Using a drone to capture high-above vantage points has opened up a whole new playing field for surf photography. It's only once you’re airborne, with a camera, that you can begin to scout endless new angles this new technology allows a photographer. Now lensmen everywhere are able to play with framing that was only possible using helicopters not long ago. Even while shooting stills, I tend to fly differently and often take a much more pulled-back composition than I would if I were shooting motion.
The North Shore offers so much opportunity to learn more about drone photography. The abundance of different waves and talented surfers–paired with stunning lighting– makes the winter season a damn good time to experiment with the drone photography.
Here are some of my favorite shots I've taken from above during this winter season.
All photos and captions by Ryan "Chachi" Craig
When Pipe had its golden moments this winter, Taichi Wakita was on it.
Ryan "Chachi" Craig
John John Florence, really pushing his tail on a windy afternoon at Backdoor.
Ryan "Chachi" Craig
On smaller days, the water becomes crystal clear and certain stretches of reef come to life on the drone. Pictured here is Nalu Deodato on the very inside of OTW.
Ryan "Chachi" Craig
Caity Simmers, finding a clean Backdoor wave during a crowded morning session.
Ryan "Chachi" Craig
A birds-eye view of Andrew Logreco setting up for a critical first-reef slab at Pipeline.
Ryan "Chachi" Craig
The afternoon the contest was called off during the Pipeline Pro saw some incredible waves roll through, without many surfers braving the tricky conditions.
Ryan "Chachi" Craig
Looking down on Kanoa Igarashi, flying through his carve.
Ryan "Chachi" Craig
One of the scariest things about being in the water at Pipeline is the possibility of getting caught inside. Down towards the bottom of the frame you can see a few surfers are about to live that reality.
Ryan "Chachi" Craig
Pipeline is one of the best waves in the world and easily one of the most crowded, too.
Ryan "Chachi" Craig
Small-wave antics at Ehukai Beach Park.
Ryan "Chachi" Craig
Mananalu Chandler is one very well-rounded surfer. At only 16 years of age, he won the Da Hui Backdoor Shootout Longboard division this year and will be someone to keep an eye on in years to come.
Ryan "Chachi" Craig
A huge section at Rocky Point is the perfect launching pad for Cam Richards.
Ryan "Chachi" Craig
Carissa Moore weaving through Backdoor Pipeline.
Ryan "Chachi" Craig
Looking down on Crystal Homcy, walking past the pool that often forms at the tail-end of winter.
Ryan "Chachi" Craig
A lofty air by Callum Robson on the inside section of OTW.
Ryan "Chachi" Craig
Mikey Redd, racing a shallow Backdoor wave
Ryan "Chachi" Craig
It’s truly amazing the amount of whale-sightings there are every day on Oahu’s North Shore during the winter months.
Ryan "Chachi" Craig
Barron Mamiya, spotting a safe place to land at Rocky Rights.
Ryan "Chachi" Craig
Erin Brooks, enjoying some late-season gems at Rocky’s this past week
Jake Mintz and Jordan Shusterman examine what’s wrong with the 2024 Atlanta Braves, Paul Skenes receiving a standing ovation on the road, the Dodgers making a trade and MLB dropping the ball in regards to Rintaro Sasaki.
