Hawaii is not just about surfing, hula dancing and ukulele playing - no, because the World Drone Racing Championships are currently taking place on Oahu. "What is that supposed to be?" many of you are probably asking yourselves. That's why I'm reporting on the event here and giving you an insight into this new and up-and-coming sport.
Unfortunately, the event had to be interrupted several times due to the bad weather. Gusts of wind and heavy rain repeatedly swept over the area, which is why the qualifying was ultimately ended early. Whether and how the World Championship adventure will continue for the four Swiss pilots is not yet clear at this point.
From 20 to 22 October, the World Drone Racing Championships will take place in Hawaii, more precisely at Kualoa Ranch on Oahu. Surrounded by the most beautiful nature, international drone pilots from over 30 countries will compete in various disciplines. Among them: four Swiss pilots who qualified for the event at the Swiss Drone Nationals in Payerne. One of them is Raphael Gion Strähl (27) from Oftringen, aspiring physiotherapist and newly crowned European champion in the freestyle discipline, who answered our questions the evening before the event.
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FPV Drone Racing: Interview with the newly crowned European freestyle champion
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On the site, which is otherwise used as a filming location for numerous Hollywood films such as "Jurassic Park", "Hunger Games" or "50 First Dates", the pilots skilfully steer their drones at speeds of up to 120 km/h over the quad racing track. There are 13 rings and three H-shaped gates to pass per lap before the drones hurtle across the finish line. But not everyone makes it to the finish line in one piece. In the qualifying round, in which the three fastest lap times are added together, the pilots take every risk - after all, there is a total of 100,000 dollars in prize money to be won. A clear sign that the sport is becoming increasingly bigger and better marketed.
The drones are controlled from the sidelines. Using virtual reality goggles, the pilots take on the drone's view, blocking out everything else around them. Don't they make you feel sick? "No, not for a long time now," says Raphael Gion Strähl. At first, he also felt dizzy from time to time, but fortunately you get used to it over time. Swiss pilot Kay Stutz, aka Arkon, shows exactly what this looks like for the pilot in his YouTube video in an impressive way.
Pilots also compete against each other in the freestyle discipline, but only one participant per nation is permitted here. The aim is to fly an impressive line with technically demanding figures and to incorporate the surroundings and obstacles as well as possible. All of this is then factored into the judging. A lot of risks are taken here too, and it is not uncommon for a drone to get caught in the treetops or crash into the ground without being pointed. Surprisingly, however, the drones can withstand a lot and the frame usually remains intact. However, the rotors often have to be replaced, so spare parts and tools are part of the basic equipment at a competition.
