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
- Shapes in
- California & Bidart, France
- Est.
- California, 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.
Flat, fast, and stubbie-inspired. The Roach takes its DNA from MP’s Kirra stubbies—flat rocker, wide tail, speed for days. The 2024 update is flatter and faster...
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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 twin keels.
No two alike.
Custom resin tints on hand-foiled fibreglass, made in Southern California.
Flexible single fin for performance longboards and midlengths. The C Fin delivers speed, projection, and energetic rail engagement. Progressive flex loads and r...
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Classic D-style pivot for vintage log surfing. The D Fin is pure pivot — heavy tip lift that anchors the tail for vintage noseriding and slowed-down style. Extr...
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High-speed flex fin for hulls and pocket surfing. The T Fin delivers hull-like glide and trim with rapid transitions — ideal for high-speed, pocket-oriented mid...
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Robin Kegel's signature fin for progressive single-fin surfing. The RK Rebel Kraft Fin is powerful but responsive — quick pivots, crisp transitions, and advance...
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Upright squaretail fin for speed and drop-knee precision. The Killer Fin is extremely upright for crisp tail release, fast transitions, and powerful drop-knee p...
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Squaretail upright fin for speed and drop-knee turns. The OP Fin is upright for fast release from the tail with snappy, drop-knee-style turns and classic speed....
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Refined performance fin for midlengths. The A Fin features a high aspect ratio — taller and narrower than traditional templates. Narrow base reduces drag for sm...
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Maximum hold fin for power and big boards. The P Fin delivers deep hold and drive — powerful control for big boards and challenging surf. Very stiff constructio...
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Loose-drive raked fin for modern pigs and classic progression. The F Fin balances looseness with drive — modern turning while maintaining classic stability and ...
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Versatile log fin for balanced maneuverability and classic stability. The L Fin delivers a well-balanced blend of noseride lift and flowing rail-to-rail transit...
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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.
100% cotton boardshorts handmade in Portugal. Two-tone colorway: olive drab meets burnt orange—military surplus meets 1970s autumn. Fitted waist with front draw...
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The 2 Tone Surf Short from Gato Heroi in Slate/British. A two-tone colorblock surf trunk with a tailored fit that works in and out of the water. Quick-dry fabri...
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100% cotton boardshorts handmade in Portugal. Two-tone colorway: British Racing Green meets olive drab—the color of 1960s Lotus and Aston Martin paired with arm...
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Gato Heroi 2 Tone Surf Short in British/Blood. Premium boardshorts built for performance in and out of the water. Made in Australia by Gato Heroi.
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The 2 Tone Surf Short from Gato Heroi in Slate/Rust. A two-tone colorblock surf trunk with a tailored fit that works in and out of the water. Quick-dry fabric, ...
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100% cotton boardshorts handmade in Portugal. Two-tone colorway: slate grey meets oxblood—cool neutral paired with deep red from the vintage palette. Fitted wai...
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100% cotton boardshorts handmade in Portugal. Two-tone colorway: olive meets oxblood—earth tones pulled from the same 1960s palette Robin Kegel uses on his resi...
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100% cotton boardshorts handmade in Portugal. Two-tone colorway: rust meets oxblood—burnt orange and deep red from the 1970s earth tone palette. Fitted waist wi...
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Disappear.
Yamamoto neoprene. Minimal seams. Patterned for paddling.
Flexible wetsuit designed to keep you warm and comfortable while maintaining paddle freedom and mobility in the water. Thermal Performance This wetsuit is built...
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Flexible wetsuit designed to keep you warm and comfortable while maintaining paddle freedom and mobility in the water. Thermal Performance This wetsuit is built...
Full details →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.
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.
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.
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.