Defi Wind
The world's largest windsurfing gathering on Gruissan beach
About Defi Wind
The Woodstock of Windsurfing
Created in 2001 by PBO, Defi Wind has become, over the editions, the unmissable event for the windsurfing world. Every year in May, the beach of Gruissan in the Aude hosts over 1,500 windsurfers aged 13 to 76, from all over the world to participate in this unique marathon race. The event benefits from the exceptional wind conditions offered by the Tramontane and the Marin, which sweep the Aude coast and make Gruissan one of the most renowned windsurfing spots in the Mediterranean.
A 40-kilometer Marathon Race
The principle of Defi Wind is simple yet spectacular: a 40-kilometer marathon race at sea, where hundreds of colorful sails launch simultaneously in a breathtaking visual spectacle. Competitors, both professional and amateur, compete in often challenging conditions, pushing their physical and technical limits. The event has expanded over the years with the Defi Kite (kitesurfing, 500 spots), the Defi Wing (wingfoiling, 800 spots), creating a true multi-board sports festival over several days.
Exhibitor Village and Concerts
On land, the Defi Wind village brings together the biggest brands in board sports equipment, demonstration stands, test areas, and catering points. Participants and spectators can try out the latest innovations in boards, sails, and foils. Every evening, concerts and entertainment extend the party on the beach, in a relaxed and warm atmosphere that has made the event's reputation. Over 250 volunteers are mobilized to organize this exceptional gathering.
An International Event
Defi Wind attracts thousands of spectators to the beaches of Gruissan and generates significant economic benefits for the region. The event is covered by specialized media worldwide and is a highlight of the global windsurfing calendar. With its Defi Kite and Defi Wing extensions, it adapts to the evolution of board sports while retaining its original spirit: the pleasure of sailing together, with friends and enthusiasts, on one of the most beautiful beaches on the Aude coast.
Defi Wind — edition 2026
25th edition of Defi Wind in Gruissan, from May 8 to 17, 2026, on the Plage des Chalets: Defi Kite (May 8-10, 13th edition, 500 spots), Defi Wing (May 11-13, 5th edition, 800 spots) and Defi Wind (May 14-17, 25th edition, 1,500 spots). Nearly 2,500 riders from 45 countries gathered in the Mediterranean for this giant watersports event.
Three Defis over ten days and nine nights
The 25th edition of Defi Wind took place from May 8 to 17, 2026, on the Plage des Chalets in Gruissan (Aude), with a three-part program: Defi Kite from May 8 to 10 (13th edition, 500 spots), Defi Wing from May 11 to 13 (5th edition, 800 spots) and Defi Wind from May 14 to 17 (25th edition, 1,500 spots). Nearly 2,500 riders from 45 countries started on the Aude coast, supervised by approximately 150 people for sea safety.
A 10,000 m² village and over 60 brands
On land, the village featured nearly 10,000 m² of exhibition space to host 62 international brands from 15 countries, who presented their latest innovations in windsurfing, wingfoiling, and kitesurfing. Test stands, demonstrations, concert evenings, and DJ sets from 7 PM to 2 AM on the beach punctuated the ten-day event.
An edition marked by the Tramontane wind
The Defi Wind on Thursday, May 14, took place in extreme conditions, with gusts reaching 45 knots. Of the 1,350 registered windsurfers, 1,199 started and 622 crossed the finish line of the 40-kilometer marathon. Dutchman Jordy Vonk won the first Finn race in 32 minutes, beating Matteo Iachino by 45 seconds. Among women, British Jenna Gibson won, while Alexis Mathis and Justine Lemeteyer dominated the Foil category.
Named « Event of the Year » at the Foiling Awards 2026
Prior to the 2026 edition, Defi Wind was awarded « Event of the Year » at the Foiling Awards 2026 for its inclusive format bringing together amateurs and professionals on the same starting line and for its integration of emerging disciplines (wingfoil, kitefoil, windfoil) alongside historical windsurfing. The 26th edition is already announced from April 30 to May 9, 2027.
Programme Defi Wind 2026
Defi Kite — May 8 to 10, 2026 (13th edition, 500 spots)
- International long-distance kitesurfing competition
- Nearly 400 participants from 30 countries
Defi Wing — May 11 to 13, 2026 (5th edition, 800 spots)
- Wingfoil marathon with approximately 600 to 700 registered participants
Defi Wind — May 14 to 17, 2026 (25th edition, 1,500 spots)
- Thursday, May 14 — 09:00 AM: village opening · 01:00 PM: riders' briefing and official opening · 02:00 PM: first starts · 08:00 PM: Defi Wind Party
- Friday, May 15 — 09:30 AM: briefing · 10:30 AM: first starts · 08:00 PM: concert evening
- Saturday, May 16 — 09:30 AM: briefing · 10:30 AM: first starts · 08:00 PM: concert evening
- Sunday, May 17 — last starts and prize-giving ceremony depending on conditions
Defi Wind 2026 Results
Men — Finn
- Jordy Vonk (Netherlands)
- Matteo Iachino
- Nico Prien
Followed by Pierre Mortefon (4th), Bruno Martini (5th), Maciek Rutkowski (6th).
Women — Finn
- Jenna Gibson (Great Britain)
- Mae Davico
- Marion Mortefon
Men — Foil (Unlimited)
- Alexis Mathis (France)
- Amado Vrieswijk
- John Soukos (Greece)
Women — Foil (Unlimited)
- Justine Lemeteyer (France, PWA Foil World Champion)
- Blanca Alabau
- Lola Brotschi
Highlights Defi Wind 2026
- 25th edition of Defi Wind, 13th of Defi Kite, 5th of Defi Wing
- Nearly 2,500 riders from 45 countries over 10 days
- 10,000 m² exhibitor village with 62 international brands
- Defi Wind winners: Jordy Vonk (NED) and Jenna Gibson (GBR) in Finn, Alexis Mathis and Justine Lemeteyer in Foil
- Named « Event of the Year » at the Foiling Awards 2026
Prices Defi Wind 2026
Practical information — Defi Wind
Practical Information
Access
Defi Wind takes place on the beach of Gruissan (11430).
- By car: A9 motorway, exit Narbonne-Sud, then D168 towards Gruissan-Plage. Dedicated parking lots near the beach.
- By train: Narbonne SNCF station (15 km away), then shuttle or taxi to Gruissan.
Prices
- Spectators: free and open access to the beach
- Competitor registration: fee applies (see official website)
Usual Dates
- Mid-May (Defi Kite, Defi Wing, Defi Wind over approximately 10 days)
Contact
- Email: [email protected]
- Website: www.defiwind.fr
- Instagram: @defiwind
- Facebook: @LeDefi
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Where does it take place — Defi Wind
Plage des Chalets
Plage des Chalets, Gruissan, 11430 Gruissan