US Women's National Balloon Championship

07/20/2026

Congratulations to our 2026 Balloon Federation of America US Women's National Balloon Championship Newcomer of the Year, Lauren Sawin.

This action photo captures Lauren throwing her free marker drop on Task #7, where it had to be on the hard road surface only. Her navigator/co-pilot, Jenna Litton, kept her safely at level flight. Their laughter, joy and enthusiasm were contagious the entire week.

This award is presented to the highest ranked pilot that hadn't previously participated in a National or World Championship.

07/18/2026

Amy Joy Gneiting, you are the 2026 Balloon Federation of America US Women's National Champion!
🏆🥇👊



📸 by Kimberly Whiteman

07/17/2026

While we've been its been mostly at the 2026 Balloon Federation of America US Women's National Balloon Championship.

These photos from T's NM Photography remind us of the fun and beauty from our previous flights as we remain "hope"ful for one last competition flight on Saturday morning. 🤞🙏

07/15/2026

We are thankful for the accuracy and efficiency of Wind Line Weather Paddy Cake balloon sonde data made available to pilots, crew and staff.

The ability to view and compare real-time winds and trends from flight planning to the beginning of the launch period is instrumental for achievable targets and numerous great scores, especially when flights are spanning 25+ kilometers with wind speeds aloft in excess of 50 km/hr.

Thank you to those involved in making this available throughout the 2026 Balloon Federation of America US Women's National Balloon Championship.

Paddy Cake is a compact, ultra-lightweight telemetry system designed to gather real-world wind and atmospheric data using a single helium balloon.

07/13/2026

We are grateful to have professional weather support from Michigan Storm Chasers. Thank you Meteorologist Joel Fritsma and Alex Melendez for being here.

Here's to a safe, fair and competitive 2026 Balloon Federation of America US Women's National Balloon Championship!

Honored to provide weather forecasting and severe weather monitoring for the United States Women’s Balloon National Championship in Jackson, MI this week as part of the Michigan Storm Chasers, alongside my fellow colleague Alex Melendez.

Best of luck to all the competitors this year!

07/01/2026

Welcome Tabatha Rainwater, Angela Madden, Angelica Haus, Lauren Sawin and Petra Wilson to the 2026 Balloon Federation of America US Women's National Balloon Championship.

This prestigious event would not be possible without the support of presenting sponsor, Dawn Foods, and our gracious host, the Hot Air Jubilee.

06/22/2026

Join us in welcoming back Janet Beck Lutkus and Kellie Rocha to the 2026 Balloon Federation of America US Women's National Balloon Championship.

This prestigious event would not be possible without the support of presenting sponsor, Dawn Foods, and our gracious host, the Hot Air Jubilee.

06/16/2026

Welcome Kelli Keller and Kimberly Whiteman to the 2026 Balloon Federation of America US Women's National Balloon Championship.

This event would not be possible without the support of presenting sponsor, Dawn Foods, and our gracious host, the Hot Air Jubilee.

06/06/2026

Please welcome Peg Billson and Dawn McKenzie to the 2026 Balloon Federation of America US Women's National Balloon Championship.

This event would not be possible without the support of presenting sponsor, Dawn Foods, and our gracious host, the Hot Air Jubilee.