DEFI WIND 2026: THE STORY BEHIND THE WINDDEFI WIND 2026: THE STORY BEHIND THE WINDThe official Defi Wind video has landedand this year delivered epic winds and over 1,300 windsurfers lining up for the legendary rabbit boat starts. More than just a race recap, this film captures the raw energy, emotion and spirit behind the worlds biggest windsurf gathering.For four days, Gruissan lived to the rhythm of an exceptional Tramontane wind. More than 1,300 windsurfers from around the world gathered on the legendary beach of La Vieille Nouvelle to share what has made Dfi Wind unique for over two decades: passion, commitment, the joy of sailing, and the desire to experience something extraordinary together. From world champions to amateur riders, from the youngest generation to the pioneers of the sport, everyone contributed to writing a new chapter in this remarkable story driven by the wind. More than a race recap, this film captures the atmosphere, emotions, and spirit that make Dfi Wind the largest windsurf gathering in the world. Because behind every gust, every start line, and every finish, there is a story worth telling. Welcome to the story behind the wind.The post DEFI WIND 2026: THE STORY BEHIND THE WIND appeared first on Windsurf Magazine Online.

GEORGE GRISLEY PUTS THE 1997 F2 WAVE 254 THROUGH ITS PACES!GEORGE GRISLEY PUTS THE 1997 F2 WAVE 254 THROUGH ITS PACES!George Grisley dug out a retro 1997 F2 Wave 254 and took it for a spin in Vassiliki. Tune in to find out how this old classic compares to modern day equipment and if George could get it to go 30 knots and land a forward on it!In this weeks video, I put a retro 1997 F2 Wave 254 through its paces in three unique challenges. Can I push this board past 30 knots, land a forward loop, and pull off some of the freestyle moves that the pioneers of the sport originally invented on boards just like this? Tune in to see how this classic shape compares to modern equipment and whether a windsurf board thats older than me still has what it takes on the water.The post GEORGE GRISLEY PUTS THE 1997 F2 WAVE 254 THROUGH ITS PACES! appeared first on Windsurf Magazine Online.

SIMMER BLACK TIP PRO 2026/27 REVIEW WITH MARC PARSIMMER BLACK TIP PRO 2026/27 REVIEW WITH MARC PAR2025 PWA / WWT World wave champion Marc Pare talks us though the 2026/27 Simmer Black tip Pro with the crew from Surfers Varberg!Blacktip Pro Simmer StyleThe Blacktip Pro 26/27 is a lightweight, highly responsive wave sail engineered for maximum performance with effortless handling. Building on the proven Team Carbon platform, it combines reduced weight with exceptional durability, delivering a direct and reliable feel in all wave conditions. Developed in close collaboration with world champion Marc Par, the Blacktip Pro has been refined to offer explosive acceleration, precise control, and confidence-inspiring stability when pushing your limits on the water.The post SIMMER BLACK TIP PRO 2026/27 REVIEW WITH MARC PAR appeared first on Windsurf Magazine Online.

The post Cape Verde Wing Foil Training Mission appeared first on SUPboarder Magazine.

THE SUSTAINABILITY PROJECT - JV69 X SOUL SURFERTHE SUSTAINABILITY PROJECT JV69 X SOUL SURFERJordy Vonk shares what he is doing to make a difference on fighting plastic pollution in our oceans. We hear from the people behind the mission, and why taking action matters now more than ever. Check it out!In 2025, I connected with Soul Surfer to launch a project focused on fighting plastic pollution in our oceans. As a professional windsurfer, I destroy equipment worth thousands of euros every year as a result of plastic polution and thats when the issue started to feel personal. While the gear that Im breaking is only a tiny part of a much bigger global problem. In this video, I share what were doing to make a difference, the people behind the mission, and why taking action matters now more than ever. If youd like to learn more about the projects we support, check them out below: The puresoul.work homepageInspiring fight for sustainability | Plastic Soup Surfer | Plastic Soup SurferPlastic Fischer | Prevent Ocean Pollution for Environmental ImpactWant to join the mission or support the movement? Feel free to reach out every action counts.The post THE SUSTAINABILITY PROJECT JV69 X SOUL SURFER appeared first on Windsurf Magazine Online.

