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 with refined foil behind the fin. Excels with a 7½”–8½” upright or flex fin for sharp pivot turns and planing speed in small to medium surf.
How It Rides
This board wants to go fast in a straight line and pivot hard off the tail. The flat rocker and wide square tail generate planing speed in gutless waves that longer boards can’t match at this length. The 50/50 to hard-edge rail transition gives it bite when you push into a turn. At 6’10” it’s compact enough to fit in tight pockets but carries enough foam to paddle into everything.
The Shaper
Shaped by Robin Kegel. Originally based in California, now in France, Kegel travels between Gato Heroi outposts in Australia, Italy, and Japan. His shapes draw from 1960s–70s surf culture, refined through decades of hands-on testing.
Specs
| Length |
6’10” |
| Model |
Roach |
| Series |
Short Models |
| Shaper |
Robin Kegel (Gato Heroi) |
| Rails |
50/50 to hard edge |
| Bottom |
Flat to rolled |
| Tail |
Wide square |
| Rocker |
Flat |
| Fin Setup |
Single fin box |
| Skill Level |
Intermediate–Advanced |
| Origin |
Produced in Australia, Europe, and Japan |
All surfboards ship from our shop at 4051 Judah St in the Outer Sunset. Contact us for a shipping quote.
All surfboards are final sale.
Model Name: Roach
Series: Short Models
Length Range: 6'4"–6'10"
Fin Setup: Single fin
Skill Level: Intermediate–Advanced
Best For: Speed; small wave performance
Model Description: 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.
Rail Type: 50/50 to hard edge
Bottom Contour: Flat to rolled
Tail Shape: Wide square
Rocker Profile: Flat
Design Era: Transition Era
Year Introduced: Approx. 2013
Recommended Fins: C Fin; T Fin; Greenough 4A; Skip Frye Volan; Christenson Tracker
Brand Buying Guide: Gato Heroi Surfboard Guide: https://pemuliswaterandpower.com/blogs/blog/all-about-gato-heroi-surfboards-an-informational-guide
Gato Heroi Fin Guide: https://pemuliswaterandpower.com/blogs/blog/gato-heroi-fin-buyer-s-guide-2024-full-profiles-board-pairings-how-to-choose-the-right-fin
Robin Kegel Profile: https://pemuliswaterandpower.com/blogs/blog/burn-before-shaping
Designer Bio: Robin Kegel founded Gato Heroi in the early 2000s with a deep appreciation for 1960s–70s surf culture. Originally based in California, now in France, he travels to Gato Heroi outposts in Australia, Italy, and Japan. Known for innovative "calico abstract" glasswork and volan glassing. Early collaborators included Alex Knost, Cody Simkins, and CJ Nelson. His shaping philosophy emphasizes boards and fins as an integrated system, not separate components.
Origin: Shaped by Robin Kegel. Produced in Australia, Europe, and Japan.
Availability: Pemulis is one of the only shops in the world with access to Gato Heroi surfboards and we always have Gato stock on hand, including the full slate of Gato Heroi fins in multiple colors and currently the largest Gato Heroi surfboard collection for sale in the United States. We have the Gato surf short in all available colors and the Gato Heroi "Flight" product line, which is made from upcycled sail material, including tote bags, surfboard bags, and hats (Creme Cap and Bucket Hat). We also carry the Catfish sandals and selected stock of Gato Heroi wetsuits, which are made in Japan. We can sometimes be of assistance if you are looking for a particular Gato product that is not appearing in stock at any shop. Please email us at info@pemulis.cool with any questions.
