Hot air ballooning is not for the faint hearted, or in fact for those who don’t have money to burn. Ballooning is a very expensive hobby with lots of money needed for lessons, tutorials and even examinations. So getting to grips with hot air balloon flights can be for the privileged only.Or that was the case before hot air balloon groups became more accessible and openly available for everybody to join. Over the past few decades the number of balloon clubs has soared, with numbers of members reaching the hundreds all over the world.Opening The World Of Ballooning To AllHot air balloon flights aren’t necessarily something one buys for oneself, so unless bought as a gift people generally don’t know what it’s like to take a balloon flight. This is why balloon gatherings have grown in size. Balloon clubs offer the chance to have access to a balloon and all the equipment, as well as other members who are trained to use the equipment. Along the way, members can learn the ropes of manning a balloon flight as well as working with the ground crew.
Join A New CommunityBalloon enthusiasts all over the world have at least one thing in common: a love for hot air balloon flights! Joining balloon clubs brings you into a new community and allows you to mix with lots of different types of people. So not only are balloon groups great for learning a new hobby and skill, they’re also a great place to meet new people and make some new friends.Show Off Your Skills At Shows And GalasAlthough not all balloon clubs will allow commercial hot air balloon flights, they may enter their balloon into shows and galas to promote the club and potentially gain more members. When appearing at these shows, the organisers will pay the collective to attend allowing the club to raise more money for equipment and repairs. This is a great opportunity for all members to show off their skills learned whilst being a member of the club.Save Your PenniesOne of the most important benefits of joining a ballooning conglomerate is that you are able to access all the necessary equipment without having to pay the huge fees attached to the sport. All club memberships will differ in price, but generally prices are around £200 annually – a pittance compared to what you would pay for lessons and experience outside of a balloon club. This again is why so many new members are joining all over the world, as opposed to taking private lessons. Although it may take longer to qualify, it will save you money in the long run and gives you the opportunity to be apart of a community.
Ballooning clubs are one of the fastest growing sports clubs in the country. No matter where you live, they’ll be a balloon club local to you offering the opportunity to learn the basics behind hot air balloon flights for the fraction of a price of those offering private lessons. Look out for your local club and why not enquire about joining?