This is not intended to imply that a long board isn't used in fairing etc.
It's more of an attempt to use my whole body in sanding anywhere hand sanding is needed ,fillets; bulkheads being installed etc., instead of the elbows and one shoulder for example.
Also now that the hulls are flipped reaching down below the water line to sand will be much easier with this method (pole and pad on swivel)....
High areas too of course...
I have a Porter Cable random orbit with 8 inch pad sander that works well too,....(gets the elbows &shoulder )