Monday's Tips

Every Monday, find out what local professionals and riders have to say to help you prepare for the Defi.

Windsurfing

Antoine Albeau

As far as sailing is concerned, there's only one watchword for a "normal" windsurfer: choose a bigger board than the one you're used to, as the wind is really very irregular, especially when you start to cross paths with the crowds of windsurfers.

On land, you need to be well prepared at least an hour before departure, as it's always difficult to get around and find your equipment on the beach. I have an anecdote on this subject: I had a friend who was well prepared, but when it came time to leave, he couldn't find his equipment! There were so many boards and sails on the beach that it looked like a supermarket parking lot. It took him 30 minutes to find it.

Finally, when it comes to parties, be careful not to get carried away by the atmosphere, or you'll find yourself at 4 a.m. every night!

Nicolas Warembourg

"One of the most important points for a successful race, whatever your goal, is to take the time to test the race course before the start of the race. I always try to tack a few times before the first briefing to get an idea of the actual wind conditions. There's often a difference between what you see from the beach and what you feel on the water.

If you can, prepare 2 or 3 sails before departure. This will save you time if you decide to change equipment before the start.

Have a good race! 💨"

Marion Mortefon

Here are a few tips to help you get the most out of your sessions:

- Check the condition of your harness lines: If one day you have to come back from Port la Nouvelle by force of arms, you'll remember! 😜
- Don't over trim if the wind is very strong, it's a long run!
- Enjoy the big windsurfing festival: Whether on the water or in the evening during the concerts, this is an opportunity to experience unforgettable moments with enthusiasts from all over the world. It's not every day that so many windsurfers gather in one place!

A little anecdote about the race: In general, with the other girls, we don't see much of each other at the start, but once we've reached the 1st buoy, we often find ourselves in small groups. I've even done heats with Delphine Cousin, where we finished one behind the other, almost neck and neck, after 10 km. It was really fun to be in the middle of all those windsurfers!

Jordy Vonk

"My best advice for the Wind Challenge can be summed up in one word: preparation. That's why we created the Wind Challenge Experience, to help people prepare for what lies ahead! When you're out on the water with 1,500 other windsurfers, it can be overwhelming. Make sure you know the spot, check all your gear at home, and I strongly recommend you don't go alone. Having a windsurfing buddy to share the experience with is incredibly helpful!"

"For me, the Wind Challenge is not just a 40-kilometer race, it's a big windsurfing festival that includes a race. Enjoy every step of the way, especially if it's your first time. Make sure you experience it all: the race, the party, the pits, the pros and the people. Soak it all in as much as you can, learn from it, and come back next year to maybe get a better result. I'm sure the Challenge is addictive, at least for me!

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Wingfoil

Erwan Jauffroy

"The Challenge is just around the corner, and you'd better be ready! Here, in my opinion, are some essential tips to make your Challenge a success:

- Wear a clearly legible watch while sailing, and remember to take the countdown to the start on each run.
- Don't leave the beach at the last minute: take the time to observe and test your equipment under race conditions and adapt your gear accordingly.
- Use @waterspeedapp to track your route, analyze your track and optimize your effort.
- Avoid dense groupings at the top of the line, but also at the bottom, so as not to be hindered by the turbulence of experienced riders.
- Using a harness will make all the difference.
- Choose an adapted board rather than one that's too small, for more bottom in starts and jibes.
- Don't hesitate to talk to the professionals ashore: they're approachable and always ready to share their tips.
- And above all, make the most of every moment: Defi is only once a year!

Orane Ceris

"Tip 1: Know your equipment well, and above all don't change your settings at the last minute. It's rarely a good idea (cramps guaranteed 😅)
Tip 2: In the middle of the race, when your legs/arms/back are on fire and you're wondering "what the hell am I doing here?", hang in there, and once you've crossed the finish line, you'll be proud of yourself for not letting go!
Tip 3: When you think it's all over, that you've earned your beer and your deckchair... remember that it's never over with Philippe Bru. Prepare yourself mentally for a fresh start.

Anecdote: Little bonus: beware of parties... They cost me my cruciate ligaments last year. That's true. Take it easy on the dancefloors!"

Bastien Escofet

"In my opinion, for the Défi, you shouldn't overestimate yourself, especially when it comes to foil and wing size.
The sleeves are long, so you have to prioritize comfort: a good average speed will be more effective than a peak speed!

Axel Mazella

Rest before the Defi!

Because if the tramontana is there, you're going to need stamina. It's going to be intense and condensed, both on the water and on land, of course! All the more so if you do two or even three supports in a row! Take advantage of the last few days before the competition to fine-tune your equipment, and don't ask any questions afterwards!

"For me, the Wind Challenge isn't just a 40-kilometer race, it's a big windsurfing party with a race. Enjoy every step of the way, especially if it's your first time. Make sure you experience everything: the race, the party, the pits, the pros and the people. Soak it all in as much as you can, learn from it, and come back next year to maybe get a better result. I'm sure the Challenge is addictive, at least for me!

Mathis Ghio

Good positioning on the starting line changes everything!
Respect the order of the riders! The pros and faster riders are at the bottom, near the viewfinder, while the more varied riders are higher up the line. Don't overestimate yourself! If you do, you risk spending 20 km in the devents.... 😅 Conversely, underestimating yourself isn't so bad!
And don't forget... Le Défi is also legendary for its parties, so make sure you manage your energy well if you want to be at your best on the water the next day. The streetcar is unforgiving!

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Kitesurfing

Axel Mazella

Rest before the Defi!

Windy Sam

A hare-brained start with 400 riders, that's a lot of lines in the sky 🪁🙈 . So as not to get tangled up, if this is your 1st Challenge, I'd advise starting from a little further back, as you can't get past the hare boat, but you have to do everything you can not to come to a standstill. If no one pulls the handbrake, it gradually accelerates and gives you a magnificent start without giant spaghetti lines!

Sebastien Jourdant

"My tips for preparing for the Kite Challenge:

Start by checking your equipment: you're not going to set off with lines from 2012 that have done I don't know how many (more or less controlled) loops. Be sure of your equipment, and the same goes for your kite!

You should also check your board's fins, straps and straps inserts. And if you're on a twin-tip... do what you can and order a pair of knees!

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