In a past life, I was a Ramp Duty Manager for Dnata Air Services at Sydney International Airport. That means that for 10 years, on a daily basis, I loaded and unloaded flights for Emirates, Singapore, Air New Zealand, Virgin, United, Malaysian, China Eastern, China Southern and some others that I can't remember right now
Anyways, they all have different baggage allowances, but they are all flexible to one degree or another. Most of the time it comes down to the aircraft type.
This is why Jetstar have rubbish board allowances. Domestically they use Airbus A320s. They are a small container loaded aircraft with a small bulk hold. The bulk hold is the only place on a A320 that a board will fit safely.
Virgin use 737 700's and 800's. Not only are the bulk holds bigger, but the main holds are loose loaded and can fit much larger objects. The ramp guys will stack your bags like bricks in the hold and leave enough room between the bags and hold ceiling so that they can slide boards on top. (I always fly Virgin domestically for this reason) 90% of the time your boards will arrive safe. However S#@T happens some times and they aren't perfect. Truth be known though, that board damage more often than not happens on the ramp when the boards are transported to and from the aircraft. Not in the hold.
Singapore, NZ and Emirates will accomodate longer pieces if they are pre notified. Many times I loaded kayaks and skis which are much longer than 14'. We'd take them up on the loading machine, through the rear hold door, drop the curtain between the rear hold and bulk hold and feed them in to the bulk that way. This can be done on 777s, 747s and A380. Its at the discretion of the airline and usually happens in large groups that have obviously spent a large sum on group bookings. The weight restrictions will apply though and you will be expected to pay excess baggage fees.
As for bags that are overweight, the airline must radio the bag room supervisor and ask if he is willing to accept a bag weighing over 32kg. This is an OH&S requirement. The decision is the bag room supervisors alone. He is responsible for the guys in the basement and their well being and can deny that request. Then the checkin staff will notify the passenger that the bag won't be accepted and they will need to split their belongings in to a second bag.
So, I personally have travelled with boards that are 9'10" & 10'6" with no issue. I've never tried a race board though, but I know it can be done. Just email and phone the airline rep in your port way in advance and be very very very polite
wrapped board n paddle n straps in clothes n still under weight. With day pack carry on...
