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ARE YOU READY FOR IT?: THE DÉFI WIND 2025!

GET DÉFI READY WITH JORDY VONK!

Get set for one of the world’s most intense and exhilarating windsurfing events;  the legendary Défi Wind Gruissan is fast approaching! Pro rider Jordy Vonk takes us behind the scenes with exclusive insights on what to expect, his go-to gear setups, and how to mentally and physically prepare for 40km of relentless racing on the water. We also hear from Franck Roguet, who has been involved in organizing the Défi Wind since day one. He shares expert tips, insider knowledge, and what participants can look forward to at this year’s epic edition of the event!

Photos: Courtesy Jean Souville, Défi Wind and Jordy Vonk.

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GET DEFI READY: JORDY VONK

WHAT TO EXPECT!

Jordy Vonk

“Be ready for sore muscles and goosebumps. Windsurfing alongside 1,400 people is an unforgettable experience, and for me, a must-do event for any windsurfer in the world. I don’t just do it to chase a result; I do it for the vibe. The energy of the Défi is proof that windsurfing is very much alive. The event will kick off in a few weeks on May 25th to the 1st of June, with the windsurf races on the 29th-1st!

HOW MUCH GEAR CAN YOU BRING?

As much as you want! I usually prep several boards and sails to stay ready for the ever-changing Tramontana winds. The Defi allows gear from any discipline or era, so bring whatever works for you. With 1,400 riders on the water, you’ll see every setup imaginable.

THE RACE

It’s a one-hour countdown announced on the stage in the event area. After that, check-out is open: you go through a gate on the beach with your transponder, meaning you’re heading out on the water. Forget this and you won’t get a result! I always recommend preparing your gear before the countdown or skippers’ meeting, because this hour can pass quickly when you’re under stress.

Once you head out to the starting line, you realize how hectic it is. 1,400 people on the water is never easy. If you’re on a foil, I recommend starting low. That makes the first reach easier to manage, as you’ll be going slightly upwind. If you’re on a fin, start in the middle or higher. What matters most is having speed. It’s better to start a little later or higher or lower than planned, but try to be planing, rather than floating in a group of people waiting for the boat to pass.

I always like to push hard on the first reach to break free from the pack. Never too much, of course, or you’ll suffer later in the race. I usually push on the second, third, or fourth reach at critical moments – like when I need to pass a lot of people or deal with a wind hole and I relax when I’m in free wind and water.

Besides that, I always stay alert to avoid collisions. Know the basic rules (starboard and port tack), and remember: if you’re faster, it’s your responsibility to keep clear. At the gybe, make sure you don’t gybe into someone else and try to maintain your speed. It’s better to go a little farther to get clear wind and water, rather than gybing directly around the mark or boat, unless you clearly have the opportunity, in which case that’s the fastest way.

Once your race is done, drink a beer to celebrate. (Okay, maybe not if there’s another race coming up!) Drink electrolytes and eat something, this will fuel you for the next race!

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FRANCK ROGUET

There are few people who have more knowledge about the Defi than Franck Roguet who has been with event organizer Phillipe Bru as part of his team throughout the Defi Wind history. Francky gives us his top five tips for riders taking part in the 2025 Defi!

 

TRAMONTANA

The local dominant wind in Gruissan is Tramontana. Tramontana is a strong NW off-shore wind, It never blows light, expect anything from 20 to 45 knots. You have either no wind or Tram’ that starts straight away above 20 knots. That is the wind minimum to start a race at Defi to make sure every participants have potential to have fun full planing with 1400 sails around. You don’t need to bring big gear unless you want to take part to unofficial fun races if the wind comes from the wrong direction, easterly. In that case, it’s a light on shore breeze that raises immediately non stop waves with short period.

RABBIT START

All racers start together on the same starting line. A 60 minutes countdown is given at the briefing when Tramontana materialises. The goal is to start full speed when the rabbit boat opens the starting line at 00:00 flying from the pin end to the upwind side of the 800 meters long line. It takes approximately 45 secondes to open the entire line from the outside to the beach mark. Use the full length of the run up to start from a distance a get clean wind. Do not stand on the line waiting for the count down to roll. The best riders will cover the distance in about 40 minutes, the last ones in more than 3 hours…

