Miyako-Jima: the island has some of the best windsurfing spots in Japan | Photo: Della Frana

The Défi Wind concept is about to hit the Land of the Rising Sun.

The organizers of the long distance windsurfing race announced that they will launch a new event in Japan from February 28 through March 3, 2019.

The Défi Wind Japan will take place in the southwest end of the Miyako-Jima archipelago, in the Okinawa Prefecture.

The competition expects to attract 150 athletes from all corners of the globe, including several world champions, former winners of Défi Wind events, and a large fleet of amateur and recreational windsurfers.

"We want to promote windsurfing and share the stoke of our incredible sport in a new tropical destination," the organizations stress.

A good pro/am competition allows amateurs the opportunity to share time with their heroes and race against champions. The Defi Wind Japan won't be different.

Björn Dunkerbeck was the first athlete to register for Défi Wind Japan. The most entitled windsurfer on earth will be on the starting line together with Nicolas Warembourg, the winner of the 2018 Défi Wind Gruissan and Défi Wind Caribbean.

Miyako-Jima: clear blue lagoons, warm waters, and consistent trade winds | Photo: Jauffroy

The Concept: Pro-Am Long Distance Marathon

Inspired by the original Défi Wind Gruissan, the Défi Wind Japan will be a long distance windsurfing marathon with simple courses and minimum rules.

Philippe Bru and his team will be fully involved and plans to manage the race. The idea is to bring the original Défi Wind concept to a new tropical destination and more people from different regions of the planet.

In Miyako Island, pros and amateurs will share their passion for windsurfing, riding on a perfect tropical spot with stunning landscape and a fantastic culture.

The Spot: Miyako Island

Miyako Island is the secret garden of the Japanese windsurfing community. It is also the destination of choice for Japanese windsurfers during winter.

Sailors will find a clear blue lagoon, warm waters, trade winds, and beautiful beaches. According to weather statistics, trades are blowing in the medium wind range at least eight days out of ten, during the cold season.

The main windsurfing spots are located on the west side of the main island, and the event site will be set in Yonaha Maehama Beach, one of the most gorgeous beaches in Asia.

Interestingly, Miyako-Jima is a sister city of Hawaii's Maui since 1965.

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