Surfers See Red Over Brit Airways Board Ban

Furious surfers hope to sink a gnarly new British Airways rule banning surfboards from the airline. Wave riders are petitioning the company to reverse its decision, which went into effect yesterday because the airline determined the boards are "simply not suitable for airport baggage systems," according to a statement. Using freight companies to ship boards will cost surfers significant time and money.

Surfers point out that their boards often weigh no more than 11 pounds, and are less bulky than the skis, golf bags and bicycles that the airline still carries in cargo. A surf association spokesman is convinced the airline has underestimated negative reaction. British Air is "about to get shore-dumped, which is when it all comes down on you and leaves you with a mouthful of sand," he said. (More British Airways stories.)