Barnacle-Covered Surfboard's Epic Journey from Tasmania to New Zealand

In a remarkable turn of events, a surfboard that was lost off the coast of Australia nearly 18 months ago has washed up on one of New Zealand's most famous surf beaches. The board, which was found covered in barnacles and mussels in Raglan, had traveled thousands of kilometers from its last known location near Tasmania.

The discovery was made by French surfer Alvaro Bon, who was kite surfing in Raglan on October 15th. As he was being pulled out to sea by the currents, Bon noticed something shining in the dunes and decided to investigate. To his surprise, he found a handmade surfboard that appeared to be in relatively good condition, despite its yellow hue and new-looking wax job.

Upon closer inspection, Bon realized the board was covered in marine life, indicating it had been in the water for an extended period. He then posted pictures of the board on social media, seeking help to identify the owner. Within hours, a man named Liam, who had lost the board during a boat trip off the coast of Tasmania on May 10th, 2024, was located.

Liam was amazed to learn that his beloved surfboard had made such an incredible journey, drifting thousands of kilometers across the Tasman Sea. Experts believe the board may have been carried by either the East Australian Current or the Antarctic Circumpolar Current, which circles the globe. While the exact route is uncertain, the board's remarkable survival and eventual discovery have captivated surfers and oceanographers alike.

The surfboard is now making its way back to Liam, this time by air, after Bon returned it to his family in Auckland on Tuesday morning. "The day I lost my kite, I found Liam's board," Bon said. "Maybe there was a reason."