From The Mountains To The Waves

Johanne Defay: Rising Star of French Surfing

From the Mountains to the Waves

Johanne Defay, born in the mountainous region of Le Puy-en-Velay, France on 19 November 1993, embarked on an extraordinary journey that led her from the slopes to the ocean.

A Triumphant Ascent

Defay's passion for surfing ignited at a young age, and she quickly rose through the ranks, becoming a professional surfer in 2001. Her unwavering determination paid off in 2018, when she claimed her first victory on the elite Championship Tour at the Women's Vans US Open of Surfing.

A Wedding in Paradise

Off the water, Defay's love life blossomed as she recently accepted a marriage proposal from her long-time companion. The couple plans to tie the knot in the idyllic setting of Réunion, an island that has played a significant role in Defay's surfing career.

A Bronze-Winning Performance

Defay's success continued in 2022, as she showcased her formidable skills in Tahiti, where she clinched a well-deserved Bronze medal. With each victory, she cements her place as one of the top surfers in the world.