Preface
Gato Heroi, founded by Robin Kegel in the early 2000s, represents one of the most innovative and respected names in alternative surfboard design. Based in California, the brand has gained international recognition for its unique approach to traditional surfboard aesthetics combined with modern performance capabilities. The brand name "Gato Heroi" means "Cat Hero" in Portuguese, reflecting Kegel's unique sense of humor and philosophy.
Brand Philosophy and Design Approach
Robin Kegel's shaping philosophy emphasizes speed, flow, and natural wave riding. His boards are designed to "allow nature to take the lead" rather than forcing your own style onto the wave. This approach has resulted in boards that unlock new possibilities for surfers over years of riding, though they require patience and listening to understand their unique characteristics.
The brand operates as an "atelier of handmade surf fruits," producing boards worldwide with a focus on craftsmanship and artistic detail. Each board features unique resin tints, polished finishes, and meticulous attention to detail that makes them both functional surf tools and pieces of art.
1.Classic Edition (CE)
Summary:
The Classic Edition embodies Gato Heroi’s homage to postwar California log tradition, modernized through shaper Robin Kegel’s artistic, performance-minded lens. These longboards are hand-shaped for glide and classic trim but engineered with enough subtle bottom contours, rail transitions, and rocker adjustments to offer surprising agility and noseride stability. Construction always emphasizes full-resin tints and volan glassing, resulting in distinct “surf art” pieces with functional prowess. Boards in this series balance forgiving, all-level usability with a lively feel under advanced loggers’ feet. Perfect for those who appreciate classic drop-knee turns, stylish noserides, and timeless silhouettes—updated for today’s critical, dynamic log surfing.
Models in the Classic Edition Series:
-Smooth Operator
Length: 9'0"–10'0"
Fin: Classic single fin, raked or D-fin (9½"–10½"), glass-on or box
A performance classic hand-shaped longboard, the Smooth Operator features continual rocker and a rolled bottom, with pinched rails and a set-back wide point enhancing noseriding security. The tail scoop/flip increases pocket maneuverability, while its thinner “bladey” profile rewards advanced riders who want responsive, stylish surfing and tight arcing turns in the pocket. The Chop Op variant adds a square tail for additional nose stability and even snappier tail turns. Best for powerful single-fin setups and works exceptionally well with 10"–10½" deep flex fins for maximum hold.
-Chop Op (Square tail Smooth Operator)
-Operator
Length: 9'0"–10'0"
Fin: Large pivot or D-fin (9½"–10")
A supremely versatile all-around log, the Operator is slightly thicker—more forgiving than the Smooth Operator. It has a bellied rolled bottom, foiled rails, and traditional pintail. Known for forgiving drop-knee turns, it glides through fat sections with ease, making it great for anyone seeking maximum classic flow and hotdogging. Pair with a wide, raked single fin or traditional D-fin of 9½"–10" for ideal performance and drive.
2. Universal Edition (UV)
Summary:
A tribute to the explosive mid-to-late 1960s “Hot Generation” era in Australia and California, the Universal Edition pushes the boundaries between performance log and retro aesthetic. Boards in this lineup feature pronounced vee tails, pinched rails, and wide points set back for instant acceleration and dynamic surfing. Built for progressive longboarding, these models thrive in beach breaks and points, offering a mix of drive, control, and stylish flair. Universally, these boards reward committed surfing and deliver high-performance arcs, deep cutbacks, and advanced noseriding for skilled loggers. Construction is always high-end: cross-ply or custom rainbow pigment glasswork is frequent, resulting in signature Gato Heroi visuals and feel.
Models in the Universal Edition Series:
Length: 9'0"–10'0"
Fin: Greenough 4A-style flex fin or upright pivot (9¼"–10")
The Playboy is a high-speed, Hot Generation tribute stick with the wide point set back and pinched rails that offer considerable sensitivity. Strong tail vee enables smooth transition from nose work to rocket-like turns off the tail. Best suited to assertive, dynamic loggers, it shines with raked flex fins (like a Greenough 4A) or upright pivots in 9¼"–10" for drive and tip control.
-Dagger
Length: 9'0"–10'0"
Fin: Narrow base flex fin (8¾"–9½"), or Greenough-inspired profiles
Originally developed for Al Knost, the Dagger has healthy nose rocker and a squared, pulled-in tail for snap and control in the pocket. Sensitive and fast, the Dagger can pivot sharply and hold hard through noserides in beach breaks. Run a narrow base flex fin for looseness, or a Greenough-style for extra drive.
