Through the years, the way we watch surfing has evolved tremendously as filmers and viewers have embraced each advancing generation of cinematic technology: from spindly, landlocked tripods standing on the beach, to wide-angled water housings, user-friendly digi video cams to board-mounted POV cameras. The latest in this long line of technological leaps now includes the drone-mounted camera.
Aerial photography is certainly nothing new -- helicopters and airplanes have long provided their unique perspective -- but the cost was always prohibitive to anyone without deep pockets. Multimillion dollar aircraft rigged with six-figure cameras and gyroscopic mounts provide beautiful and compelling imagery, but at an astronomical price.
But, just as our viewing habits, those days have changed. The proliferation of drones now approaches that of its technological predecessor -- the ubiquitous hand-held POV cam. With new steadicam tech, drones provide access to angles and panoramas once thought impossible or too cavalier (and budget busting) to risk.
As a premier sponsor of the MEO Rip Curl Pro Portugal webcast, the DJI team had all the bases covered in Peniche at Supertubos, providing spectacular footage in the way only a drone can. With their entry-level quadcopters up to their professional-grade octocopters, DJI's got everyone from casual hobbyist to professional filmmakers covered. Take an even deeper look at some dramatic DJI drone footage here.
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Ian Walsh of Hawaii wins the 2017 WSL Peahi Challenge
- WSL / Aaron Lynton
So You're Ready for a Drone, Eh?
Brad Drew
Through the years, the way we watch surfing has evolved tremendously as filmers and viewers have embraced each advancing generation of cinematic technology: from spindly, landlocked tripods standing on the beach, to wide-angled water housings, user-friendly digi video cams to board-mounted POV cameras. The latest in this long line of technological leaps now includes the drone-mounted camera.
Aerial photography is certainly nothing new -- helicopters and airplanes have long provided their unique perspective -- but the cost was always prohibitive to anyone without deep pockets. Multimillion dollar aircraft rigged with six-figure cameras and gyroscopic mounts provide beautiful and compelling imagery, but at an astronomical price.
But, just as our viewing habits, those days have changed. The proliferation of drones now approaches that of its technological predecessor -- the ubiquitous hand-held POV cam. With new steadicam tech, drones provide access to angles and panoramas once thought impossible or too cavalier (and budget busting) to risk.
As a premier sponsor of the MEO Rip Curl Pro Portugal webcast, the DJI team had all the bases covered in Peniche at Supertubos, providing spectacular footage in the way only a drone can. With their entry-level quadcopters up to their professional-grade octocopters, DJI's got everyone from casual hobbyist to professional filmmakers covered. Take an even deeper look at some dramatic DJI drone footage here.
John John Florence
Watch the Opening Round Heat of Kelly Slater, John John Florence, and Seth Moniz.
Relive every single 9-point ride surfed at the Rip Curl Pro Bells Beach presented by Bonsoy since 2019. Featuring Gabriel Medina, John John
While others merely survived the raw power of the largest swell the Rip Curl Pro Bells Beach has ever seen, John John Florence thrived
Featuring Griffin Colapinto, Jack Robinson, Samuel Pupo, Tyler Wright, Caroline Marks, John John Florence, Italo Ferreira, Matthew
"My whole life has been going towards this, everything I've done," Florence said after claiming his first World Title at Supertubos in
MEO Rip Curl Pro Portugal
Re-watch the best of last year's event as Supertubos puts on a full display in Peniche, Portugal.
Top scores and waves from 2017.