Australia has an impressive range of water mats, each offering unique features and benefits. Here’s a rundown of the top five options, highlighting material, durability, and ease of use so you can choose the perfect mat for your water adventures.
1. Crocpad – Recommended Choice
Crocpad is the leading choice, known for its commercial-grade quality, durability, and safety. Crocpad floating water mat is constructed from XPE foam, Crocpad mats are highly resistant to UV rays, chemicals, and water absorption, making them buoyant and stable for long-term use. Crocpad is also the only brand with a two-layer nylon matrix that prevents tearing from both sides, enhancing its resilience in challenging conditions.
The latest version of Crocpad mats includes high UV resistance specifically tailored for Queensland and Western Australia’s intense sunlight, providing additional protection and durability for outdoor use. Crocpad is an ideal choice for both residential and commercial applications, accommodating multiple users and ensuring longevity.
2. Lily Pad
Lily Pad mats are crafted from high-density XPE foam, making them durable and buoyant. Known for vibrant colours, Lily Pads offer stability for recreational use. However, their large, single-layer construction makes them difficult to roll up, which can be inconvenient for storage and transport. Additionally, Lily Pad mats often feature printed icons on the surface that some users find unappealing, as they may detract from a cleaner, natural look.
3. WOW Water Mats (No Longer Available)
WOW water mats were previously popular in Australia for their robust design, capable of supporting a range of water activities. Unfortunately, they are no longer available, though Crocpad and other brands continue to offer alternatives with similar stability and durability.
4. Weishorm Water Mats
Weishorm also uses XPE foam, providing durability and buoyancy. However, these mats are limited to a maximum length of 3.6 meters, which might not be ideal for larger gatherings. Though sturdy, Weishorm mats may lack the heavy-duty resilience of Crocpad’s dual-layer design, making them more suitable for casual use rather than commercial or high-demand settings.
5. Jobe Water Mats
Jobe is the only brand on this list that uses PE foam instead of XPE. PE foam is generally less durable and more prone to water absorption and UV degradation, which can limit the mat's lifespan, especially in intense sunlight. Jobe mats are also restricted to a maximum length of 3.6 meters, which might not be ideal for larger groups. While these mats are lightweight and easy to handle, they are best suited for calm, private settings rather than high-traffic or commercial use.
Choosing the Ideal Water Mat for Your Needs
When selecting a water mat, it's essential to consider factors like material, size, and UV resistance. Crocpad stands out with its innovative two-layer nylon matrix, exceptional UV resistance, and commercial-grade XPE foam, offering both durability and versatility. Designed for various environments, Crocpad is perfect for large groups and high-traffic areas, with the added benefit of withstanding the intense Australian sun in high-UV regions. Available in all sizes and colors at 68 Clark Rubber stores and across multiple marketplaces like Amazon, eBay, and Catch, Crocpad combines convenience, durability, and top-tier features, making it the ideal choice.