-Death Dagger
Length: 9'6"–10'0"
Fin: Slim, upright flex (9–10")
A parallel-railed, dagger-nosed, and narrow-tailed log, the Death Dagger excels in steeper surf, combining tight noseride control with the ability to carve powerfully off the tail. Run a slim upright flex fin, or anything lively in the 9–10" range, to accentuate edge transitions and quickness.
3. Progressive Pig (PG)
Summary:
A contemporary take on the traditional “pig” template that ruled Southern California in the ’50s and ’60s, the Progressive Pig series injects high-performance DNA into an inherently cruisy outline. These boards have wide points moved deep toward the tail, pronounced hips, and foiled rails, allowing for big turns, drawn-out carves, and nose time despite their midlength to longboard dimensions. Gato Heroi’s craftsmanship lends them a special responsiveness, inviting rail-heavy surfing and creative line selection on virtually any wave. The PG boards are accessible for novices yet nuanced enough for expert single-fin aficionados seeking something between a log and a hull.
Models in the Progressive Pig Series:
Length:
7'8"–9'0"
Fin: Large single (8¾"–9½"), or medium flex single
A modern Wayne Lynch inspiration, the Space Pig features pinched rails and a gently veed bottom for super smooth transitions. Use a 8¾"–9½" upright or mild flex fin for pocket surfing and max versatility. Advanced riders sometimes experiment with Greenough-style flex templates here, too.
-Space Pig PG
Length: 7'8"–9'0"
Fin: Upright or flex single (8½"–9½")
With a more centralized wide point, panel vee through the tail, and more performance surfer in mind, best run with an 8½"–9½" upright fin for quick-release rail work.
4. Acid Series (AD)
Summary:
The Acid Series channels the late-’60s, early-’70s transition era, with sharp nods to Australian hulls, Transition Era eggs, and Wayne Lynch’s “evolution” shapes. Boards feature rolled to spiral vee bottoms, moderate to pinched rails, and fuller nose/tail volumes, letting them plane and trim in a broad range of surf. The series is defined by speed, paddle power, and rail engagement. Riders describe them as “hull-ish” or “on ball bearings,” enabling pronounced carves, fast trims, and a feeling of skating the wave’s midface. A favorite among experimenters, travel quiver builders, and devotees of the stylish, loose riding of the late 1960s.
Models in the Acid Series:
-Acid (a.k.a. Speed Acid)
Length: 7'0"–9'0"
Fin: Hull flex single, 9"–10", sometimes 2+1 for versatility
A Morocco-tested midlength, the Acid has a rolled bottom, fine rails, and excels at rail surfing and long drawn-out turns at high speed. Original versions favor a hull-style, flexy single fin (9"–10"), but it also works well as a 2+1 with smaller sidebites for extra hold in steeper conditions.
-Acid Drop
Length: 7'0"–8'0"
Fin: Upright flex single, 8½"–9½", optional 2+1
The Acid Drop offers a slightly fuller outline, spiral vee out the tail, and a forgiving rounded pin for radical, pocket-oriented rail turns. Best run with an upright flex (8½"–9½") or as a 2+1 for more versatility and increased control.
-Acid Egg
Length: 7'4"–8'0"
Fin: Midlength single, 8½"–9¼"
The most forgiving Acid, this egg-shaped midlength brings more volume up front and fuller rails, with a low rocker for easier trim and stability. Use an 8½"–9¼" upright or raked single fin for smooth carves, or a smaller “D” for more tip time and down-the-line speed.
Length: 7'0"–8'0"
Fin: Upright or pivot single, 8½"–9¼"
With a fuller outline, softer rails, and user-friendly design, the Acid 2020 works best with a lively upright single, or a pivot template if you want earlier turns and higher hold.
Length: 8'0"–9'0"
Fin: Raked single (8½"–9½"), or flex fin for rail turns
A forward-wide-point, teardrop-shaped “blade,” the Surfar balances drawn outlines, forgiving rails, and subtle rocker for a sweet, stable midlength or long shortboard. Pair with an 8½"–9½" raked single or glass flex—sometimes run as a single+stabilizer for heavier waves.
5. Short Models
Summary:
Gato Heroi’s shortboard and fish-inspired models blend radical design choices—foiled rails, inventive bottom contours, unique nose and tail shapes—with classic single-fin and twin-fin template DNA. These boards are made for powerful, performance-minded surfers who appreciate the drive and release of quality single-fin and twin-keel designs. Whether it’s the “stubbie” Roach, the lightning-fast Anti Fish, or the step-up Falcon, these boards all share a commitment to speed, progressive turns, and a direct feedback that rewards advanced rail work and experimental lines. The result is a refreshing alternative to generic contemporary shortboards, with all the feel and color of Gato Heroi’s artist-driven ethos.
