June 13, 2022

Skydio Dads Spend More Time Bonding and Less Time Stressing

Kendall Martin

Kendall Martin

Skydio Dad Gage Straube mountain biking with his sons

Did you know that in 2022, you can get a self-flying 4K camera drone for $1099, with actually reliable 360 degree obstacle avoidance, and some of the most advanced artificial intelligence software in existence?

That’s right, the future is here, and you could be living in it (and filming it) for as low as $100 a month with Affirm.

But wait, it gets even better. We’re giving $100 off Skydio 2+ plus a free Skydio 2 battery when you add a Skydio 2+ and a Skydio 2 battery to your cart. Now your Dad (or husband/significant other) can get flying with his own personal-flying-film crew on Father’s Day!

*Offer available while supplies last until June 19th, 2022.

Skydio drone discount for fathers day

Purchase Skydio 2+ Today!

Think it sounds too good to be true? Skydio dad, Gage Straube is just like you, except he’s been filming his adventures in ultra high resolution, without the need for expert drone skills or a hired pilot/friend (they’d probably miss the shot anyway). We took some time this week to sit down with Gage and ask him some questions about his personal experience as a Skydio Dad so you can hear it straight from him.

Gage Straub Trials Line filmed by Skydio 2
Trials Line captured by Skydio 2 and 4K frame exported from the Skydio app

My name is Gage Straube and I’m 31 years old from Derby Acres, California. Some proud accomplishments are learning street trials for the last couple years and raising two amazing kids.

“I have tons of Skydio footage, but my favorite has to be pedaling with the boys. Not only can I be in the moment riding with them, but the Skydio is above capturing truly priceless memories. That alone is worth it. “

Gage Straube

Skydio Dad/Customer

I had some drone experience (DJI) before purchasing a Skydio drone. But with solo-riding and mediocre visual subject-tracking, it was more frustrating than anything. The first time I saw a Skydio was from one of my favorite mountain bike riders Darren Berrecloth and Tyler McCaul. The footage from their riding filmed autonomously by their Skydio 2 drones was unreal, and I had to try one out.

Downhill mountain biking follow drone
Downhill mountain biking with Skydio 2

My favorite activity to film is definitely riding mountain bikes or trials lines with the Skydio. I love taking my two sons out and pedaling the back roads with them. They absolutely love when we fly “the airplane” and they get to hold the Beacon. They get really pumped when they see me launching the drone, and when I drop the Beacon in their pocket, they’re overjoyed to have the drone following, flying itself. They get even more excited when we watch the smooth 4K drone footage.

Dad films bike ride and kids with autonomous follow drone with obstacle avoidance
Gage Straube uses his Skydio 2 to film his father/son bike rides

I have tons of Skydio footage, but my favorite has to be pedaling with the boys. Not only can I be in the moment riding with them, but the Skydio is above capturing truly priceless memories. That alone is worth it.

“Take the pictures, film everything. Memories are beautiful and having videos is even better. Us dads know the importance of being in the moment with our kids.”

Gage Straube

Skydio Dad/Customer

follow drone films jeep off-roading
Skydio 2 autonomously filming Gage Straube off-roading in his jeep

First time flying the Skydio was a little nerve racking because of my experience with previous drone manufacturers terrible obstacle avoidance reliability. But after getting comfortable and trusting Skydio around objects, it’s second nature to just launch and let it do its autonomous follow drone thing. I can get a lot more cinematic and dynamic shots with the Skydio thanks to the unmatched 360 degree drone obstacle avoidance and autonomous flight Skills.

Learn what separates Skydio from the competition

dirt jumps on mountain bike filmed by skydio 2 drone
Skydio 2 captures dirt jump session

I’m still learning to become a Skydio expert myself, but positioning the drone for the best lighting is super important for video/picture quality. Sunrise or sunset light is pretty pleasing to the eye in my opinion. I’m pretty simple so tracking in Hover mode is my go to for static shots. Fixed Track is a close second since most of the videos I shoot are pretty linear. I prefer filming in 4K60 as it's incredibly beautiful and crisp for both landscape and action shots, so I don’t need to change camera settings.

trials biking with skydio 2 drone
Trials bike line filmed with Skydio 2 drone

I’ll leave with saying keep it all fun. I teach it to my kids that outdoor activities should always be fun no matter the caliber of skills. Take the pictures, film everything. Memories are beautiful and having videos is even better. Us dads know the importance of being in the moment with our kids. Doesn’t hurt to have the Skydio above shooting those moments for us, so we can enjoy each second instead of fiddling with the shot. 

mountain bike backflip filmed by skydio 2 drone
Mountain bike backflip filmed by Skydio 2 drone


Still have questions about whether Skydio is right for you? Want to share your Skydio footage? Or chat with other Skydio pilots? Check out the Community Discord and ask our raving fans what they think to learn more about what makes us different from other consumer camera drones.

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