Nano RTS Tech Talk with Tom Earl: Dedicated Compact Foil Drive Board
As Foil Drive boards continue to evolve, the market has shifted towards longer, higher-volume mid-length designs that prioritise ease of use.
The Nano RTS was created for riders looking to go in the opposite direction.
Designed for intermediate to advanced Foil Drive riders, it combines a true chop-tail prone shape with carefully distributed volume, creating a board that remains stable enough for reliable flat water starts while delivering the direct, reactive feel of a compact foilboard.
In this Tech Talk, Amos Shapes team rider Tom Earl breaks down the design decisions behind the Nano RTS, explaining how its shape, volume distribution and RTS integration create a dedicated compact Foil Drive board that stays true to the Nano's performance DNA.
Built from the Nano Platform
The Nano RTS wasn't designed from scratch.
It evolved directly from the Nano - our answer to the chop tail prone foilboard. The goal wasn't to reinvent the board, but to adapt its proven surf characteristics for dedicated Foil Drive use.
To achieve this, we retained the Nano's compact outline while making a series of calculated refinements:
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Increased overall volume and sizes to accommodate riding a compact board and the added weight of the Foil Drive System.
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Purpose-built recess with open tail track access for fast attachment and slide in tail mount
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New Foil Drive-specific traction layout
The result is a board that still feels true to original Nano's concept - being super responsive in the surf.
Designed as a Progression for Intermediate and Advanced Riders
The Nano RTS isn't intended as a beginner's board.
Instead, it's designed for riders who have already gained confidence on their first Foil Drive setup and are ready to move into a shorter, more performance-oriented shape.
By packing plenty of volume into a compact outline, the Nano RTS delivers the stability needed for reliable flat-water starts while maintaining the direct feel that experienced riders want once they're flying.
It's the next logical step for intermediate and advanced Foil Drive riders looking to push their performance.
Maximum Volume, Minimum Board
One of the defining features of the Nano RTS is how much volume has been packed into such a compact shape.
Rather than simply making the board larger, we focused on efficient volume distribution to create a stable platform that still rides short.
Tom's favourite size—the 4'3" (34L)—is a perfect example. At around 80kg, he comfortably flat-water starts everything from larger wings right down to his Code Foils 740X.
For riders up to around 90kg with intermediate or advanced experience, the 4'3" is an excellent option. Larger or taller riders may prefer the additional volume of the 4'5" or 4'7" models.
Stability Without Losing Performance
The Nano RTS combines a generous standing area with a compact outline, reducing instability during take-off while preserving the quick, reactive feel that makes short boards so enjoyable in the surf.
This balance between stability and manoeuvrability is what sets the Nano RTS apart from many dedicated Foil Drive boards.
The Recessed Track System
One of the biggest design decisions was the RTS trench itself.
Rather than creating an extremely narrow trench or following the trend towards oversized "super trenches", we focused on finding the ideal middle ground.
The Nano RTS uses the minimum trench width required to allow battery changes while the Foil Drive remains installed.
This approach preserves the clean performance characteristics of the board while dramatically reducing the time needed between sessions.
Faster Battery Changes
The trench has also been designed with everyday usability in mind.
Instead of removing the entire Foil Drive unit every time the battery needs changing, riders simply loosen the bolts, slide the unit back, swap batteries and slide it forward again.
Even better, the trench is long enough to allow Sport Battery changes without removing the Foil Drive from the board, making quick battery swaps faster and easier when you're trying to maximise time on the water.
Foil Drive-Specific Deck Pad Design
The deck traction has also been redesigned specifically for Foil Drive riding.
The EVA wraps further up the rails, providing extra padding for your elbows during prone starts while creating a more comfortable position for the handheld controller.
It's a small detail, but one you'll appreciate every session.
Performance Comes First
Although the Nano RTS introduces a range of practical Foil Drive features, its primary focus has always remained performance.
As Tom explains in the Tech Talk, his favourite aspect of the board isn't the trench or the battery changes - it's how naturally it surfs.
Rather than compromising performance for Foil Drive integration, the Nano RTS preserves the responsive characteristics of the original Nano while incorporating a purpose-built RTS trench, open-tail tracks and Foil Drive-specific deck layout.
For riders looking to step beyond their first assist board and experience a more connected, surf-focused ride, the Nano RTS represents the next evolution.
In this Tech Talk, he explains the design philosophy behind the Nano RTS, demonstrates the RTS trench system, shares sizing recommendations and shows just how quickly battery changes can be completed.
If you're considering your next Foil Drive board, it's well worth watching before making your decision.
Watch the Full Tech Talk >
