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Going on your first hot air balloon ride is an exciting experience. If you're about to head out on your adventure, here's 5 tips to ensure you enjoy it with www.AerogelicBallooning.com!
Hot air balloon rides are an exciting, fun part of any vacation. You get to enjoy a spectacular view of a new area, making it all the more exciting. All hot air balloon rides are memorable, but none more than the first hot air balloon ride!
The first hot air balloon ride is an exhilarating experience for many a hot air balloon enthusiast. For other, more casual riders, the thought of their first hot air balloon ride creates anxiety.Like with any new, daring venture, it helps to be prepared the first time around. Here are five great tips to follow so you ensure your first hot air balloon ride!
Five Tips For Your First Hot Air Balloon Ride
1. Schedule early in your vacation, and be flexible
Many first-time riders go ahead and schedule their rides when planning the rest of their busy vacation. This can be a mistake because the forecast for the day of their ride isn't yet known. Hot air balloons rely on good weather and gentle yet sturdy winds to move safely. As such, even a hint of poor weather can ground hot air balloons for the rest of the day."Poor weather" doesn't just mean the usual rain, thunderstorms, snow, or gusting winds. Even the forecast for a mere sprinkling will cause a hot air balloon company to ground all baskets. This is due to liability and concern for customers' safety.
2. Wear Comfortable Clothing
Hot air balloon rides almost always launch from a field--sometimes a cow pasture.It isn't recommended you wear any article of clothing that you don't want to get dirty. You won't be able to enjoy your first hot air balloon ride if you're busy thinking about how dirty your nice new clothes are getting.
You should also consider comfort when dressing for your first hot air balloon ride. You won't just be walking through a field. You'll be climbing over the rim of the basket, and your landing might turn a little rough.
When it comes to footwear, sneakers or comfortable boots are the way to go. They bend easily, and they won't hurt your feet while you're standing in the basket, enjoying the view. Due to the possibility of bumpy landings close toed shoes are best to protect your feet from someone stumbling and smashing your foot.
For extra protection against the grass and what might lie in it, you should wear pants rather than shorts. The pants you choose should be comfortable and easy to move around in.
You should also think about your eyesight prior to launch. Direct exposure to sunlight can severely damage your eyesight. And besides possible damage, a bright sun can prevent you from looking around and enjoying the ride.
To combat sunlight, bring with you a pair of sunglasses.
As the hot air balloon burners are very hot with radiant heat; hats are highly recommended. Its been suggested that it feel like a giant hair dryer throughout the flight.
In the case of spring and fall rides, it's always a good idea to wear layers. A t-shirt with a light jacket always works well.
3. Take Other Essentials
When packing for your first ride, keep in mind that you will be suspended above the ground for an hour or more. You need to remember to take anything you can't be without.Notable items include medication that you take on-demand, such as insulin shots, allergy medicine, and anxiety pills. Keep all medication in a bag or pouch attached to your person at all times. Additionally, be sure to inform your hot air balloon pilot of the fact that you have medicine that you may need to take.
Another essential is water. Take one or two bottles of water with you and keep them in bag you can sling over your shoulder. Water is especially important to remember if you have to take medication or if the day is hot.
Because of the wondrous view that hot air balloon rides afford, many riders take cameras with them. Cameras are, of course, welcome, but there are some safety tips to observe.
First, bring small cameras, such as digital mini-cameras or your smartphone. Big cameras make for bulky, annoying carry-ons. Plus, small cameras and phones aren't as expensive to replace if you accidentally drop them over the side.
Second, don't partake in any risky behavior just to get a great shot. Don't hang over the edge or try to climb the rim. You might not lose just your camera over the edge--you could also lose you.
4. Know the Pre-Launch Activities
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Unless you booked a private ride, you may have additional riders joining you. Riders can range in age from children accompanied by adults to elderly folks.
Once everyone is checked in, the pilot will check the weather as well as all of the balloon equipment. Then the pilot will start the inflation fan that fills the balloon. In some cases, the pilot may ask another rider to help keep open the balloon's opening so the air can enter.
Regardless of whether or not you help open the balloon, remember to mind the balloon's various cables, and ropes. Don't allow them to wrap around you or cut across you in any way.
Additionally, mind the pilot. He or she is looking out for your safety.
5. Know The Landing Activities
When your first hot air balloon ride comes to an end, the pilot will scout out a good landing area. The area will be based on the pilot's knowledge of the area's geography as well as the weather.The weather will greatly affect the landing. In the case of calm, mild weather, the basket will land with little force felt by the passengers. Riders will likely be instructed to keep standing and then climb over the rim once the balloon has landed.
In the case of moderate winds, the pilot will likely instruct passengers to crouch sideways away from the ground. Doing so will soften the landing. The hot air balloon may also twist around and drag along the ground before stopping.
If the latter happens, the balloon may end up landing on its side instead of its bottom. The balloon will proceed to deflate, and the riders can climb out of the basket. What a Hoot!
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