Ahh, the challenges of surf travel! Hey, if we're getting cheap tickets or free ones, the board charge isn't so bad in the grand scheme of things, but it still bites. Things that have been successful for me:

-Set up a trip with a non-airline buddy and stick your board in his bag, split the cost with him.

-Get some good intel on places to rent boards at your destination. It's easier nowadays than it used to be. Check the surfing forums...tons of info out there.

-Buy a used board at your destination, sell it when you leave, or bring it back with you.

-Bring your board there, sell it before you leave.

-GO EPOXY! They travel a heck of a lot better. I've got a board I've had since 2002 that has been through hell and is still in pretty good shape...bulletproof!

-Go to Walmart and buy a few of those long "Noodles" that kids use for floatation. They cost about 2 bucks each. I split a couple of them and duct tape them all the way around my rails before I put them in my travel bag. Bigtime cheap, extra protection.

Good luck!