Pioneering adaptive wingfoiler Guillaume Colin lines up alongside 650 riders at Defi Wing

This year was my third consecutive participation in Defi Wing, and once again it was an incredible experience.

Defi Wing is part of one of the biggest watersports gatherings in the world. Alongside Defi Wind, the historic windsurfing event with more than 1,300 competitors this year, and Defi Kite with around 400 riders, Defi Wing brought together around 650 wingfoilers in Gruissan, in the south of France.

Among those 650 riders, I was the only athlete competing in a seated position using adapted equipment. After a glider accident in 2015 that left me paraplegic, I started adapting equipment to continue enjoying board sports, and more recently to develop seated wingfoiling.

What makes Defi Wing so special is that it is truly open to everyone. The best professional riders in the world line up on the same start line as passionate amateurs. Everyone shares the same challenge and the same experience on the water.

Over three days, we completed five long distance races, covering around 200 kilometres in total. The conditions were challenging. We had wind every day, but it was very unstable. At times there were complete lulls, followed by strong gusts exceeding 30 knots. Choosing the right equipment was far from easy, especially on courses stretching over 10 kilometres where the wind could vary significantly from one section of the racecourse to another.

Despite these conditions, I managed to finish every race.

For me, the most remarkable aspect of Defi Wing is not the competition itself, but the atmosphere. There is a unique mix of challenge, adventure, friendship and passion. Completing these long distance races is demanding for everyone, whatever their level, and there is a real sense of sharing a common experience.

Being the only seated rider also creates many opportunities for discussion. People are often curious about my equipment and how I ride. Many come to ask questions, and some tell me they find it inspiring. I am always happy to share what I have learned because showing what is possible is one of the reasons I participate.

Riding in a seated position comes with specific challenges. Sitting lower means my wing is closer to the water and can touch the surface more easily, sometimes leading to crashes. Mass starts are also particularly demanding. With 650 riders leaving together, the wind becomes extremely turbulent. Managing the crowded start line while dealing with unstable airflow is probably one of the hardest parts of the event. Fortunately, after a few kilometres the fleet spreads out and everyone can find clean wind and settle into their own rhythm.

This was my third Defi Wing, and I am still the only seated rider on the start line. But I do not participate to prove anything. I do it because I love being on the water, I enjoy the challenge, and I want to show that wingfoiling can be accessible to more people.

I hope that in the coming years other athletes with disabilities will discover seated wingfoiling, give it a try, and join events like Defi Wing. The sport is dynamic, exciting and full of possibilities. Most importantly, events like this show that people of all backgrounds and abilities can share the same start line, the same conditions and the same passion.

By Guillaume Colin