt off the upholstery.
Look for durable fabric, a secure fit, easy cleaning, and certified side airbag compatibility. That way, you can drive home thinking about the session you just enjoyed, not how you're going to clean the seat.
Because you've got enough to think about checking the forecast to see when the waves are coming back. 🤙
