Cluster ballooning is an extreme form of ballooning in which a single balloonist is attached by a harness to a cluster of relatively small helium-inflated rubber balloons. While the joy level of dangling from so much eye-popping color might be high — so is the danger level. Unlike traditional hot-air balloons, which possess vents for altitude control, cluster balloons rise uncontrollably, expanding as they go, forcing balloonists to cut balloons loose to maintain altitude and descend.
The most famous cluster balloonist must be Larry Walters, who, in 1982, without any prior ballooning experience, attached 42 weather balloons to a piece of patio furniture and lifted off. (Though he intended to rise only a few hundred feet — he soared nearly three miles into the air!) Today, the most prominent cluster balloonist is probably John Ninomiya — who we’ve mentioned before — and who is currently on a mission to cluster balloon from all 50 states. John, please come to Florida!
If you’re interested in learning more about this colorful hobby, check out Ninomiya’s website, which provides an introduction to cluster ballooning, explains how Ninomiya got started in the sport, and showcases his wicked octopus balloon. If you just want to watch him lift off in 2007, you need to be in the following locations:
- May 5: Old Timers Balloon Rally, Roswell, NM
- May 19: Collage of Culture, Madras, OR
- May 26: Arts and Air Festival, Skowhegan, ME
- June 9: Great Plains Balloon Race, Sioux Falls, SD
- June 16: Quechee Balloon Festival, Quechee, VT
- August 17: Buffalo Trace Balloon Race, Maysville, KY
- August 24-26: Lifting Kids Up Hot Air Balloon Extravaganza, Joplin, MO