EXCITING BLUE HEALTH SUP TRAINING FROM PORTUGAL TO THE UK!Ive always had a personal interest in the benefits of being by water for our health and researching it for my third book Adventures on the Water The Power of Paddleboarding to Change Lives. When I noticed SUP friends on Instagram were in Portugal for a Blue Health training, I was keen to find out more for you.I asked James from Wittering SUP, Gemma and Sarah from Whitby Ebb & Flow, Cami from SUP & Soul in Brighton and Clare from Wild Ocean Soul based in North Wales to tell me more.First of all James, what is Blue Health?James:Blue Health is the growing body of research showing that time in or near water has measurable effects on physical and mental wellbeing; lower cortisol, slower heart rate, improved mood, sharper attention. It isnt a feeling or a metaphor. The Blue Mind state (a concept coined by marine biologist and author Wallace J Nichols) is what happens when the nervous system finally has somewhere soft to land. Activities on the water like SUP, surfing or wild swimming give people direct access to that state, often for the first time.Please tell me more about the Blue Health Training Course in Portugal With ASI.James:The Blue Health Skills for Watersports Instructors course is a six-module online certification covering the science of Blue Health, the Red Mind to Blue Mind arc, soft fascination, nervous system regulation, and how to weave these into a SUP, surf or any water based activity session without it feeling forced. It finishes with an assessment. The aim is to give instructors a framework so they can run sessions that genuinely shift how clients feel, not just what they can do.ASI (the Academy of Surfing Instructors) is a global certification body for surf, SUP and adaptive watersports coaching. UK paddlers will know Paddle UK as a domestic governing body; ASI works alongside it internationally, with strong reach across Europe, Australia and the Americas.What was your motivation for going on the course?Gemma:Seeing peoples joy at being in blue spaces; their awe, as well as the achievement of physical challenge was key for me. Im also researching risk & wellbeing on our coasts for my PhD, so this qualification brings together the evidence base on Blue Mind with the rigour of teaching SUP safely with ASI.Sarah:Already being a Paddleboard Yoga Teacher, I knew that it would give me further skills to enhance my classes, in the area where I feel most passionate, the power of nature and the benefits that it brings to our health.Clare:Blue Health has been at the heart of my work for years. Ive seen what water does to people, the moment their shoulders drop and something shifts. Having trained as a Blue Health Coach with the pioneering Lizzi Larbalestier, the ASI course felt like a natural next layer, adding the watersports instructor framework and science to underpin what Id already developed in practice. Im also Senior Communities Officer at Surfers Against Sewage, mobilising communities to protect the waters we love to paddle in.Cami:I read Wallace J Nichols book, Blue Mind, early in my SUP career and immediately knew it would become the foundation of my work. My own SUP journey began as a way to find space and healing after my Dad passed away in 2016. I wanted to share the power of water connection for wellbeing through SUP far and wide, so it was a no-brainer to sign up.This sounds so interesting, whats next for the training?James:The course is live and open to any qualified watersports instructor, not just ASI coaches. Beyond the certification, were building a community around it, practitioners sharing how theyre applying it in their own waters, whats working, where the science is going. Long-term, Id like to see Blue Health become a recognised specialism within instructor training, the way first aid or safeguarding already are. The evidence is there. The framework is now there. We call it the Oxygen Mask Philosophy; self-care as a safety standard, not a luxury.How will you each incorporate it into your SUP personally and professionally?Gemma:Accessing Blue Mind really helps me as a coach and for endurance training. It has previously kept me going for 40km! Self-care is also vital, both for me professionally and for paddlers to have the best experience on the water. Starting in May, well run Mindful Mondays from Scaling Dam near Whitby, for both members and non-members, alongside our other sessions.Sarah:Paddling in a blue state of mind not only helps me to tap into a much deeper sense of peace and calm on the water, but also helps me with more challenging paddles. It aids the mindfulness of my paddlestroke, helping me to get into the rhythmic flow of the stroke, helping performance and injury prevention.Clare:Im training for a sea kayak expedition in Greenland this August, with Blue Mind principles very much part of my mental as well as physical preparation. Having recently relocated to North Wales