[Butch Cassidy Slept Here]

Cory5000 wrote...

...they charged me $200 for oneway...

If, you go to a UPS Store (like the day before your flight) and have your surfboard shipped ahead it shouldn't cost you any MORE than $200 (unless you request "overnight" delivery.) Also, by using a UPS Store, your board will be packaged carefully and there's a lot less chance of loss. For myself, the only thing I would check with an airline would be something having little value---like dirty underwear and socks. Otherwise, I'll pay the higher charges of shipping ahead, and avoid the drama with airline baggage agents and deaf call center staff.

As long as one isn't staying at a rent-by-the-hour motel I've found most motels and hotels will cooperate with UPS deliveries for guests.