The One Person Helium Balloon

Uncommon since the early 1900s, one-person balloon riding is again possible to enjoy with this one-of-a-kind balloon. This improved model is manufactured from 210-denier urethane coated nylon with an integrated lattice structure, the identical material used by the Swiss balloon that circumnavigated the world and set the record for continuous flight. This balloon is safer, quieter, easier to maneuver and one-eighth the size of a hot air balloon. It has no burner or dangerous gas tank--making it environmentally friendly. Before lift-off, the rider is secured in a comfortable safety harness and counterbalanced by adding up to 16 supplied mesh weight pouches to the load tape system of the balloon. The rider then simply pushes off from the ground, allowing the balloon to slowly ascend as high as 100 feet, floating as far as a quarter mile before gently descending. The ground crew are secured to the balloon with supplied climbing harnesses connected by two spectra 100-foot tethers. The balloon can stay inflated for weeks, since helium loss is only 1 to 2 percent per day (5,900 cubic feet of helium is required for filling). The life capacity can be maintained by topping off every three to four days. If preferred, after use the entire balloon can be deflated and conveniently stowed in the trunk of a car. Minimal assembly required. Comes with operating manual, instructional video, auto-locking carabiners, harness, tethers, storage bag and 16 eight-pound ballast weights. Requires helium and 14 twenty-five pound standard disc weights for anchoring (not included). Inflates in approximately 45-minutes with supplied 35-foot fill hose. The harness is constructed from military-spec nylon webbing. Spectra lines are 2,800-pound test. For ages 8 and older, 70 to 260 pounds. Children require adult supervision. Inflated: 221/2-foot diameter; deflated: 3-foot square. For use in large, open areas in little or no wind. Available in yellow-gold, silver-white or teal blue. (90 lbs,) Helium suppliers are listed in the telephone directory under "Helium."