Gato Heroi 7'9 Acid
Morocco-tested. Rail surfing at speed.
The original Acid is a rolled-bottom mid-length with fine rails that excels at rail surfing and long drawn-out turns at high speed. Tested on Moroccan points, it favors a hull-style flexy single fin in the 9”–10” range for that locked-in, down-the-line feel. This isn’t a forgiving board—it rewards surfers who commit to their rail and hold a line.
How It Rides
The rolled bottom entry transitions into a hull-like feel through the middle—there’s a directional pull that makes it want to trim, not turn. When you do engage the rail, the tapered 50/50 rails and pin tail hold cleanly. At 7’9” it has enough length to glide through flat sections while staying responsive enough for open-face carving.
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 | 7’9” |
| Model | Acid |
| Series | Acid Series |
| Shaper | Robin Kegel (Gato Heroi) |
| Rails | Tapered 50/50 |
| Bottom | Rolled entry to hull |
| Tail | Pin |
| Rocker | Moderate, continuous |
| 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.
Specifications
| Model Name | Acid |
| Series | Acid Series |
| Length Range | 7'0"–8'6" |
| Fin Setup | Single fin or 2+1 |
| Skill Level | Intermediate–Advanced |
| Best For | Rail surfing; hull-like speed |
| Model Description | 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. |
| Rail Type | Tapered 50/50 |
| Bottom Contour | Rolled entry to hull |
| Tail Shape | Pin tail |
| Rocker Profile | Moderate; continuous |
| Design Era | Modern Classic |
| Year Introduced | Approx. 2011 |
| Recommended Fins | C Fin; H Fin; P Fin; T Fin; Speed Fin; Greenough 4A |
| 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. |
1 / 2