Defi Wing - 150 wingers at the first long-distance race in Gruissan

Manuel Vogel

 · 30.05.2022

Defi Wing - 150 wingers at the first long-distance race in Gruissan
Photo: JM Cornu
At the first Defi Wing in Gruissan in the south of France, almost 150 participants took on the 40-kilometre course - in winds of up to 40 knots.

TheDefi Wind is world-famous among windsurfers and is nothing less than the largest windsurfing regatta in the world - almost 1300 starters cross the starting line at the same time.

In 2022, theDefi Wing expanded the event format for wingsurfers. Almost 150 starters entered the race at the premiere - and were not disappointed. For two days, moderate winds ensured reasonably relaxed foiling conditions, but on the third day, the wind really got going with almost 40 knots.

150 starters took part in the premiere.

In an offshore wind, the Defi course leads from Gruissan along the coast towards Port-La-Nouvelle, where the first turning point awaits after around ten kilometres. Then it's back towards the start line before the course is completed a second time. This means that around 40 kilometres are covered per race - those with well-tuned equipment have a clear advantage here. Amateurs and professionals can always take part, and it is precisely this mix that makes the Defi so special.

There is also plenty on offer ashore at this event. Parties and live music provide a colourful supporting programme. Numerous wingsurf brands will also be presenting their new equipment in tents, and anyone who wants to can get first-hand information and try out the equipment.

A new edition of the race is planned for 2023 - when the number of participants is likely to be significantly higher.

How do you like this article?

Further information on the Defi Wing is also available HERE .

Manuel Vogel

Manuel Vogel

Editor surf

Manuel Vogel, born in 1981, lives in Kiel and learned to windsurf at the age of six at his father's surf school. In 1997, he completed his training as a windsurfing instructor and worked for over 15 years as a windsurfing instructor in various centers, at Kiel University sports and in the coaching team of the “Young Guns” freestyle camps. He has been part of the surf test team since 2003. After completing his teaching degree in 2013, he followed his heart and started as editor of surf magazine for the test and riding technique sections. Since 2021, he has also been active in wingfoiling - mainly at his home spots on the Baltic Sea or in the waves of Denmark.

Most read in category Wingsurfing