A remarkable tale of serendipity unfolded off the west coast of New Zealand when a custom-made surfboard, lost at sea for nearly 18 months, was discovered by French kitesurfer Alvaro Bon. The board, which had drifted approximately 2,400 kilometers (1,490 miles) from Tasmania, was found in Raglan Harbour on New Zealand’s North Island. Covered in barnacles and mussels, the 7ft 6in (229cm) board was remarkably intact despite its long journey. Bon, a 30-year-old kitesurfer who has lived in New Zealand for a decade, made the discovery after being forced to let go of his kite due to strong currents. He later posted images of the board on social media, leading to its Australian owner, Liam, being identified. The board, which holds sentimental value as it was designed by a now-retired surfboard maker, will soon be reunited with Liam in Auckland. Bon reflected on the experience philosophically, noting that sometimes letting go of one thing can lead to finding something even more meaningful.