Gato Heroi 9'7 Smooth Operator
Performance noserider. Thin, bladey, committed.
The Smooth Operator is a refined performance longboard with continual rocker and a rolled bottom. The bladey profile and thin foiled rails allow for committed surfing in the pocket—this isn’t a log that just trims, it turns. Set-back wide point enhances noseriding security while the tail scoop gives the tail release. Pair with a 10”–10½” classic or pivot fin.
How It Rides
The thin rails and rolled bottom create a board that responds to subtle weight shifts. Walking to the nose is stable—the set-back wide point and continuous rocker lock you in. But where the Smooth Operator really separates itself is the transition from nose to tail: the pinched rails and bladey foil let you drop back and drive turns off the tail without the board feeling heavy or resistant. For surfers who want to noseride and still rip.
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 | 9’7” |
| Model | Smooth Operator |
| Series | Classic Edition |
| Shaper | Robin Kegel (Gato Heroi) |
| Rails | 50/50, thin, foiled |
| Bottom | Rolled throughout, slight belly |
| Tail | Pin |
| Rocker | Low, 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 | Smooth Operator |
| Series | Classic Edition |
| Length Range | 9'0"–10'0" |
| Fin Setup | Single fin |
| Skill Level | Intermediate–Advanced |
| Best For | Performance noseriding; pocket turns |
| Model Description | A performance classic hand-shaped longboard, the Smooth Operator features continual rocker and a rolled bottom, with pinched rails and a set-back wide point enhancing noseriding security. The tail scoop/flip increases pocket maneuverability, while its thinner "bladey" profile rewards advanced riders who want responsive, stylish surfing and tight arcing turns in the pocket. Best for powerful single-fin setups and works exceptionally well with 10"–10½" deep flex fins for maximum hold. |
| Rail Type | 50/50; thin; foiled |
| Bottom Contour | Rolled throughout; slight belly |
| Tail Shape | Pin tail |
| Rocker Profile | Low; continuous |
| Design Era | Modern Classic |
| Year Introduced | Approx. 2017 |
| Recommended Fins | A Fin; C Fin; D Fin; OP Fin; Log 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. |
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