Gato Heroi 9'8 Killer
Speed shape for drop-knee turns and steep waves.
The Killer’s sharp rails, parallel outline, and square tail produce speed and trim, favoring deep drop-knee turns and old-school lines. Pair with a 9¼”–10” upright single fin for classic speed and crisp tail release. This is a specialty shape—it does one thing and does it well.
How It Rides
Fast and direct. The flat rocker and sharp knifey rails generate speed from the first pump and hold it through long sections. The square tail gives clean release for pivot turns—drop a knee, weight the tail, and the board snaps around. The parallel outline keeps the rails engaged through the whole turn. Not a board for mushy waves or casual cruising—the Killer wants steep faces and committed surfing.
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 | 9’8” |
| Model | Killer |
| Series | Specialty |
| Shaper | Robin Kegel (Gato Heroi) |
| Rails | Sharp, knifey |
| Bottom | Flat to vee |
| Tail | Square |
| Rocker | Flat |
| Fin Setup | Single fin box |
| Skill Level | 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 | Killer |
| Series | Specialty |
| Length Range | 9'0"–9'8" |
| Fin Setup | Single fin |
| Skill Level | Advanced |
| Best For | Drop-knee turns; steep waves |
| Model Description | The Killer's sharp rails, parallel outline, and square tail produce speed and trim, favoring deep drop-knee turns and old-school lines. Use with a 9¼"–10" upright single fin, allowing for classic speed-shape surfing in steeper or punchy conditions. |
| Rail Type | Sharp/Knifey |
| Bottom Contour | Flat to vee |
| Tail Shape | Square tail |
| Rocker Profile | Flat |
| Design Era | Classic |
| Year Introduced | Approx. 2009 |
| Recommended Fins | K Fin; C Fin; Greenough 4A; Speed Fin |
| 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 / 3