Aerial Photography and Videography of Paddle Outs

At Stueys Drones, I understand that paddle outs are more than just ceremonial events—they are heartfelt tributes that honor lives and mark significant moments with deep respect and significance. My aerial drone photography and videography services are designed to capture these ceremonies from a breathtaking perspective, preserving the spirit of the occasion with grace and reverence. A paddle out ceremony is a Hawaiian surfing tradition that honors the life of a deceased person, or honoring other traumatic events. It involves surfers gathering offshore and paddling out to sea to form a circle. It is a way to acknowledge mortality and celebrate life within the context of the ocean’s timelessness. Boats can also be arranged so that friends and family can join the ceremony from the water. Flowers and leis are usually handed out before the paddle out and are used to honor the person or event that the community is mourning. Sometimes prayers are said in the middle of the circle by a close relative or the person in charge of the event, and then ashes may be spread as well as flowers being thrown up into the air. The final splashing of the water as a group symbolizes the unity of the community and the love that is forevermore present. The grief the community feels is stronger when together and becomes a beautiful sign of love and everlasting life. 

Pricing starting at:

$150/hr: using DJI Mini 3 drone.

Pros: perfect for reels and social media, as it has a gimbal that rotates and can take landscape and portrait photos and videos.

$200/hr: using the DJI Mavic 3 Pro: High quality imaging and super zoom lens gives me the ability to shoot from far away but provide videos and photos that seem like I am right next to you. It only shoots landscape mode, however, it can be edited in post production to be viewed in portrait mode if a client is needing that.

Add Ons: $50 for photo and video edits, $50 to make a reel.