Gear & Packing List for the DEFI WIND - Gruissan, France

Participating in the DEFI WIND, one of the most thrilling long-distance windsurf races in the world, requires meticulous preparation. Held in the picturesque town of Gruissan, South of France, the race is famous for its intense Tramontana winds, which can range from 20 to 60 knots. To ensure you’re fully equipped to face the challenge, here’s a comprehensive packing list that covers everything you’ll need for a successful and enjoyable DEFI WIND experience.

Boards

• For FIN Participants:
  • Slalom or Freerace Board: Ideal for 20-35 knot conditions. (think about a 60-63 wide board with around 95-100 liters of volume)
  • E.g. a Freewave board: for handling 40-knot winds or more.
• For FOIL Participants: 1 Foil Board, Optimized for both stability and speed in varying wind conditions

Sails

• For FIN Participants: Small sails (4.5-5.5) for high-wind conditions exceeding 40 knots. (e.g. a  wave sail)
  Freerace or slalom Sails suitable for moderate 20-30 knot winds.
• For FOIL Participants: Foil-Specific Sails. Ensure you bring sails that can handle both light and strong winds, typically between 4 to 6 square meters.

Foils and Fins

• Fins/Spare Fins: Appropriate for the conditions you’ll encounter, with spares for emergencies.
  Foil and Spare Components: Ensure you have a backup for crucial foil parts.

Rig Components

• Masts: Bring a primary mast and a spare.
• Booms: Carry a main boom plus a spare for unexpected damage.
• Mast Extensions and Baseplates: Essential rigging components that you should have in duplicates.

Accessories

• Starting Watch: For precise race timing.
• Sport Watch: To monitor your performance and conditions.
• Harness: A comfortable harness is crucial for long races. (remember; one reach is around 10 KM :-))
• Adjustable Harness Lines: Long lines that can be adjusted on the go for maximum comfort and control.

Repair Kit

• Sanding Paper: For quick fixes to your board or gear.
• Fast Repair Kit (e.g. Ding Stick): For emergency repairs.
• Aluminum Tape: Useful for temporary fixes.
• Screws and Tools: Include a screwdriver, Phillips head, Torx, and scissors for on-the-spot adjustments.

Neoprene & Sun Protection

• Winter and Spring Wetsuits: The weather can be unpredictable, so bring wetsuits for both cooler and warmer conditions.
• Shoes/Boots: Even if you usually windsurf barefoot, pack shoes to prevent blisters from long sessions.
• Poncho: For changing on the beach.
• Sun Cream: High SPF to protect against prolonged sun exposure.
• Hat/Cap: To shield your face from the sun when not on the water.

Safety & Protection

• 3-Meter Rope: Required for attaching your gear to safety buoys if needed.
• Helmet: Mandatory for foilers, but recommended for all participants.
• Impact Vest: Ideally, choose one with an integrated pocket. The Prolimit race vest and WIP ones are highly recommended.
• Hydration Bag: A hydration pack like the WIP is perfect for staying hydrated during the races.

Traveling

• Session Bags and/or Board Bags: Protect your gear during transport.
• Gear Bags: Keep all your smaller items organized and easily accessible.

Vitamins & Supplements

• Before the Races:
  • Caffeine & Hydration: Isotonic drinks or natural energy drinks like Tenzing.
  • Energy Bars: High in carbs to fuel your performance.
• In Between Races:
  • Prepare Your Lunches and Hydration: Pack quick, nutritious meals and drinks to keep you going.
• After Races:
  • Protein Shakes: For recovery and muscle repair.

Now that you’ve checked off the general list, here are some additional tips tailored to different skill levels and personal goals:

Case 1: the windsurfer aiming to finish the race
Are you determined to complete the DEFI WIND, but find yourself less experienced in high-wind conditions or long-distance windsurfing? If your primary goal is to finish the race, control should be your main focus. This will allow you to concentrate on the incredible experience of racing alongside 1,500 fellow windsurfers, rather than battling to control your gear.

