Exchange rate is great. Shipping costs are very expensive! With a board, you will be charged on a cubic weight, not physical weight. As they all charge on which ever is the heaviest for a given shipment and in this case - Cubic weight is higher. Airfreight is crazy - I have quotes all of approx $1150, USA - Perth for a boxed 12ft board. Sea freight could be cheaper, tho often small orders are cheaper by air - purely due to the astounding number of handling and processing charges. I import for my business and am always surprised at the crazy shipping costs we endure and how many businesses and Govt depts take their piece of you! I am looking at bringing a board in [which isnt avail here and I will use it in the US], piggy backed on a mid year business order. Otherwise I couldn't do it. Buying local is a good call. There are a number of good and very helpful businesses here.

Good luck.

Cam...
if there is a cheap freight, I am all ears! haha