AN EPIC EVENT
There is no event quite like the Defi Wind. This year, the challenge was back on for nearly 1300 windsurfers at Gruissan, France.
One of the biggest reunions in the history of windsurfing just happened in the month of May. After years of no large scale windsurfing events, the 2022 edition of the Defi Wind hit the nail on the head. Nearly 1300 windsurfers had signed up to participate in the race, and many more joined, just to enjoy the atmosphere and reconnect with friends from around the world.
Gruissan delivered the near-perfect wind forest we all associate with the iconic Defi Wind.
Across the four event days, we saw the breathtaking scenes of the enormous rabbit start, as well as, nervewracking racing action. Anywhere along the ten kilometer long stretch, that had to be covered four times, there were action and battles to be found. Whether you’ve had this experience before or not, the experience is equally thrilling; an absolute must for any windsurfer in the world to experience.
This year, all participants and visitors of the Defi Wind were able to check out the latest Severne gear and get a preview of what is to come in 2023. Furthermore, nearly the full Severne team was present. During all event dates, the Severne booth was the centre of activity for visitors wanting to meet the likes of Bjorn Dunkerbeck, Philip Köster, Matteo Iachino, and more.
The keen visitors were also able to see a presentation on the current and upcoming technologies, as well as, the latest board development projects by the Severne brand. Those who stuck it out until the end of the presentation also got a chance to get hold of the official Severne X Defi Wind t-shirt, and a Severne stubby holder.
Ultimately, after four days of hardcore competition with multiple races completed on the 40km long course daily, it was Delphine Cousin who took this year’s title in the women’s fleet while Nicolas Goyard won the men’s fleet.
The final results were the following;
Men’s results:
1st Niclas Goyard
2nd Antoine Albeau
3rd Antoine Questel
6th Matteo Iachino
17th Cedric Bordes
31st Adrien Mestre
32nd Bjorn Dunkerbeck
Women’s
1st Delphine Cousin
2nd Justine Lemeteyer
3rd Marion Mortefon
5th Blanca Alabau
6th Helle Oppedal
11th Sara Wennekes
After a very successful event, the expectations are high for the 2023 version of the Defi Wind where the Severne brand also will be present to meet windsurfers from all across the world.
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A WINDSURF UNIVERSITY CLINIC IN KARPATHOS, GREECE WITH ODA JOHANNE
Two legends of the women’s windsurf scenery, SEVERNE rider Oda Johanne, and multiple world champion Sarah-Quita have teamed up to host an exhilarating windsurf clinic in Karpathos, Greece. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or a curious beginner, this post will give you an exclusive peek into the world of windsurfing clinics.
TOP-OF-THE-LINE SLALOM AND FREESTYLE ACTION AT THE PWA FUERTEVENTURA WORLD CUP 2023
Ten days of solid wind combined with stunning, magazine-turquoise waters set the perfect scenario for the 48 fastest slalom windsurfers and the 40 best freestylers to battle their way towards a 2023 World Title.
MERIJN TINGA – WINDSURFING FROM OSLO TO LONDON WITH ONE GOAL
Merijn Tinga, a Dutch environmental activist, windsurfed from Oslo to London to raise awareness of the enormous amount of plastic trash floating in the North Sea. Merijn’s journey is mind-blowing. We had to know more and got him on the phone for a detailed talk about this epic adventure.
DAIDA MORENO, A LEGEND OF WINDSURFING STEPS BACK FROM THE COMPETITION SCENE
Winning Pozo Izquierdo 22 times, the legendary Daida Moreno, a true icon in the windsurf world, has now chosen to step back from competition
INTERVIEWING LENNART NEUBAUER
Lennart Neubauer has had quite an exciting journey this year. He started off with an injury but managed to overcome it and now he is leading the Freestyle Pro Tour. Looks like Lennart is truly on a fast track course to stardom.
CHOOSING THE RIGHT BOARD – Understanding Your Board Design
Windwise coach and Severne Team rider Simon Bornhoft continues his easy-to-follow guide to help choose the right board for your level and style of windsurfing. Last feature we categorized the whole range. For this issue we delve deeper into key characteristics that will help determine which board is right for YOU.
Location feature – surfline rhodes
As a renowned establishment with its doors open since 1985, Surfline Rhodes offers a great variety of services. Whether you’re a beginner taking your first steps into the world of windsurfing or a seasoned pro seeking to enhance your skills, a team of expert instructors is ready to guide you on your journey. With personalized lessons and training programs, they ensure that everyone receives the attention and guidance they require to thrive.
PWA Gran Canaria World Cup 2023 – eight days of full on action
This year’s Gran Canaria world cup was a week-long windsurfing action reel covering wave, and slalom racing.
Not a single day was quiet during this year’s Gran Canaria World Cup. The first weekend delivered the near-perfect wave conditions we all see in magazine shots. Then followed three days of full-power slalom racing, only to have wave action return the following weekend to bookend an incredible event.
Nearly all podiums had Severne riders present. Amongst others, Daida Moreno won her 22nd Pozo title, and Blanca Alabau won her first-ever women’s slalom victory.