According to a Telegraph article today, a "Facebook campaign forces British Airways to cut back surfboard ban". Excerpts:

"BA has decided to allow surfboards in padded bags up to 6ft 3in (190cm) in length.
Consequently surfers are still not happy, as most ride boards between 6ft and 7ft long.
A BA spokesman said the changes would come into effect for customers booking from July 31 and travelling from October 7.
He said the length limit was 6ft 3in to ensure airport baggage systems and airliner holds could deal with the boards."