How short is too short?

[hilton]

I wonder if the SUP designers can learn something from what has happened in windsurfing recently. 
It took decades for light wind windsurfing boards to evolve from the original windsurfer style longboards to the ultra short and wide formula style boards.  Companies like Starboard took things to the extreme with sub 7' boards like the "Compact" Travel board a few years ago.  Boards over 9' essentially disappeared from the market for a few years.
Over the last couple of years, longboards have started making a comeback in windsurfing including the 12'6" Starboard SUP/windsurfer.
 
In the short (modern) history of SUP, boards seem to be getting shorter by the day with sub 8' boards already in production.  How short will boards get before they go too far?  Will there always be a market for the "traditional" 12'+ SUP or is it already a dinosaur?

[supguam]

I seen the same things happening over the years.windsurfboards got shorter and wider also kiteboards as well and they all seem to work.It may someday happend to SUP you never know time will tell???.

[Rand]

In my opinion, when you have to start using bizarre dimensions to get to a specific length, you my want to think about going longer, or reworking things. 

For instance, I justed checked out the spec on that 7'7 we have been seing around the web http://www.gongsup.com/spip.php?article295.    7’7" = 235.5 cm, 29" 5/7 = 75,5 cm, 5" 1/8 = 13 cm, 135 Litres.

[Byronmaui]

I will tell you monday. Pics to follow.

Aloha

Byron

[steamroller]

hey wheres da pics

sorry i need my SUP fix for the day....