This year I had the feeling that this great event is eventually moving into a wrong direction, away from focussing on the many amateurs that just want to spend a good time, racing with friends on their individual levels. For example this practice race was not even announced to many people, somehow kept 'secret' for the Pro's and the pseudo-pro's. Imagine how people felt, who drove 2000km to Defi...it's really a shame...Very competitive athomsphere also..."amateurs should start somewhere remote, to not disturb Pro's" what ??? The Pros should manage to get around them, and if they cannot do, they have to accept ! Look at the 24h race at NBR, same thing, the faster guy is responsible to overtake hundreds of amateurs in a safe way and maybe he gets stuck at a certain point. Thats the idea and the special thing of having Pro's and amateurs together. So I hope the event organizers will focus again on the average riders who are not able to reach the first mark in one shot, and not see them only as cash cows, take their registration fees and guide them to the manufacturer presentations. Lets not forget, without a wide base of amateurs there is no professional sport possible, and the Pro's have enough races, where they are amongst themselves...would be interested if I am the only one perceiving this like that

@WindsurfingTV

2 ай бұрын

The quick answer is.. for Safety/liability . As the windsurfing Defi event hadn’t properly started.. it wasn’t official but they couldn’t stop people joining in. As no transmitters were given out/ safety briefing etc.. very difficult to make it official. Also I think it was meant to be just for the VIP amateurs and pro clinic guys? They get to sail the course and before the official race day. I think that’s the same every year (need to check)

@Jaxblckkk

2 ай бұрын

@@WindsurfingTVHi Ben! Actually they had been given out that day in the morning. :-) Was on the water for 5 hours but still missed it XD Whatever, had a great time, was cool to meet you!

@Ben-Proffitt

2 ай бұрын

@@Jaxblckkk yes.. maybe but my guess is they can't do an official practice race just incase something happens to someone. it only takes one person going missing, accident etc to mess it all up. If they make it official.. and do it properly. you need all the staff, safety etc to make it work. Who were already doing the wing event. Remember this was before the first day of competition.

@Felix-bh3fu

2 ай бұрын

​@@WindsurfingTVYes, totally get and understand those points. But was it really safe at the end or were the concerns more about liability ? It was very windy and there have been many, many people on the water, far more than normal, from the beach it looked like a Defi race. Probably many of them just went on the water in a rush, not checking their gear any more, being already exhausted etc. because they discovered the "race" by chance but still they would intuitively rely on the usual safety network (that was in fact not in place...) Others (like me) discovered the ongoing race from the beach...a clear communication would have avoided that (e.g. we are doing a race for 150 selected Pro's at 3PM, stay off the water during that time, no rescue in place). The more you think on it, the more you get the impression they have chosen the worst option amongst some...

@WindsurfingTV

2 ай бұрын

Well.. obviously I can’t speak for the organisers. But yes.. I’m sure it is about liability! We live in a new world where nobody seems responsible for their own actions and decisions! Call me me old school I don’t know.. but I believe all the safety and liability issues are why more events and fun crazy stuff doesn’t happen as much any more! It’s sad.. as when I grew up it was much more loose and more people were motivated to try and do stuff! Now you have to jump through far too many hoops.. so it puts people off! My hat goes off to the crazy French guys down there doing their best to even attempt to do this every year. Sometimes people don’t always make the right decisions and in hide sight would make better choices but believe you and me it’s not because of some of the reasons stated above .. in my opinion. I really don’t think this event should get any negative press in my opinion. No proper wind for the actual 4 days of the competition was a shame. But that’s life.. again don’t know the ins and the outs of the practice race but if the options were.. 1. Not to run it.. or 2. As I happened I’d go 2 every time.

Ben Profit LEGEND for ever!!

Amazing coverage and footage Ben! One day I will join you :)

Awesome edit Alfie!

Thanks for posting Ben , keep it up ❤

Thanks for the video!

I went the full way down the Beach about 45 minutes before 'the Race', on a 99L Slalom board with an old NP Z1 4.7m and especially half way down where the wind was strongest it was really hard going with all pressure on the back leg and controlling the board in the chop with the front foot totally unweighted. My advice would be to get into the Gym so that you can fully enjoy it as it's absolutely epic!

If a pro like you, falls down to the one and only jibe, then I can imagine how hard it really is....

Great video 🙌

Awesome!

Amazing to see windsurfing enthusiasts all the way from China and Taiwan🔥Their energy and passion definitely bring the heat to the water🥵💦

Comfort essential. Super fun thanks!

Brilliant entertainment , puts TV presentation totally in the shade...

Great video!! Can’t get over the speed that Nico overtook you, crazy.

First time at the Defi and my Legs were like Jelly after the practice race but cant wait to get back next year to do the full race…..with some leg training :)

Let the dingers organize their own defi at some other date. Keep the defi pure windsurfing.

I enjoyed watching this great video 👍

Looking forward to the van videos! Cool edit, and I say that because the Defi holds no appeal to me, but yet I enjoyed the full 25 minutes.

are we not going to talk about how the winger is carrying the gear over the beach at 1:20 🤣😂

@Stefmeister1983w

Ай бұрын

lol, he was hardly carrying (in both ways)

@Stefmeister1983w

Ай бұрын

and the catapult at 13:19

How fast was your man at 14:30 going? His skin was flapping in the wind! Rocket man!!!

Great event, 1st time this year, didn’t dare to attempt the practice race. But next year will come earlier and be ready

I loved seeing the Firerace 120 at 19:45. I have the 112 but I have never seen another one around.

Great interview with the Chinese.

@future_horizon

2 ай бұрын

You mean the Taiwanese and the Chinese...there were two guys, mate!

🎉🎉🎉

12:47 hey look, theres nico :D

GG!

I was there and I can only underline what Ben says. The wind is not as consistent over whole stretch as you imagine + 1000 people on the water. It is crazy! But fascinating!

Where's the melon helmet 😂😂

👍

What average and max speed did you do during the race?

Fuckixxx amazing!

I hoppe i See all alsothe Olympia IQ Foil Form your side 😎

Filmed with the x4?

@WindsurfingTV

2 ай бұрын

Yes

Moin Ben

International has a name: Defi Wind

Catapult at 13:19 poor chap , but he’s done the defi me.. nope

What's that Simmer sail Ben? 2024 SCR? Proto?

@WindsurfingTV

2 ай бұрын

Yes.. 👍🏻

Only dutchies on this beach it seems LOL