The trench design: The new benchmark for Foil Drive riders

Introducing the Zapple: The new trench Foil Drive Board by Appletree Surfboards

At Appletree Surfboards, we’re always striving to push the limits of innovation and design. Today, we’re thrilled to introduce a groundbreaking product that’s been highly anticipated by the foiling community: The Zapple, a board designed specifically with and for Foil Drive enthusiasts. After months of testing, refining, and collaborating directly with Foil Drive, we’ve created something truly extraordinary. Let’s dive into what makes this board a must-have for any Foil Drive user.

The Design Journey

The Zapple’s journey began in mid-2024 when we set out to explore how we could optimize our boards for the requirements of Foil Drive systems. Through extensive testing on various Appletree shapes and sizes, we discovered that a board with a trench for the Foil Drive offered unparalleled performance benefits.

Our initial goal was simple: reduce drag. But as we tested and refined the design, we uncovered even more advantages. From drag reduction to improved balance and tighter turning capabilities, the Zapple evolved into a board that exceeds expectations on every level.

What Makes the Zapple Special?

1. Precision-Engineered Recess

The Zapple’s defining feature is its trench area, custom-designed to house the Foil Drive box seamlessly. This design minimizes drag and improves water flow, creating a smoother and more efficient ride. Additionally, the recess positions the Foil Drive system’s weight closer to your feet, drastically reducing swing weight and enhancing balance during tight turns.

2. Optimized Shape for Speed and Stability

When designing the Zapple, we faced a choice: go wide and flat for more planing surface or longer and narrower for speed. With foiling trends leaning toward longer, narrower shapes, we chose the latter. The Zapple’s elongated profile delivers faster lift onto the foil and better performance at high speeds.

Touchdowns are also smoother, thanks to the slightly thicker design and hard rail lines that run along the board’s tail. This combination ensures stability without sacrificing agility, making it perfect for advanced riders.

3. Tailored Sizes for Every Rider

The Zapple is available in three sizes, catering to a wide range of riders:

• 5’0″ (38 liters): Compact and high-performance, ideal for advanced riders up to 95 kg. Despite its volume, the thicker shape ensures it feels nimble on the water.
• 5’4″ (46 liters): A versatile, all-around option suitable for both advanced and intermediate riders. This size strikes the perfect balance between performance and ease of use, especially in flat conditions.
• 5’8″ (54 liters): Beginner-friendly yet performance-oriented. Its stability and extra volume make it great for heavier riders or those venturing into longer downwind sessions.

Why Advanced Riders Will Love the Zapple

For seasoned Foil Drive users, the Zapple offers a unique advantage: effortless control and precision turns. One of the challenges with traditional setups is the tendency for the battery’s weight to throw off balance during tight maneuvers. By relocating the weight closer to the rider’s feet, the Zapple minimizes this issue, allowing for sharper, more controlled turns with less effort.

Additionally, the reduced drag and improved efficiency mean longer sessions and better battery performance. Whether you’re motoring out to faraway spots or carving hard turns on the foil, the Zapple’s design has you covered.

Built to Last: Construction Features

The Zapple isn’t just about performance—it’s built to endure the demands of Foil Drive use:

• Carbon Fiber Construction: The board is fully wrapped in carbon fiber for maximum stiffness and durability.
• Waterproof Core: Appletree’s signature waterproof core ensures no water absorption, even if the board gets damaged.
• Vacuum Infusion Technology: This process ensures the carbon fiber integrates seamlessly into the board’s recess, enhancing strength and precision.
• Heat Resistance: The Zapple is airtight, making it resistant to heat and ideal for use in warm climates.

Common Questions

1. Signal Reception for Foil Drive Remotes

Appletree has partnered with FoilDrive to address reception issues caused by carbon fiber construction. The Zapple features a special signal window in the nose of the board, allowing the remote’s signal to pass through unimpeded.

2. Battery Accessibility

While the recessed design requires removing the Foil Drive box to swap batteries, we’ve streamlined the process. New quick-release bolts and accessories are being developed in collaboration with FoilDrive, ensuring minimal hassle.

3. Where to buy

The Zapple is available worldwide through Appletree’s dealer network and our website!

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