Hot Air Balloon Skydiving Adventure in Perris, California

The Cliffhanger Thrill Above Perris

Daring jumpers will be thrilled to know that Perris, California isn’t just for skydivers. For instance, justice and Sam can be seen having the time of their lives on a hot air balloon. That’s because a hot air balloon adventure at Skyline Balloons combines the gentle drift of a hot air balloon ride with the adrenaline rush of skydiving. To enjoy the views, the participant climbs into a hot air balloon basket with another person, their parachute already strapped to their back. At the scheduled spot, the participant jumps off and deploys their parachute, entering into a freefall. This is thrilling for the participant and offers a beautiful experience for some onlookers, too. The jump itself lasts less than 20 seconds, but the flight back down to earth is longer, giving daredevils the thrill of flying and the peace of contemplation. So, this isn’t some far-fetched fantasy — it is very real and can be done in Perris, California.

Aerial Adventure Drops From the Skies Over California

Hot air ballooning isn’t the safest adventure sport but this kind of excitement is what had driven interest for a long time among adventure seekers. In the last few years, movie magic has taken a backseat to real-life adventure. The movie “Cliffhanger” came out in 1993, starring Sylvester Stallone. Since then, people have looked for real ways to recreate the thrills of the action stars on the big screen. Plans for hot air balloons and skydiving at the Perris Soaring Center have been made for years for people who want to recreate the thrill of Sylvester Stallone’s leap from the cliff. The Perris airfield has been open for a long time as a non-profit and a wildlife preserve.

The Hot Air Balloon Basket

The most recognizable part of the hot air balloon, the basket, is the structure enclosed by a net that holds the pilot and passengers. A typical hot air balloon basket is made of wicker, which is both durable and flexible. It has a high strength-to-weight ratio. These baskets need to be light enough to carry as many passengers as possible while still holding its shape and absorbing the shock of landing. The basket's base is wide and flat to safely land in a large open area. Hot air balloon baskets can hold about 500 pounds of weight if it's made for one person, or up to 1,500 pounds if it's made for 8 people and 80 lbs of equipment. The basket holds anywhere from 2-8 occupants, depending on the size of the balloon. This is often how people travel into the sky.

The Freefall

Jumping out of a hot air balloon and deploying a parachute to freefall is an increasingly popular way to enjoy views of the outdoors and enjoy skydiving. Speeds of freefall can vary, but a hot air balloon freefall typically lasts 40 to 50 seconds, during which the participant can reach speeds of 120 mph to 200 mph. The freefall consists of three distinct phases. These are: * The Initial Moment: This is when the person jumps from the balloon and pulls the deployment cord to open the parachute. * Coning: During the first few seconds, the parachute can be seen descending in a cone shape as the fabric is still filling with air. This is when the user will experience the force of gravity in full. * Fall with the Chute Open: After coning, the parachute fully inflates. It then has a fully functioning canopy and harness that will slow the person's fall. The parachute has to be opened at a height from 3000 to 1500 meters, depending on the type of parachute and the wind conditions. The jumper deploys the parachute by pulling a handle, which releases the parachute from its backpack. The canopy then inflates and the jumper is safely lowered to the ground.

The View

The view from the balloon includes the entire 360 degree expanse of the sky. From a few thousand feet, one can view the whole city of Perris, to the eastern tip of the Perris Hills, to the southern ends of the Dos Palmas Hills and Pinyon Hills, and to the western and northern edges of the Perris Reservoir.

Choose Your Own Adventure

When to Go

There are many different factors to consider when embarking on a hot air balloon ride. One of the most important factors is the weather. Weather conditions over Perris, California, can vary greatly. * Weather: There is a clear recommendation to avoid wind speeds over 10 mph. When pilots choose to fly the balloon, they must plan their trip from a certain launch site to a certain landing site. This will depend on wind speed and direction as well as the duration of the ride. Wind conditions will also determine the amount of visible ground. * Time of Day: Depending on how long a ride you want, you’ll find that flight times are usually in the early morning hours just after sunrise or in the evenings before sunset. Flying in either of these windows can be a peaceful experience.

Safety Tips

 * **Maintain a High Level of Preparation:** Make sure that you have all the necessary equipment and that it is in good working condition. Also, review the safety procedures and emergency plans before taking off.
 * **Stay Hydrated:** The balloon may take you somewhere where there's no shelter from the sun, so make sure you're hydrated and have some liquids with you.
 * **On-board Gear:** Keep your parachute, helmet, and mask in reach. This will give you time to familiarize yourself with your equipment and access it quickly and safely in an emergency.
 * **Respect the Balloon and the Basket:** Be respectful of the balloon, the basket, and those around you. The basket can be disorganized and small, so keep it neat and tidy, and keep an eye out for any loose items that might get damaged or lost during the flight.

The Climb to Your Next Daring Escape

When considering a hot air balloon adventure, it's important to remember that it is not a one-size-fits-all experience. There is a lot to consider in choosing how to reach the sky, whether it be a hot air balloon ride or the thrill of a free fall parachute jump. Each experience offers a different type of calm and reflection and therefore, people can choose one or both experiences.