You spread out your beach mat, get comfortable and about twenty minutes later realise you are lying in damp sand because the wet has come straight through from underneath. If this has happened to you, the mat was either not waterproof or not waterproof in the way you needed it to be.
Not every waterproof beach mat is equal and the label alone does not tell you very much. Here is what actually matters.
What does waterproof mean in a waterproof beach mat?
The word waterproof gets used on beach mats in a few different ways. It is worth knowing the difference.
Water resistant means the mat shrugs off light surface water like a bit of spray but will not hold up against sitting on wet sand or a rogue wave.
Waterproof base layer means the underside of the mat is made from a material that stops moisture wicking up from the ground below. This is what you want for beach and outdoor use because wet sand transfers moisture upwards quickly if there is no barrier.
Fully waterproof throughout means neither the top nor the bottom lets water through at all. This is less common and not always necessary because the top surface usually benefits from being a softer more comfortable material.
The sweet spot for a waterproof beach mat is a waterproof base layer combined with a comfortable top surface. You stay dry from below, the mat does not get waterlogged and it dries quickly between uses. The Will and Wind beach mat uses a waterproof PVC base with a water-repellent Oxford fabric top — exactly this combination.
Why a waterproof beach mat makes a real difference
No more damp patches
Sand at the beach holds a lot of moisture, especially near the water. Without a waterproof base layer that moisture transfers straight into your mat and into your towel and clothes. A properly waterproof beach mat stops this from happening so you actually stay dry on a day out.
It stays cleaner
A mat with a waterproof underside picks up less sand and grit from the ground because the surface is less porous. It is easier to shake off, easier to wipe down and easier to keep in good condition over time.
It works beyond the beach
A waterproof beach mat is useful at outdoor concerts, at the park, at camping grounds and at sporting events. Anywhere you would otherwise be sitting on damp grass or gritty ground, a waterproof beach mat gives you a clean dry surface. Our beach mats are designed with this kind of versatility in mind.
What else matters in a waterproof beach mat
Size. It sounds obvious but a lot of beach mats are smaller than they look in photos. The Will and Wind beach mat is 200cm x 145cm laid out — enough room for a family of four with space for bags. Check the actual dimensions before you buy.
How it packs down. A good waterproof beach mat should fold into something compact enough to carry easily. The Will and Wind beach mat folds into its own built-in carry bag: 41cm x 23cm x 8cm at 1.5kg with pegs. It fits neatly in the boot alongside a set of travel towels.
Wind resistance. Australian beaches are windy. The Will and Wind beach mat comes with four metal corner pegs so you can secure it to the sand and stop it lifting in a coastal breeze. This is one of the features that separates a purpose-built beach mat from a repurposed picnic blanket.
Sand shedding on the top surface. The underside stops moisture coming up but the top surface should also resist sand embedding. For how microfibre handles sand differently from other fabrics, see what is a sand free beach towel.
Will and Wind beach mat specifications
Laid out: 200cm x 145cm
Folded: 41cm x 23cm x 8cm (folds into built-in carry bag)
Weight: 1.5kg with pegs
Base: Waterproof PVC
Top: Water-repellent Oxford fabric
Pegs: Four metal corner pegs included
Spill cloth: 10cm x 10cm included
Designs: Three — Kalbarri, Kimberley and Ningaloo from Above
Price: $119.99
Guarantee: 60-day money-back guarantee
Care: Spot clean or wipe down only — not machine washable
For more on what makes the Will and Wind beach mat different from a beach towel used as a mat, see why beach mats make family beach days easier and why our beach mats are always in the car.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Will and Wind beach mat fully waterproof?
The base is a waterproof PVC layer that stops moisture transferring up from wet sand below. The Oxford fabric top is water-repellent rather than fully waterproof, which means it handles splashes and spray but is not designed for submersion. For beach and outdoor use this combination keeps you dry in normal conditions.
How big is the Will and Wind beach mat?
200cm x 145cm laid out — enough for a couple to lie comfortably with room for bags and belongings. It folds to 41cm x 23cm x 8cm and weighs 1.5kg with the four corner pegs.
How do I fold the Will and Wind beach mat?
See the full folding guide at how to fold your beach mat. It folds down into the built-in carry bag which has shoulder straps for easy transport.
Can the Will and Wind beach mat be machine washed?
No. The PVC base is not machine washable. Spot clean or wipe down with a damp cloth and leave to air dry. The Oxford fabric top can be wiped clean. Do not put it in the washing machine.
What designs are available?
Three designs: Kalbarri, Kimberley and Ningaloo from Above. All three are based on original Australian landscape and marine photography. See the full beach mats collection.
Can I use the beach mat at the park or camping?
Yes. The waterproof PVC base works on any surface — damp grass, dirt, gravel or sand. The four corner pegs keep it in place in a breeze. It is a good option for outdoor concerts, picnics, camping and sporting events as well as beach days.
Shop Beach Mats | Bundle and Save | Customer Reviews
For the complete picture on the Will and Wind beach mat, read the complete beach mat guide and what our customers actually say. For camping and caravanning use, beach mats for camping and caravanning covers how the mat performs on the road. If you also need a beach blanket, large beach blanket: why size actually matters explains the difference. Shop at Will and Wind beach mats.