
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.
More Severne news
Defi Wind 2026: Severne brought the building
Four days at Gruissan. Tramontana 25-45 knots. 1,400 competitors. Blanca took silver, Antoine finished fourth in Foil Unlimited, and Monster and Fury hit the table publicly for the first time ever at Revolution HQ — voted best stand of the event.
Federico Infantino: Main Break and the Desert
Federico Infantino’s 2025/26 Western Australia season, filtered through the surf-style approach he has been refining: small sail, board-led, let the wave do the work.
Wildwest: Balz Müller Goes XXL at Famara
Balz Müller takes his R4D 4.4 and Psycho 86 into XXL conditions at Famara, Lanzarote. Wildwest is a reminder that nobody pushes the freestyle/wave crossover like Balz.
The Wolf Enters the Big League
Fabian Wolf has strengthened his collaboration with team SEVERNE for 026, stepping up to the international racing team. From national slalom to Olympic iQFOiL to PWA racing; the German finished 2025 as Vice European Champion and 5th at PWA Japan, and he’s targeting the top three in 026.
Lina Erpenstein: Ten Years on Team SEVERNE
Lina Erpenstein joined team SEVERNE in 2016 after growing up on flat water in inland Germany. Ten years, multiple podiums and victories at European, national, and international level, a Chile World Cup win, and a medical career later; she’s still chasing the Women’s World Title.
Pauline Katz: Five Years on the Redback
Pauline Katz has ridden the Redback since ’21. Five seasons across Pozo, Chile, and Maui; all on a sail built for riders her size. Here’s why she’s never switched.
Girls on Tour Goes European
Team SEVERNE rider Pauline Katz expands her Girls on Tour women’s windsurfing camp series to a full European calendar in 2026. Seven events across four locations covering waves, freestyle, and slalom; coached by top female pros including Daida Ruano Moreno and Maaike Huvermann.
Blanca Alabau Signs Eighth Year with SEVERNE
2023 PWA Slalom World Champion and women’s foil speed world record holder Blanca Alabau returns to team SEVERNE for her eighth consecutive season. The partnership that started when she entered Formula Foil competition has produced world titles, speed records, and consistent podiums across both fin and foil disciplines.
SEVERNE Margaret River Wave Classic 2026: Jaeger Stone back on top
Jaeger Stone reclaims Margaret River while 17-year-old Sarah Kenyon wins her first Pro Women’s event. Jake Ghiretti scores the highest wave of the competition. Team SEVERNE dominated every podium; all on the Stone.