STARTING OPTIONS

If you want to start sharp at 00:00, you’ll have to sail outside where it is well choppy with a touch of tight reach to mark 1 which is 10 km away. You’ll be with the most of the pros who want to have clear wind and away from the crowd. If you want to take it easy and sail on flat water, stay on the upper side of the startline. You’ll have to set your clock to 61 minutes to avoid starting too early which would be a complete disaster: in any case, you better be 30 seconds late planing than 5 seconds early, having to stop and ending covered by a massive curtain of a thousand sails for 5 minutes…

GEAR

It is a long distance. Reaches are never-ending on the same leg. It burns! Go on the water as soon as the countdown is given to try the conditions and your gear. Come back to the beach, drink, relax and make sure you are not late to join the starting area. If your goal is just to complete the distance, take easy going gear and sail on energy saving mode. If you want to beat your mate, take freerace gear but nothing too powerful. In a light wind Defi (20-25 knots), expert on slalom gear will go with 6.5, 67 wide board/110 liters and 32 cm fin. Sometime, the Tramontana shifts North or West which means you may have to point upwind on one tack. In that case, choose a 34 cm. A real Defi runs in 35-45 knots: go as small as you can!

CHECKS

With strong off-shore wind, you’ll have to follow some safety rules. Any competitor leaving the beach to start a race must sign in to enter the race, and sign out as soon as back on the beach, wether finishing the race or abandoning. You’ll be equipped with a chip – not a tracker – that locates you through multiple gates: leaving the beach at the check in station, at mark 1, on the finish line, and at the check out station on the beach. Organisers keep a strong eye on all entrants and want to make sure everybody is safe back on the beach. Last but not least, make sure your gear is in good condition, most of the rescues on the first race are due to equipment failure such as broken UJ. Check your harness lines, ropes,… When every details are sorted, you’ll enjoy even more your races and more than anything, the traditional evening beer torrent!

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GEAR CHOICES FOR DIFFERENT WIND SPEEDS

JORDY VONK

This year, I’ll be racing on fin only. Here’s my setup for different conditions:

20 knots: 7.8 sail + 116L board

25 knots: 6.8 + 116L

30 knots: 6.8 + 99L

35 / 40 knots: 5.8 + 99L

45 knots: 5.0 + 99L

50 knots: 5.0 + 90L!

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DEFI SETUP TIPS

Comfort = Speed.

Trim your gear so the sail feels light in your hands and the board flies smoothly without going wild.

KEY SETUP TIPS:

Harness Lines: Use adjustable lines. If the wind picks up mid-race, lengthening them gives more control.

Mast Track: Move it slightly forward. This reduces aggressiveness while still keeping the board airborne over chop.

Outhaul System: A must-have for free-race / slalom gear. Loosening increases power; tightening gives control.

Fin Choice: Don’t go too small! The race often involves upwind angles, so use your regular fin or even 1cm bigger for better control and positioning.

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FITNESS & TRAINING

If this is your first 40 km non-stop race, it will be tough! Start building up your endurance now: train with long sessions…aim to hit 40 km in one go, take a break, and do another 40 if possible. No wind? Hit the gym! Strength and endurance work will pay off massively to handle the Defi.

WETSUIT & SAFETY GEAR

I recommend a short-arm wetsuit, it keeps you warm while reducing fatigue in your lower arms. For cooler days, I use a 4/3 short-arm, which is always warm enough in South France this time of year.

 

HELMET OR IMPACT VEST?
A helmet is mandatory for foiling, optional for fin, but I recommend both. With so many people around, they offer peace of mind…and that can boost your performance.

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DUOTONE IDEAL RIG SETUPS

AMATEUR FREERIDER

Board: BLAST
Sail: E_PACE SLS
This combo is fast, stable, and super comfortable—perfect for enjoying the race without stress.

EXTREME WIND CONDITIONS (40+ KNOTS)

Board: ULTRA FREEWAVE
Sail: DUKE
At this stage, it’s about survival, not performance. This setup prioritizes control when the wind is howling.

SEMI-FAST AMATEUR FREERACE

Board: JAG
Sail: S_PACE (3-cam free-race sail)
The JAG is incredibly fast and less aggressive than a full-on race board. Pair it with a slightly smaller free-race sail for easier handling over long distances.

PRO FIN & FOIL SETUP

Fin Division: FALCON + WARP
Foil Division: FALCON FOIL + WARP FOIL
This is the gear capable of winning the Defi Wind. If you’re aiming for the top, this is what you’ll need…now it’s up to you to deliver!

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WANT TO BE FULLY PREPARED?

We still have 2–3 spots open for the Defi Wind Experience!”

Train, tune, and race with us: https://surf-center.com/defiwind

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Official website below:

THE DEFI

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