Race Report 2026 · Worthing Watersports
Our very own Sam just returned from Gruissan, South of France, having competed in the Défi Wind 2026 — the biggest windsurfing event on the planet. Five races, three days, 58 knots of wind and 150 miles of windsurfing later, here's everything you need to know.
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1,500
Competitors
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58kts
Peak Wind Speed
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150mi
Windsurfed in 3 Days
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109th
Out of 1,500
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What is the Défi Wind?
The Défi Wind is the biggest windsurfing event on the planet. Held annually in Gruissan, Occitanie, South of France, it has been running for 24 years and attracts competitors from over 50 countries — from the UK and Europe all the way to Australia and Asia. Professionals and amateurs line up on the same start line for a long-distance mass-start race of around 40km per race.
It is often called the Woodstock of windsurfing. Once you've been, you understand exactly why.
The event also includes sister events — Défi Kite (kitesurfing) and Défi Wing (wingfoil) — drawing a combined global fleet from over 50 countries across one incredible week in Gruissan.
"The photos don't do it justice. Nothing does. You just have to be there."
The Conditions — 58 Knots of Pure Chaos
Gruissan is renowned for its powerful Tramontane wind — a fierce northwesterly that funnels through the region and creates some of the most extreme and consistent wind conditions in the world. In 2026, race one was started in 58 knots of wind. The water becomes a washing machine. Spray everywhere. Boards flying. People crashing.
Someone broke their leg. Someone broke their ribs. And still, 1,500 people lined up and did it again for the next race.
What makes this event so remarkable is the range of people competing. Young and old, male and female, all levels of kit — and the standard is simply extraordinary. Some sailors on older, more modest equipment flying past people on the latest race gear. That is 24 years of grassroots windsurfing culture at its finest.
Getting There from the UK
From Worthing, the most popular route is to drive — take the ferry or Eurotunnel and head south through France. Factor in toll costs as they can add up, and the drive is around 14 hours with stops. One of the best things about this event is that you can sleep in your van on the beach right at the venue — which makes it a genuinely affordable trip.
Alternatively, fly from Gatwick to Montpellier and hire a car. The drive from Montpellier to Gruissan is straightforward and makes the whole trip much easier.
Budget around £1,000 all in for travel, accommodation and entry. For an event of this scale and calibre, it's exceptional value.
Part of the Bigger Défi Festival
Défi Wind — Windsurfing Défi Wing — Wingfoil Défi Kite — Kitesurfing 50+ Countries 24th Edition
Our Race Report
Sam competed across all five races, covering over 150 miles of windsurfing in three days and hitting a top speed of 29 knots. He finished 109th out of 1,500 — placing him in the top 10% of the entire fleet, completing every single race.
Also representing the wave kit - Andy "Bubble" Chambers, who had an outstanding event finishing 64th overall — on freeride and wave kit. Both results are proof that you do not need full slalom race equipment to perform well at this event.
Racing highlights included going head to head with Ben Proffit from windsurfing.tv in 58 knots — remarkably close racing considering Ben was on a free wave board. Jordy Vonk, Duotone pro racer, was also on the water and won race one in front of 1,500 competitors.
A special mention to Rafferty Reed, who completed the extraordinary Défi triple — Défi Kite, Défi Wing and Défi Wind all in the same week. An absolutely massive achievement.
You can check the full 2026 race results here.
"Sailing around before the start, looking at the conditions, thinking — how on earth is this going to happen? And then 1,500 people just do it. Every time."
What Kit Do You Actually Need?
This is the most important thing to understand about Défi Wind — you do not need full race slalom equipment. Sam finished 109th and Bubble finished 64th, both on wave and freeride kit. The event rewards fitness, technique and smart sail selection far more than having the fastest board on the market.
For most sailors, the ideal setup is a freerace or all-round board in the 95–105 litre range, a wave sail between 3.7 and 5.0, and a quality harness. Here's exactly what Sam used and what we recommend.
Recommended Boards
Duotone Blitz — a high-performance freerace board that gets you upwind and downwind efficiently without the demanding ride of a full slalom board. One of our top picks for Défi Wind and events like it.
Duotone X-Pace — a more accessible freeride option with excellent range and comfort in big winds. Perfect for sailors who want speed without sacrificing control.
Browse the full Duotone windsurfing board range here, or check out our used windsurfing equipment for great value second-hand kit — ideal for getting event-ready without spending full price.
Sails
Sam used Duotone Superhero wave sails — a 3.7 for race one in 58 knots, and a 4.7 for the remaining races. Having a small wave sail in your quiver is essential. When the wind is this strong, you want a sail you can hold on to and control, not necessarily race sail trying to rip your arms off.
Fins
Sam ran an F-Hot 32cm race fin on the Duotone Falcon 99L, which made a significant difference to both upwind and downwind performance. F-Hot fins are available directly from F-Hot and are well worth the investment for events like this.
Booms — The Forearm Pump Problem
One of the biggest physical challenges at Défi Wind is forearm pump. After multiple long races in 50+ knots, your forearms take a serious beating. Sam's worst race came when forearm pump set in so badly he genuinely wasn't sure he could finish.
The solution? Duotone Mega Slim booms. The narrow diameter grip dramatically reduces forearm fatigue compared to standard booms. If you are planning to race at Défi Wind, this is one of the most impactful kit upgrades you can make.
Also putting your lines further forward than normal really helps
Harness
Sam used the ION Axxis harness with the ION seat part attachment — a Velcro add on leg strap system that allows you to sit down into the harness rather than hanging from a waist harness. Over five long races, this made a huge difference to back comfort and endurance. Highly recommended for longer distance events.
Sam's Full Kit List
| Item | Product | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Board | Duotone Falcon 99L | Borrowed from Simon Pettifer — available used at Worthing Watersports |
| Fin | F-Hot 32cm Race Fin | Available direct from F-Hot |
| Sails | Duotone Superhero 3.7 & 4.7 | 3.7 for race one (58kts), 4.7 for remaining races |
| Boom | Duotone Mega Slim | Narrow diameter — essential for preventing forearm pump |
| Harness | ION Axxis + ION Seat Attachment | Sit-down harness system — huge comfort advantage over long races |
Should You Go?
Yes. Absolutely yes. Whether you are an experienced racer or a confident intermediate windsurfer looking for the biggest challenge of your life, the Défi Wind is something every windsurfer should experience at least once. The community, the conditions, the history — there is genuinely nothing else like it in the world.
Huge thanks to the event organisers. What they take on is incredibly demanding, yet they get on with it without a moan, always putting competitor safety first. It's a real spectacle of what humans can achieve with the power of the earth's wind. We hope it runs for many more windy years.
For information on future editions, registration and event details visit defiwind.fr. Tickets sell out fast — especially when the forecast looks good.
Get Event-Ready with Worthing Watersports Shop Duotone windsurfing boards, used kit and everything you need to line up at the Défi Wind. Shop Duotone Boards Shop Used Kit