Hot Generation tribute. Rockets off the tail.
The Playboy is a high-speed, Hot Generation tribute with the wide point set back and pinched knifey rails that offer considerable sensitivity. Strong tail vee enables smooth transition from nose work to tail-driven turns. Requires commitment but rewards it with rocket-like speed off the bottom. Pair with a 9½”–10¼” upright fin.
How It Rides
This is not an easy board. The knifey 50/50 rails and set-back wide point demand that you stay in the pocket and commit to your turns. When you do, the Playboy delivers—it generates speed that most longboards can’t match and channels it into deep, driving turns off the tail. The flat rocker with tail kick holds speed through flat sections and releases cleanly when you pivot. At 9’9” it has more paddle power and glide than the 9’7”. Built for surfers who want their longboard to perform, not just cruise.
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 |
9’9” |
| Model |
Playboy |
| Series |
Universal Edition |
| Finish |
Clear |
| Shaper |
Robin Kegel (Gato Heroi) |
| Rails |
Pinched, knifey 50/50 |
| Bottom |
Hipped vee to roll |
| Tail |
Square |
| Rocker |
Flat with tail kick |
| 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.
Model Name: Playboy
Series: Universal Edition
Length Range: 9'2"–10'0"
Fin Setup: Single fin
Skill Level: Advanced
Best For: High-speed rail surfing; dynamic turns
Model Description: The Playboy is a high-speed, Hot Generation tribute stick with the wide point set back and pinched rails that offer considerable sensitivity. Strong tail vee enables smooth transition from nose work to rocket-like turns off the tail. Best suited to assertive, dynamic loggers, it shines with raked flex fins (like a Greenough 4A) or upright pivots in 9¼"–10" for drive and tip control.
Rail Type: Pinched; knifey
Bottom Contour: Hipped vee to roll
Tail Shape: Square tail
Rocker Profile: Flat; tail kick
Design Era: Transition Era
Year Introduced: Approx. 2007
Recommended Fins: C Fin; OP Fin; P Fin; RK Fin; T Fin; 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.
