Surf Shop Porthcawl — Balsa Surf Shop
Balsa Surf Shop Porthcawl is the town's independent surf and skate store, tucked just off the seafront at 12 Well Street. Pop in for wetsuits, surfboards, skate decks, sustainable clothing, and expert advice from people who actually surf here.
We opened in March 2022 and now carry over 40 brands, from UK-loved names like Rhythm, Katin, Former and Billabong, to technical kit from Patagonia, Creatures of Leisure, Wetty Wetsuits and Sunski.
Visit the shop
Balsa Surf Shop Porthcawl
12 Well Street
Porthcawl
CF36 3BE
Phone: 01656 857293
Google: ★★★★★ 5.0 from 97+ reviews
Opening hours
| Mon | 10:00 – 17:00 |
|---|---|
| Tue | 10:00 – 17:00 |
| Wed | 10:00 – 17:00 |
| Thu | 10:00 – 17:00 |
| Fri | 10:00 – 17:00 |
| Sat | 10:00 – 17:00 |
| Sun | 11:00 – 16:00 |
How to find us
Well Street runs parallel to The Esplanade in central Porthcawl. We're between the seafront and John Street, a 2-minute walk from the promenade and a 5-minute drive from Rest Bay. Nearest car parks: The Esplanade, Hillsboro Place, and Griffin Park.
What you'll find in store
- Wetsuits for UK conditions — 5/4, 4/3, 3/2 and 2mm, plus boots, gloves, hoods and caps.
- Surfboards, fins and accessories — hardboards and softtops, Futures and FCS fins, traction pads, leashes from Creatures of Leisure.
- Clothing — technical outer layers from Patagonia, everyday tees and shorts from Katin, Rhythm, Billabong and Volcom.
- Footwear — Reef, Plakton sustainable sandals, flip-flops and deck shoes.
- Bottles and accessories — Hydro Flask, YETI, Sun Bum sun care, Sex Wax, hip packs and bags.
- Skate — completes, decks, trucks, wheels and hardware.
Local surf spots
The team surfs these breaks themselves, so ask when you're in — we'll tell you what's working that day and what kit you'll want.
- Rest Bay — Porthcawl's main break, 5 minutes from the shop. Consistent and beginner-friendly on smaller days.
- Coney Beach — beach break with a mellow vibe, good for learners in the summer.
- Newton Point — reef and point break for more experienced surfers when it's clean.
We also cover regular local conditions, tides and surf reports in our surf spots blog and beaches guide.
About Balsa — and the owner, Chris Seage
Balsa opened in Porthcawl in March 2022, founded by Chris Seage and his wife Emily. Chris is a lifelong surfer and former competitive surfer who has spent over 25 years working in the surf industry, so the shop is stocked and staffed by someone who has lived the sport from every angle — as an athlete, as a buyer, and as a local at Rest Bay.
That's the difference you feel when you walk through the door. Nothing on the rails is here because a distributor pushed it — it's here because it works in UK water, on UK beaches, for the people who actually use it. Sustainable brands, honest advice, and gear that holds up to a South Wales winter.
Frequently asked
Where exactly is the shop?
We're at 12 Well Street, Porthcawl, CF36 3BE — a short walk from the Esplanade and 5 minutes by car from Rest Bay.
Is there parking?
Yes. The Esplanade and Hillsboro Place car parks are a short walk away, and there's on-street parking on Well Street itself.
Do you sell wetsuits for UK water?
Yes — 5/4, 4/3, 3/2 and 2mm wetsuits plus boots, gloves, hoods and caps suited to UK water year-round.
Can I order online and collect in store?
Yes. Order via the website and we'll let you know when your order is ready to collect from the Well Street shop.
What brands do you stock?
Patagonia, Rhythm, Katin, Former, Billabong, Volcom, Plakton, Sunski, Reef, Creatures of Leisure, Futures, Sex Wax, Hydro Flask, YETI, Sun Bum, and many more.
Come and say hello. Call us on 01656 857293 or find us on Google Maps.