Master Efoiling With A Drone: Effortless Flight Tips And Tricks!

Learn how to use a drone flight path to shoot amazing watersports videos like this    • 3-Mile Efoil Drone 1-Take | No Cuts -...   without crashing your drone.

Step behind the scenes of Flightpath One, our epic 2-mile eFoil journey, captured in one seamless drone flight using the DJI Air 3! In this video, we break down the entire process of creating this masterpiece, from pre-programming the flight path to post-production techniques like using Topaz AI for upscaling and After Effects for stabilization. If you're into drone cinematography or action sports filming, this guide is packed with tips and tricks for getting smooth, cinematic shots—without being a drone pro.

Why Use a Pre-Programmed Flight Path?
Flying a drone manually is tough, especially when tracking a fast-moving subject like an eFoil at up to 26 mph. Using DJI's waypoint system, we set a pre-programmed flight path, so Laura only had to control the camera, ensuring Stephan stayed in the frame the entire time.

Setting Up the DJI Air 3
Stephan walks you through programming the flight path with waypoints, adjusting the altitude and speed to capture the perfect shot. He also shares tips for smooth camera control, keeping the flight steady, and using wider shots to give more room for cropping in post-production.

Post-Production Magic: Topaz AI and After Effects
One of the secrets to the polished look of Flightpath One was heavy post-production. Topaz AI helped us upscale the footage while maintaining 4K resolution, and After Effects’ stabilization ensured every moment was buttery smooth. We’ll show you how these tools turned our raw footage into cinematic gold.

Key Tips for Filming Action Sports
Pre-Programming for Consistency: Use DJI's waypoint feature for repeatable, consistent shots.
Camera Control: Keep manual control over the camera’s tilt and yaw for the best results.
Altitude Adjustments: We found 16 feet above the water gave the best mix of safety and action.
Avoid Water Reflections: Reflections can confuse your drone’s sensors. Always have a pilot ready to take over!
Post-Production Flexibility: Start with wider shots and use software like Topaz AI to zoom in while maintaining resolution.
Real-World Challenges
Stephan also shares the challenges we faced during the shoot, from drone crashes to fine-tuning the flight path. With perseverance and some creative problem-solving, we were able to achieve a flawless final take.

Whether you're a seasoned drone operator or a beginner looking to get better shots, this video will show you how to film like a pro without needing years of drone experience.

Watch the original Flightpath One video here:    • 3-Mile Efoil Drone 1-Take | No Cuts -...  
Want to see your work featured? Share your own drone footage links in the comments!
00:00 Introduction
00:43 1-Take Drone Efoil
01:12 FPV vs Cinema Drone
02:42 Don't have a good pilot?
03:52 Pre-programmed flight path advantage
05:43 Preprogram camera too?
07:13 How to set a flight path
07:51 Switching to "Satellite View"
08:15 Launching waypoint flight mode
08:40 Setting your first waypoint
14:28 Setting drone altitude
16:00 Setting drone flight speed
16:55 Setting drone camera to manual
17:39 Saving a drone flight path
18:16 Deleting a waypoint
19:10 Drone auto flight launch
21:21 Verdant Ride eFoil Outro