I'm always open to ideas. The problem with a support pole would be that you shift your weight on a SUP based on sea conditions. Downwind you are standing further aft to get more nose up and surf waves. Upwind you want the nose down. (in general) I also shift my weight aft as the board picks up speed to get less hull in the water.

I do feel, however, that a SUP is more of a kayak than a surfboard. I think as more kayakers get hold of them we will see a lot of changes in hull design and probably even paddle design. I'm already experimenting with using a GP on a SUP. It works rather well. SUP's use a more vertical stroke which lends itself well to the GP blade shape.

Actually the SUP I'm working on now, which is a fast 14' racer, is being designed using Kayak Foundry!