If you are one of those who find hot air balloons fascinating, you’ve probably dreamt of going for a balloon ride, or maybe even piloting one.
Did you know it’s relatively easy to get involved in ballooning? Getting involved can be as simple as following a balloon and meeting it at its landing spot. There are lots of other ways to get involved, a few of which we explain here:
Buy a balloon ride
Buying a balloon ride for yourself is often the most direct way of learning about the sport. Ask if you can help with the inflation and deflation of the balloon – most passengers enjoy helping which maximizes your experience.
The flight lasts generally an hour, and you should plan to spend about 3-4 hours for the entire adventure. Flights will take place near dawn and dusk since that’s when the wind is the calmest.
Call a Local Pilot
If there are any local hot air balloon pilots in your area, give them a call and tell them you are interested in crewing. Most balloon pilots are very happy to accept new crew people. You’ll help with all aspects of the flight, and will ride in the chase vehicle as it follows the balloon during flight. Don’t expect to fly, as this very important job will keep you grounded. Your efforts will be appreciated and you’ll learn all about balloon flight quickly.
Go to a Festival
Balloon Festivals are a popular place to watch balloons fly. There are hundreds of balloon festivals around the world each year, with the majority occurring in the summer or fall. Some festivals allow spectators to walk amongst the balloons, while others may keep spectators away from the pilots and crews.
If you go to a festival, don’t be shy balloonists are happy to answer your questions, and it’s possible you’ll find a balloonist that lives near you.
Find a Balloon Club
There may be a balloon club near you, which would be a great way to find a balloonist to help. Many pilots welcome new crew members, and volunteering to be and a balloon crew is probably the quickest way to learn about the sport.
Give the Gift of Flight
Balloon ride gift certificates are a popular year-round choice. These unique gifts are easy to give, unique, appreciated and allow the recipient to schedule their flight at their convenience. Most balloon flight certificates are also transferable, so if your recipient has a deep-seated fear of flying that you didn’t know about, the certificate can most likely be transferred to someone else.
Shop Smart
To ensure a wonderful experience, do some smart shopping. It’s important that you do a little research before you buy a certificate from anyone.

More here: Get Involved in Ballooning