Im falling in love with my local waters including Llyn Padarn, an SSSI lake facing real pressures. Ive joined a local water testing group working to protect it, and Im planning informal blue health social paddles there later in the year. For me blue health and blue activism go hand in hand and I want to help people connect deeply with water, because people protect what they love.Cami:the course has given me stronger science-backed foundations and the confidence, skills, language and tools to name what I already knew. I am weaving the Blue Mind learnings into the design of the experiences I host, along with sound healing, and exploring even more ways to bring people together around water and nature to support with their wellbeing both on and off the water.Are there simple tips you can share so we incorporate them into our SUP/life now?James:Absolutely! Twenty minutes is enough. You dont need a long session. Twenty minutes near water, with your phone away, measurably shifts your nervous system. Treat it like a dose, not an event.Let the water do the work. You dont have to meditate, paddle hard or make the most of it. Soft fascination (light on water, the sound of it, slow movement) does it for you if youll just stop trying.Notice the after. The Blue Mind effect lasts well beyond the session. Pay attention to how you feel an hour later, two hours later. Thats the bit that compounds.Find out more for yourself either for your personal use or as a SUP coach go to: James @witteringsup, Cami @supandsouluk, Clare@wild_ocean_soul and Gemma & Sarah @whitbyebbandflow orwww.academyofsurfing.comHello, my name is Jo Moseley, and I am the bestselling author of three books about paddleboarding.Two are guidebooks Stand Up Paddleboarding in Great Britain Beautiful Places to Paddleboard in England, Scotland and Wales and Stand Up Paddleboarding in the Lake District Beautiful Places to Paddleboard in Cumbria. The latter won the Lakeland Book Awards Zeffirellis Guides and Places Award 2025. My latest book is Adventures on the Water The Power of Paddleboarding to Change Lives a collection of 27 inspiring personal essays from incredible paddleboarders on how SUP has enhanced their lives. I am also the host of The Joy of SUP The Paddleboarding Sunshine Podcast.In this column I share inspiring stories of environmental projects, mental wellbeing initiatives and how we can make SUP more accessible. If you have a story, please email me on jomoseley@yahoo.com or message me on Instagram @jomoseley.

MARIA BEHRENS: THE NEXT WAVEMARIA BEHRENS: THE NEXT WAVEAt just 23 years old, German wave sailor Maria Behrens is rapidly becoming one of the most exciting names in womens wave sailing. Raised on the Baltic coast near Lbeck and inspired by family sessions in the waves, Behrens has made a fast progression to being one of the top ranked riders on the PWA tour. Fresh from an emotional runner-up finish at the Aloha Classic in Maui and currently sitting second in the 2026 world rankings, she talks about life on tour, balancing studies and sponsorship, her love for Hookipa and why the latest generation of womens wave sailing has never looked stronger.Photos: Fish Bowl Diaries and PWA Carter.WINDSURF: What is your background where are you from in Germany?MARIA BEHRENS: Im from the north of Germany, from a city called Lbeck near the Baltic Sea. Whenever Im home, I usually go windsurf there. But I also have Spanish roots, because my mum is from Sevilla, so our lifestyle is strongly influenced by Spanish culture. I love it!WINDSURF: Where did you learn to sail and when did you get into wave sailing?MARIA BEHRENS: My parents taught me how to windsurf when I was 12. I started on a shallow lake near my home, learning the basics. At some point, I really wanted to join my parents in the waves instead of waiting in the camper van, so I needed to learn how to water start. In 2014, we travelled to Maui, where I finally mastered it in deep water. After that, I was ready to ride small waves at the Baltic Seaand eventually all over the world.WINDSURF: What were you goals with wave sailing when you first got into it?MARIA BEHRENS: My main goal was to be able to share all windsurf sessions with my parents. I wanted to jump and surf waves like my dad!WINDSURF: What did you study at school and can you use anything you learned in your windsurfing career?MARIA BEHRENS: At school, I was in a sports-focused class that combined both practical and theoretical elements. We developed physical skills, learned training methods and studied sports science. Today that knowledge helps me a lot when analysing my movements during sailing or when creating a specific workout plan for the gym.At the moment, Im pursuing a bachelors degree in online marketing, and there are many aspects of it that I can apply to both areas. Its really interesting to me because nowadays its not just about being an athlete anymore, but also about representing yourself