The travel quiver board. 8’7” version.
The Surfar is a forward-wide-point teardrop blade designed for travel. Low rocker and rolled vee provide stability and speed in fast conditions. Pair with an 8½”–9½” raked single fin for drawn-out bottom turns, or a pivot fin for tighter pockets. One of the easiest Gato boards to ride well.
How It Rides
Stable, fast, and forgiving. The teardrop outline with the wide point pushed forward gives it early entry into waves and natural trim speed. The 70/30 forgiving rails and rolled vee bottom keep it predictable through turns. At 8’7” it has a touch more glide and paddle power than the 8’6”—same shape, slightly more board underfoot.
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 |
8’7” |
| Model |
Surfar |
| Series |
Acid Series |
| Shaper |
Robin Kegel (Gato Heroi) |
| Rails |
Forgiving 70/30 |
| Bottom |
Rolled vee to panelled vee |
| Tail |
Pin |
| Rocker |
Subtle, low |
| Fin Setup |
Single fin box |
| Skill Level |
All levels |
| 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: Surfar
Series: Acid Series
Length Range: 8'0"–9'0"
Fin Setup: Single fin
Skill Level: All levels
Best For: Stable midlength; travel quiver
Model Description: 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.
Rail Type: Forgiving 70/30
Bottom Contour: Rolled vee to panelled vee
Tail Shape: Pin tail
Rocker Profile: Subtle; low
Design Era: Modern
Year Introduced: Approx. 2018
Recommended Fins: C Fin; H 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.
