I wasn't crazy about getting yet another long board particularly given my beginner issues with flotation and wetted area. So, I got an inflatable board, no problems with dinging either. They are constructed like a zodiac inflatable boat and when pumped up they are stiff as a ... board! The board rolls up after into a carrying bag. If you need to carry this on a plane as checked luggage shouldn't be an issue.
http://www.uliboards.com/
It shows up in the following clip. Look for the thickest board.
I picked the board up through John with:
http://www.eastcoastpaddlesurfing.com/
West Palm Beach
Florida 33401
561-355-5351
Sales@EastCoastPaddlesurfing.com