in the right way on social media and to potential sponsors.WINDSURF: What were your first competitions and how did you first get sponsored?MARIA BEHRENS: My first ever competition was the Danish Open in Klitmller in 2018. A friend encouraged me to join, and it turned out to be such a cool experience. In 2019, I entered my first international event on Tenerife in the U20 category. At that time, I didnt have a sponsor yet.WINDSURF: When and how did you join the Duotone Team?MARIA BEHRENS: I got in touch with Duotone through the Freerider shop in Hamburg. I signed with Duotone at the end of 2019 and met the team behind the brand straight after at Boot Dsseldorf, where I also received the Rookie of the Year award for 2020.WINDSURF: You also do wing foiling how do you combine the two sports?MARIA BEHRENS: The past years, Ive been getting more into wave wing foiling, especially since Duotone started developing more wave-specific wing foil gear. Whenever I travel to PWA tour stops, I always bring my wing foil equipment to train for the Wingfoil World Tour! I mean its hard not to when you visit perfect wave destinations like Chile, Maui, or the Canary Islands.WINDSURF: What are your ambitions with your windsurfing?MARIA BEHRENS: My dream is to become Womens Wave World Champion one day. Along the way, I want to push my limits and improve my skills in both jumping and wave riding across all kinds of conditions. Finishing second on Maui was one of those milestones that brought me closer to my goal.WINDSURF: You are currently sitting second in the world in the 2026 rankingshow does that feel?MARIA BEHRENS: It feels amazing! There are still many World Cups ahead this year, but starting the season with such a strong result is incredibly motivating! For now I am just enjoying seeing myself in second place in the ranking ha-ha!WINDSURF: What did it feel like to make the final at the Aloha Classic?MARIA BEHRENS: It was my most emotional moment of the event. I knew my parents were watching the live stream, and I started crying because it felt so special and because I was very proud of myself. Coming from northern Germany and reaching my second final in Pacific conditions at Hookipa, Maui, is a huge achievement for me.WINDSURF: Were you pleased with the way you were riding and your wave selection also?MARIA BEHRENS: On the first day, I wasnt fully satisfied because I didnt go for the bigger sets. I knew I needed to take those risks to score higher, and I managed to do that the following day. In the end, I was really happy with both my wave selection and my riding, even though the conditions were a bit onshore. I dont think Ive ever felt that much fun and flow in a competition before.WINDSURF: How tough was the first onshore day?MARIA BEHRENS: Getting out through the channel on the first day was really challenging because the current was pushing toward the rocks. Many riders were already heading out around 25 minutes before their heats just to make sure they were in position on time. Once outside, the light and onshore wind made it hard to get upwind. Because of that, wave selection became extremely important, with only 12-minute heats, you couldnt afford to waste time getting back into position.The actual wave riding turned out to be less difficult than I expected. Before the competition, I only had two days of training at Hookipa in similar side-on conditions. It helped me to adapt quickly and to feel prepared for the conditions we were expecting during the event.WINDSURF: Were you emotional after the final?MARIA BEHRENS: Of course, finishing second and reaching the podium was an incredible feeling and I was extremely happy and proud, but at the same time it almost felt unreal. There was barely time for me to process my emotions in between the heats so I dont think I fully understood what I had achieved in that moment. Only afterwards, I slowly started to realize how special that result actually was.WINDSURF: How do you like Maui and sailing at Hookipa?MARIA BEHRENS: Maui is magical! Its every water sports lovers dream. The North Shore, where I usually stay, is all about ocean sports, offering incredible conditions for surfing, windsurfing, and foiling. The west side of the island also has stunning landscapes and great hiking opportunities, same as the East.Since my first time on Maui in 2014 my dream has always been to windsurf in Hookipa. The life guard tower at the beach and its unique conditions makes it one of the most iconic spots in windsurfing. I really love the waves, I love the water colour but I hate the rocks! Ha-ha!WINDSURF: How do you feel about the level in womens wave sailing at the moment?MARIA BEHRENS: Im really impressed by the level right now. The womens fleet is incredibly strong, and its inspiring to see everyone pushing their limits. I cant wait for this summer in the Canaries for every one to bust out their moves. Its so cool to be part of such a supportive and