Models in the Short Models Series:
Length: 6'4"–6'10"
Fin: Single box—upright, flex, or Greenough stubbie (7½"–8½")
Influenced by MP’s Kirra stubbies, the Roach offers flat rocker, wide tail, and speed for days. It excels with a 7½"–8½" upright or flex fin, accentuating planing speed and sharp pivot turns.
-Space Roach
Length: 6'0"–6'8"
Fin: Single box, upright or flex (7½"–8"), sometimes twin option
The best “transition to singlefin” model, with double concave through the tail for hold and forgiveness. Pair with a flexy upright (7½"–8") for easy pivot and smooth, gliding turns.
-Anti Fish
Length: 5'8"–6'2"
Fin: Twinnie keels (glass-on or Futures)
A fast and lively twin, drawing from MR’s legacy, the Anti Fish loves speed and vertical surfing. Use a performance upright or classic keel set, glass-ons preferred, for maximum down-the-line push with loose arcs.
- Gato Twin
Length: 5'8"–6'4"
Fin: Large keels or upright twin (glass-on or Futures)
Slightly more volume and entry rocker make this a stable, paddle-friendly twin. Works well with larger keels, or switch to upright Futures for a looser, skatey feel.
-Creme Fish
Length: 5'7"–6'0"
Fin: Twin keels or upright twin (glass-on, Futures recommended)
A forgiving, fun fish with single concave—use classic glass-on keels or upright twins for optimal control in variable surf, making it super adaptable, especially in short punchy beach breaks.
-Falcon
Length: 6'2"–7'0"
Fin: Large upright or Brewer-inspired single, sometimes 2+1
The step-up mini-gun, made for bigger surf and travel. Use an upright 7⅞"–8½" single or a narrow Brewer-style fin, and switch to a 2+1 in true consequence surf.
6. Creme Series
Summary:
A sub-label for classic, traditional designs often produced under the Gato Heroi umbrella, the Creme series draws inspiration from famed California points, log icons, and D-fin pigs. These boards have generous outlines, scooped noses, pronounced 50/50 rails, and are glassed with luxurious volan cloth and resin tints, intended for a forgiving but stylish ride. Perfect for those who want a beautiful “forever board” that can nose ride, trim, and turn gracefully—even for beginners. Some models such as the Play Pig and Fleur add performance foils to old icons, representing some of the most “collectible” pieces in the Gato Heroi stables.
Models in the Creme Series:
Length: 9'4"–9'8"
Fin: Large D-fin or pivot (10"–10½")
Creme’s parallel-railed, scoop-nose summer log is a noseriding machine on soft or punchy walls. Best matched with a classic D-fin in the 10"–10½" range.
-Playdate (Creme)
Length: 9'4"–9'6"
Fin: Upright, forgiving pivot (9½"–10")
A more approachable, all-purpose longboard, intended for ease and fun with a little extra planing surface. Go for a forgiving pivot or raked single in the 9½"–10" size.
-Fat Cat (Creme)
Length: 9'2"–9'6"
Fin: Broad base single, or D-fin (9¾"–10")
Balanced, forgiving and round, offering smooth paddle and noseriding. Pair with a versatile broad single for classic California style.
-Play Pig (Creme)
Length: 9'2"–9'6"
Fin: Classic D-fin (9½"–10")
A true pig with wide-point-back outline and pulled-in nose, best enjoyed with a D-fin for stately pivots and lock-down stability on the tip.
-Fleur (Creme)
Length: 9'6"–9'8"
Fin: Pig D-fin, tuned fin (9¾"–10¼")
A modern pin-pig, blending extra volume with lively foil—run with a modest D-fin for a blend of control and speed over the classic base.
7. Specialty & Limited Models
Summary:
These include shapes either retired, made for particular surf conditions, or as limited runs for collaborators. Routinely crafted with parallel outlines, unique bottom contours, and custom paint/finish, these boards are often intended for experienced surfers wanting uncommon performance or collectible value. Unique construction elements, rare templates, or custom rail and tail work set these models apart from main-line offerings.
Models in Specialty/Limited Series:
Length: 9'0"–9'8"
Fin: Classic squaretail single (9¼"–10")
The Killer’s sharp rails, parallel outline, and square tail produce speed and trim, favoring deep drop-knee turns and old-school lines. Use with a 9¼"–10" upright single fin, allowing for classic speed-shape surfing in steeper or punchy conditions.
Length: 9'7"–10'0"
Fin: Pin-tail specific flex fin (9½"–10¼")
This model takes the Death Dagger outline, swaps the tail for a pin, and provides even more hold—especially in critical drops. Recommended with an upright, flexy fin (9½"–10¼") to maintain sensitivity while achieving powerful drive in good surf.