•  Small freeride board (around 100L): Offers control in high wind conditions, while making it easier to start or float in lighter wind areas.
• Medium freeride board (around 110-120 L): Ideal for the lighter days.
• Small wavesails (3.7-4.5 m): For really windy days:
• Medium sized freeride sails (5.0-6.5m): For moderate wind conditions:

Case 2: the windsurfer beating personal goals or friends
Are you regularly out on the water, enjoying some speed and looking to push yourself beyond just finishing the race? If you’re eager to challenge yourself against your friends or your personal best, then you’ll want gear that’s both comfortable and fast. This combination will give you the edge you need to up your game while still enjoying the ride.

Fin: 

• Small Freeride/Freewave or Freerace Board (90-98L): For high-wind days.
• Freerace Board (100-120L): For lighter days.
• Freeride/Wave Sail (4.0-4.5m): For 35+ knots.
• Freerace/Freeride Sails (5.0-6.0): For 25-35 knots.
• Freerace sails (6.0-7.5m): For 18-25 knots.

Foil: 

• Relatively small foilboard (78-85): 1 all-round board for all wind conditions
• Freerace foil with small front wing (around 450cm2) and a medium front wing (around 550 cm2)
• Small sail for 35+ knots: 3.6-4.5m
• Freerace foil sail for 20-35 knots : 5 – 6.5 m

Case 3: the experienced slalom windsurfer aiming for results 
Do you hit the water as soon as the trees start moving? Are you used to make many kilometres on the water and are you really focused on getting a good result at the DEFIWIND? If you are used to handle cambered sails and slalom boards even in stormy weather, then you are in for a good challenge. With the right slalom kit, you’ll be well-equipped to take on the competition and have some serious fun.

For Fin Racing:

• Small Slalom Board (88-98L) with a 29-32 cm fin for high-wind days.
• Medium Slalom Board (105-120L) with a 33-37 cm fin for lighter wind days.
• Slalom Sails:
  • 4.6-5.0m for 35-40 knots.
  • 5.5-6.5m for 25-35 knots.
  • 6.5-7.5m for 18-25 knots.
•  Consider bringing a wave sail (~4m) for extreme conditions (40+ knots).

For Foil Racing:

• Small Foilboard (78-85cm width).
• Small front wing (375-420cm²) and medium front wing (460-560cm²).
• Small foil sail (3.6-4.5m) for 35+ knots.
• Foil sail (5.0-6.5m) for 20-35 knots.

Some additional top tips

Tip1: Comfort over speed: Comfort is key. Don’t underestimate the conditions the Tramontana can throw at you. When choosing between a slightly faster board and one you can sail comfortably for hours, always opt for comfort. You won’t regret it!

Tip2: Check everything in advance: Sand, salt, wind and sun can take a toll on your gear. Be sure to check everything before you go—make sure your booms, extensions, and screws are the right lengths and in good condition. Double-check those footstraps too to avoid any surprises on the water!

Tip3: Maximize your options. Have you’ve got any space left? Bringing additional equipment means you won’t miss out on any free sailing when the conditions aren’t ideal for official races. It’s always better to have more options than not enough.

Tip4: Rig multiple sails: : One of the biggest advantages you can have is being able to rig multiple sails at the beach so you can make a last-minute decision based on the conditions. Consider packing extra baseplates, masts, and extensions to make this possible.

Packing for DEFI WIND is all about preparation and anticipation. The conditions in Gruissan can be harsh, with powerful winds and a sandy, salty environment that’s tough on gear. By ensuring you have the right equipment, spares, and personal essentials, you’ll be well-prepared to tackle the race with confidence.

Remember, the key to enjoying DEFI WIND is not just about speed and skill but also about being prepared for the unexpected. With this packing list, you’ll have everything you need to face the elements and focus on what really matters—enjoying the ride and the thrill of competing in one of windsurfing’s most iconic events. Safe travels, and see you on the water!