Defi Wind 2022

Défi WIND's XXL format is back, in association with the PWA

As 2 of the powerhouses of top level windsurfing, PWA and Defi, have decided to join forces again to promote windsurfing, for the 20th edition of the crazy, mass start, long distance, Defi Wind, in Gruissan, south of France, from May 26 to 29.

The wild rabbit is back!

After a 2 year break due to the pandemic, the wild rabbit is set to open the starting line in front of more than 1300 windsurfers eager to race together. Amateurs and pros from all over the world will gather on the same course for a nautical Marathon. Individual objectives are multiple and varied, whether to complete the 40 km distance of each race, to sail with an amazingly large amount of people, to beat their mates or relatives, to reach the top 100, or to achieve a lifetime performance by winning the Defi.

You can still be part of that unique experience - if you don’t wait for too long. It's a must do on a windsurfer’s bucket list. Défi means challenge in French. You’ll have to challenge the distance, challenge your opponents, challenge the wild Tramontana, and more than anything, challenge yourself! The local wind is known for its power and howling gusts that gives the Defi that special flavour. Expect to sail with small gear, winds between 30 to 45 knots are standard in Gruissan, so bring your game face!

Madness at the gybe mark.

Reigning champion of last November's Defi “Super Star Edition”, Antoine Albeau, will be there to defend his title, together with main format title holder Nicolas Warembourg. Also in attendance will be big names from the PWA world tour who've had a taste of Defi, such as world champs Mortefon, Iachino or Goyard, and many others are also lining up to claim 1st spot ahead of thousands of riders. They’ll share the starting line with amateurs and windsurf addicts like Dunkerbeck and Köster. More than a hundred ladies are in the mix too with brilliant performances to be expected from Marion Mortefon, Delphine Cousin, or young Helle Oppedal. They all have to adapt their game, Defi is not a 3 minute sprint, it is a giant slalom where you need to save fuel whilst not holding back too much…

Get ready to rumble.

Defi is also a large exhibition show where all major windsurfing brands present their newest gear right on the beach. not to mention the nightlife, concerts and DJ sets, where amateurs & pro racers mix again, rehydrating loudly after the days action.

Be part of it! But, if you can't, then follow the Defi 2022 via PWA's social channels from May 26 to 29!