Based on the three-dimensional variational data assimilation retrieval (3DVAR) and four-dimensional variational data assimilation retrieval (4DVAR) methods, experiments of wind retrieval from Doppler lidar data were performed. Both the 3DVAR and 4DVAR methods were applied to the Paralympics test events in May 2008, observed by the vehicle-borne Doppler lidar. The retrieval wind filed was analysed by comparing with the buoy data. The results demonstrated that both the 3DVAR and 4DVAR methods were able to retrieve the detailed wind field near the sea surface, which could reflect the variation of wind direction, and accorded with the buoy data basically. The wind field retrieved with the 3DVAR method was more consistent with that with the 4DVAR method under the gale weather than gentle breeze. It also showed that the wind field retrieved with the 4DVAR method was more close to wind from the buoy data than that with the 3DVAR method, because the buoy data were used as the background field in the 4DVAR method. It was found that there was a very good correlation between the retrieved and buoy's wind directions, while there would be some correlation between the retrieved and buoy's wind speeds. The difference between the retrieved and buoy's wind directions(speeds)could be shown from the mean RMS error and the mean absolution error, so the retrieved wind should be used with caution under the gentle breeze weather.