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Introducing the AXIS Pocket Trench Foil Board

Introducing the AXIS Pocket Trench Foil Board

Tony Jones |

If you’ve ever ridden a Foil Drive setup and thought, “This is brilliant… but I want it to feel cleaner, faster and more like my normal board,” the AXIS Pocket Trench is exactly that idea brought to life.

This is AXIS taking the “trench board” concept and reworking it from the ground up to reduce drag, tidy up the hydrodynamics, and make Foil Drive integration feel properly seamless — not like a compromise.

Shop all AXIS at The SUP Company →

What is a trench board (and why does it matter)?

Foil Drive is a game-changer for turning marginal sessions into proper sessions — whether that’s paddle-ups, short-period wind swell, or simply getting more reps without needing “perfect” conditions. The catch is: mounting a drive system under the board can add drag and turbulence if the board isn’t designed around it.

That’s where “trench boards” come in — they create a recessed area so the Foil Drive unit sits higher and cleaner, reducing resistance through the water and helping the board accelerate onto foil with less effort.

If you’re new to assist systems (or weighing up which route to go), this is worth a read first: Duotone Foil Assist vs Foil Drive Gen 2 – Honest Buyer’s Guide →

What makes the Pocket Trench different?

Most trench boards achieve clearance by carving out a larger channel. The Pocket Trench takes a smarter approach: a recessed “pocket” system designed to keep water flow cleaner and the Foil Drive unit tucked neatly beneath the deck.

In real terms, that means:

  • Less drag and smoother hydrodynamics (especially noticeable in messy chop and low-power take-offs)
  • A more “normal board” feel underfoot — closer to your regular ride, not a purpose-built compromise
  • A snug-fitting cavity that keeps the Foil Drive and mast aligned and tidy
  • Faster setup thanks to a one-piece slider T-nut system (drop, slide, lock — done)
  • More reliable controller signal through targeted fibreglass reinforcement in key zones

Board spec (launch platform): 4’11” x 18 7/8” with 40L volume — compact, clean, and built for riders who want maximum performance from an assist setup.

Who is the Pocket Trench for?

This isn’t a “first foil board” — it’s a performance tool for riders who already know what they want from Foil Drive and want the board to stop being the limiting factor.

It makes the most sense for:

  • Prone and SUP foilers using assist to get more waves, more paddle-ups, or to stretch sessions further
  • Parawing riders who want clean acceleration and quick release into flight
  • Wing foilers who want a compact, responsive board without the “sticky” feel that drag can create
  • Anyone riding in real-world UK conditions — chop, short-period swell, gusty winds — where efficiency matters more than hype

Recommended setup pathway (keep it simple)

At The SUP Company, we’re big on building systems that work together — not just throwing expensive parts at a problem. The Pocket Trench is the board piece of the puzzle, then it’s about choosing the right assist and foil pairing for your riding.

Start here: Browse Foil Assist & Electric systems →

Want a “more forgiving” board option?

If the idea of a 40L pocket board feels a bit too spicy for your current stage, AXIS have some seriously good alternatives that still play brilliantly with assist systems — especially if you want easier starts and more stability without losing that AXIS efficiency.

If you’re choosing between these shapes, this guide will save you time (and money): AXIS Frank Dart & Mini Dart explained →

Demo it properly at The SUP Co x Lymington

The Pocket Trench is the kind of board you really understand after 10 minutes on the water. That’s exactly why we built The SUP Company x Lymington around demos — especially for foiling and assist setups.

Come and see us:
The SUP Company x Lymington, Mill Lane, Lymington, SO41 9AZ

Opening hours:
Mon–Fri: 10:00–17:00
Sat: 10:00–16:00
Sun: Closed

Get in touch / book a chat   See what’s in-store

FAQs

Is the AXIS Pocket Trench suitable for beginners?

Not as a first foil board. With 40L and a compact outline, it’s aimed at riders who already have solid foil skills and want the cleanest, lowest-drag Foil Drive-style integration possible. If you want easier starts and more stability, look at the AXIS Frank Mini Dart or Frank Mako instead.

Do I need an integrated mast to use it?

No — but it’s the cleanest “end-game” build. If you’re chasing the most refined feel and simplest rigging, the AXIS Integrated Foil Drive Mast is the premium option.

What’s the main benefit vs a normal board with a Foil Drive mount?

Drag. A purpose-designed recessed system reduces turbulence and resistance, helping the board accelerate and release more efficiently. In UK chop and marginal power, that’s the difference between “nearly” and “on foil”.

Can I demo an assist setup in Lymington?

Yes — that’s the point of the location. If you’re weighing up systems, start with our guide (Foil Assist vs Foil Drive Gen 2) then get in touch via our contact page and we’ll talk you through the right route.

What foils pair well with a compact assist-focused board?

As a rule: choose front wings that lift predictably at lower speeds and don’t punish you for imperfect take-offs. For surfy glide and fun turning, have a look at the AXIS Surge Front Wings. Tell us your weight, discipline and local conditions and we’ll recommend a sensible pairing.

Popular AXIS picks

If you want help choosing the right route (Pocket Trench vs mid-length, Slim vs Max, foil pairing, stance and rigging), drop us a message and we’ll keep it simple and honest: Contact The SUP Company →

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