ON
THE DAY OF THE RELEASE INFLATION
OF YOUR BALLOONS
Expect your teams of three
to be able to inflate between
150-200 balloons in an hour.
Teams of 5 can inflate up
to 300 in an hour. Work backwards
to reach a time when you start
inflation. Allow about an
hour between your expected
finish time and the release
time. Do not start too early
and NEVER BLOW UP BALLOONS ON THE DAY BEFORE THE BALLOON
RELEASE. Helium filled balloons
always lose gas. They will
stay inflated for at least
15 hours at ground level and
much longer at a higher altitude
where it is cooler. This is
ample time for a long journey
once airborne. However your
balloons need to contain as
much gas as possible on release
so time your inflation accurately.
Do not, however overfill your
balloons or you will experience
difficulty in tying them.
Aim to put gas into the balloon
until it begins to go pear-shaped.
Your teams should practice
this on a few balloons before
the day of the release. If
it is wet on the day of the
release it is important that
you try to keep your labels
dry. Wet labels are heavy
and may stop your balloons
from flying satisfactorily.
Always tie
your balloons by hand with
a knot in the neck - NEVER
USE STRING, RIBBON OR VALVES.
Find a sheltered area to inflate your balloons (away from the wind).
Tie your supplied line to the top of the net.
Secure the bottom (open end) of the net to something solid (like a bench or cylinder)
Now you can see where the balloons will go into the net.
Inflate the balloons with helium and always hand tie - so they are 100% biodegradable.
Use tape to protect your fingers.
Pull the bead (the ring) of the balloon though the hole in the balloon race label.
Place the balloon into the net that you've already prepared.
Make yourself comfortable and continue filling the net.
The balloons will begin to lift the weight of the net.
Once you are ready to release the balloons, let go of the net from the open end and pull the line attached to the top of the net. The net will turn upside down and balloons will be releases from the bottom.
