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Surfers See Red Over Brit Airways Board Ban

Petitioning to change gnarly new rule

By Colleen Barry,  Newser Staff

Posted Nov 7, 2007 3:33 AM CST

(Newser) – 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.

A surfer heads for Surfrider Beach last month.
A surfer heads for Surfrider Beach last month.   (Associated Press)
British Airways planes parked at Heathrow Airport in London.
British Airways planes parked at Heathrow Airport in London.   (Associated Press)
British Airways planes parked at Heathrow Airport in London, Wednesday Aug. 1, 2007. (AP Photo/Kirsty Wigglesworth)
British Airways planes parked at Heathrow Airport in London, Wednesday Aug. 1, 2007. (AP Photo/Kirsty Wigglesworth)   (Associated Press)
Surfer leaves the water at a beach near Gaza City.
Surfer leaves the water at a beach near Gaza City.   (Associated Press)
A surfer rides a wave in the Pacific Ocean off Cabo San Lucas.
A surfer rides a wave in the Pacific Ocean off Cabo San Lucas.   (Associated Press)
Surfer Kelly Slater of USA, takes a wave during the Kelly Slater Experiment in Biarritz, France.
Surfer Kelly Slater of USA, takes a wave during the "Kelly Slater Experiment" in Biarritz, France.   (Associated Press)
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