I think it would have made more sense, for the surfing battles, at least. For the Pokémon to stand on rocks sticking out of the water or some sort of drifting materials. There are plenty of rocks ticking out of the water in all of the games, it doesn't seem far fetched for the players to find a space with rock platforms for their Pokémon to stand on.
I've got nothing for Soaring battles. "Wut?" Was my first reaction when I saw my Swampert standing on a swirling circle of air/could when I encountered a Wingull.
I've got nothing for Soaring battles. "Wut?" Was my first reaction when I saw my Swampert standing on a swirling circle of air/could when I encountered a Wingull.