Balloon Challenge Competition

Every year pilots from all over Australia and overseas gather at Canowindra to enjoy the challenge of the sport of competition ballooning, colouring the sky over this amazing landscape. 

Where do the balloons take off from?

Weather permitting, the balloons will launch daily soon after sunrise.  The launch sites for the pilots competing in the challenge will vary depending on the wind direction.  Fiesta pilots (not competing) will usually launch from the Canowindra Sports Ovals.  Head over to our Facebook page for daily updates.  When you are out, enjoy watching the balloons decorating the sky and landscape.

However, and for safety, when driving keep your eyes on the road and pull over in a safe place well off the road if you would like to watch the action.  Be careful when getting out of the car or crossing the road, especially with children.  Balloon crews assist their pilots in the competition and may stop and start their vehicles with trailers along the route the balloon is heading, so make sure to give them plenty of space.  On the launch site, stay clear of balloons inflating and follow any instructions from crew or officials.  Take lots of photos and enjoy the magic.

How do you compete in the sport of ballooning?

The competitive events in a balloon competition are called tasks.  Several tasks can be specified for each flight by the Competition Director.  The tasks for a particular flight are determined before the flight commences, after assessment of the weather, and various other factors.  Competition flights require pilots to exercise skill in manoeuvering their balloons over a set course of tasks with goals, targets, scoring areas, time and distance limits.  The pilot steers the balloon by utilising the wind currents at hand.  Generally, at different altitudes, the wind will vary in direction and speed.  By climbing or descending into these layers of air, the pilot can manoeuvre the balloon onto a preferred line of travel towards their targets.