- Hot Air Balloon Rides is a Great Hobby - stock.xchng
Thinking of taking up ballooning as a hobby? The feeling of freedom soaring with the birds is an astounding adventure waiting to happen. What if the ride is so exhilarating that the thought of making it more than a hobby aches with every heart beat? What if it was a sport done with other individuals who share the same feelings? Luckily, it is a hobby and a sky sport.
Hot Air Balloon Rides
One of the simplest ways to begin the hobby of ballooning is to buy a balloon ride. Flights normally last about an hour but, plan on several hours for the whole experience. The pilot will sometimes allow the passengers to help with inflation and deflation of the balloon. Since the wind is normally calmer at dawn and at dusk it is a more ideal time for ballooning so, plan on waking up early.
Sometimes following a balloon to its landing spot will begin a journey of a lifetime providing the pilot is willing to take passengers at that time. Festivals and other special events sometimes offer balloon rides that have been grounded by ropes known as 'tethering'. Although tethered, once the balloon leaves the ground it is considered to be flying.
Air Balloons Making History
According to the PBS website, Bertran Piccard of Switzerland and Brian Jones of Britain took on the challenge of flying non-stop around the world. On March 20, 1999, the two men accomplished the long trip making history. Nowadays, balloonist still have the desire to compete in a balloon race of some sort. With the ballooning sky sport continually growing, beginner and professional balloonist meet to compete in different types of races.
The Sky Sport of Ballooning
Before a race, the balloonist must decide if he can beat his opponent in a speed race, or out-do a previous speed record, or maybe the farthest distance sounds better. Speed seems like the most engaging but, accuracy is typically the main objective. During competition, reading different wind directions at varying altitudes is important for each pilot to understand.
In competitions of accuracy, the purpose is to fly as close as possible to specific points called 'targets'. Each pilot will have a numbered weighted marker for identification. When the 'target' is close enough the pilot will drop the marker trying to come as close to the target as possible. Distance from the 'target' will decide the pilot's score. In some flights, there are five or more targets a pilot must drop markers at before landing. Other games and competitions are also available for instance: the Hare and Hound race.
There are many balloon ride companies to choose from if it is more of a hobby interest. It is also a unique gift for a loved one. Some companies offer gift certificates year-round. Check the Better Business Bureau for ratings before selecting a company and taking flight.
Sources:
HotairBallooning.com, "Get Involved in Ballooning" (accessed August 24, 2010).
eBalloon.org, "Ballooning as a Sport" (accessed August 23, 2010).
PBS.org, "Nova Online Balloon Race Around the World" (accessed August 23, 2010).
Annette Phillips - Annette Phillips is the Topic Editor for Natural Disasters. Phillips is also the author of Willow's Ride and a licensed Cosmetologist.
