Gato
Heroi
"Cat Hero" in Portuguese. An atelier of handmade surf fruits.
Allow nature to take the lead.
Speed, flow, and natural wave riding. Boards designed to unlock new possibilities over years of riding. Unique resin tints, polished finishes, volan glassing.
- Shaper
- Robin Kegel
- Based in
- California
- Est.
- Early 2000s
Handmade surf fruits.
25 models. Each hand-shaped by Robin Kegel. Resin-tinted, volan-glassed.
One at a time.
Cedar stringers. Pinlines hand-pulled in the bay. No two boards come out the same.
Resin tints.
Color mixed directly into the resin. A glow that deepens with age.
Gone when they're gone.
No production runs. No reorders. Each board is one of one.
The other half.
Twelve templates. Each designed for a specific board and wave.
Twelve templates.
C Fin. D Fin. T Fin. RK Rebel Kraft. Each paired to a specific board.
Hand-foiled.
Fibreglass, hand-shaped. Flex pattern matched to each board's rocker.
Built to ride.
From single fins to quad setups.
No two alike.
Custom resin tints on hand-foiled fibreglass.
Handmade in Portugal.
100% cotton. Two-tone colorways from the same 1960s palette Robin uses on his resin tints.
Same palette.
Colors pulled from the boards. Softens in water, dries quick.
Workshop tested.
If they survive the shaping bay, they'll survive anything.
Disappear.
Yamamoto neoprene. Minimal seams. Patterned for paddling.
Hand-shaped surfboards, signature single fins, wetsuits, and surf apparel from Robin Kegel's California atelier. We carry the full Gato Heroi range — boards, fins, Flight bags, shorts, and wetsuits — and are one of a handful of US stockists with boards in stock and ready to ship.
Surfboards
Robin Kegel shapes every Gato Heroi board by hand, drawing on 1960s and 70s California surf culture with modern performance. The lineup spans longboards and mid-lengths across several families. The Classic Edition (Californian, Playboy, Smooth Operator) channels postwar California log tradition — built for glide and classic trim. The Acid Series offers progressive shapes for more aggressive surfing. The Surfar and Roach are mid-length options for everyday waves. The Double Dagger and Killer round out the range with unique outlines. Each board features resin tints, polished finishes, and hand-signed details.
Browse all Gato Heroi surfboards →
Fins
Gato Heroi makes signature single fins designed to pair with their boards. Templates labeled A through T cover everything from noseriding to high-performance trim — fiberglass and volan constructions in multiple sizes. The D Fin is a classic pivot fin, the F Fin is their all-rounder, and the Killer Fin matches the board of the same name. Our Gato Heroi Fin Buyer's Guide covers every template with board pairing recommendations.
Wetsuits & Apparel
The wetsuit line includes women's front-zip catsuits, long-sleeve jackets, and spring suits — functional and distinctive. Gato Heroi surf shorts come in multiple colorways with a classic cut. Hats and accessories round out the apparel collection.
Browse Gato Heroi apparel → · Browse wetsuits →
Flight Bags
The Flight collection of surfboard day bags is made from recycled materials — scraps from wetsuit and board bag production get a second life as lightweight, functional board protection.
Read More
Gato Heroi Surfboards: Complete Model Guide & Board Selection · Gato Heroi Fin Buyer's Guide · Surfboard Review: Smooth Operator
FAQ
Where are Gato Heroi surfboards made?
Every Gato Heroi board is hand-shaped and signed by Robin Kegel in California. The brand operates as a small atelier, not a factory — each board is individually crafted with resin tints and polished finishes.
What is the difference between Gato Heroi surfboard models?
The Classic Edition (Californian, Playboy, Smooth Operator) is built for traditional noseriding and trim. The Acid series offers more progressive outlines. Mid-lengths like the Surfar and Roach are everyday wave boards. The Killer and Double Dagger have unique templates for specific conditions. See our complete model guide for detailed comparisons.
How do I choose a Gato Heroi fin?
Gato Heroi fins are labeled A through T, each designed for specific board types and surfing styles. The D Fin suits classic noseriding, the F Fin is an all-around choice, and templates like the Killer Fin are made to pair with specific boards. Our fin buyer's guide covers every template in detail.