talented community.WINDSURF: What other sailors do you look up to on tour?MARIA BEHRENS: I really look up to Sarah-Quita Offringa. For me, shes the definition of an all-around windsurfer. Ive always admired her jumping and wave riding, and how good she performs in all kinds of conditions. Shes also a very open and helpful person off the water, which I really respect.WINDSURF: Is it easy to be able to afford doing all the events on tour?MARIA BEHRENS: Its definitely not easy. As a 23-year-old athlete, Im still studying and working at the same time, so I really have to manage everything carefully. Traveling, equipment, entry feesit all adds up pretty quickly.Im doing about five events this season, which is a good balance for me right now. I get support through my sponsors, but its still important to plan ahead and sometimes make compromises. At the same time, I see it as an investment in my career, so I try to make it work as best as I can.WINDSURF: What about your gear, what were you riding in Maui?MARIA BEHRENS: I was mainly riding the Duotone Ultra Grip 69L with the 4.5m Super Hero D/LAB. Because of the lighter wind, I used my biggest sail, which is still very light thanks to the D/LAB construction. It makes it easy to connect my bottom turns and brings me to the top of the wave effortless even in slightly onshore conditions like we had. The board has around 10L more than my body weight. Its rail work feels so stable and smooth in bigger wave conditions. This board and sail combination is my dream setup for Maui!WINDSURF: How do you like the latest Duotone wave Boards and sails?MARIA BEHRENS: I really like the latest Duotone wave boards and sails. You can feel that a lot of development has gone into them over the past years.The boards give a lot of control but still feel loose and playful when you push them in the wave, which is exactly what I want in competition.The sails are super stable but still powerful and reactive when you need it. Overall, it just feels like gear you can fully trust on the World Tour, no matter what conditions you get.WINDSURF: How do you like the new ION range and what wetsuit do you wear in the winter at home and in the warm in Maui?MARIA BEHRENS: Im really impressed by the new ION wetsuits. Over the past few years, theyve invested a lot into improving and developing their products, and you can really feel it. During winter, I usually wear the Amaze Amp 6/5 with the integrated hood. It keeps me warm and at the same time allows a lot of freedom of movement, which is rare for such a thick wetsuit. When Im on Maui, I mostly use the Amaze Amp shorty. Its made with flexible, eco-friendly materials that make it super comfortable to wear. That flexibility really improves the overall feeling on the water.WINDSURF: Do you still sail a lot in Germany?MARIA BEHRENS: Yes, as soon as there are good conditions at home, you can find me on the water. It doesnt matter what time of the year. As soon as its above 2 degrees!WINDSURF: What are your other favourite locations to windsurf and compete?MARIA BEHRENS: Other place I really like to windsurf at are Hanstholm in Denmark, El Cabezo in Tenerife and I actually cant wait for the Grand Final event in Chile.WINDSURF: Do you enjoy the travel side of windsurfing?MARIA BEHRENS: Yes definitely!! Im very grateful for every trip and for the opportunity to experience different cultures and meet new people. The hardest part is definitely traveling with all the gear. The amount of board bags can be really annoying some times.WINDSURF: What do you love about windsurfing?MARIA BEHRENS: Its difficult to describe, but being out on the ocean gives me a unique sense of freedom. Far away from everyday distractions and surrounded only by nature. I also love the feeling of adrenaline before going on the water, knowing that youre facing natural conditions you cant control. Its an experience that very few sports can offer.What I appreciate most about windsurfing, is the sense of community that comes with it. Through the sport, Ive met amazing people and made close friends from all around the world, which Im truly grateful for.WINDSURF: Where do you see yourself in ten years time?MARIA BEHRENS: In ten years, I see myself continuing to compete at a high level, while also inspiring younger athletes and sharing my experience with the next generation of windsurfers and wingfoilers. Hopefully also teaching my own children by then.At the same time, I want to build a life that allows me to compete, travel and work on projects Im passionate aboutwhether thats within the windsurfing industry or not. Most importantly, I still want to have the same passion and excitement for being on the water that I have today!!!WINDSURF: Three words to live by?MARIA BEHRENS: Live, smile, respect!The post MARIA BEHRENS: THE NEXT WAVE appeared first on Windsurf Magazine Online.

The post Epic SUP Surfing in Bali Starboard Team appeared first on SUPboarder Magazine.