In a water balloon fight the advantage of a water balloon launcher is a very helpful in winning any water balloon war. There are many different ways to make these launchers, and they can also be purchased at stores. However, in many cases the store bought ones are not as good as the homemade versions. These instructions are based on using flexible plastic tubing, but other tubing such as surgical tubing or rubber tubing can be used as well.
The base shape for the bag for the balloons is a giant plus sign. The approximate measurements should be a 14-inch square, but it can be made smaller or larger if desired. Cut out the square and then cut out about 3-inch by 3-inch squares from each corner. The end result will be a giant plus sign.
2
Lay out the two wood pieces onto opposite tabs of the cloth. Take the duct tape and wrap the wood pieces inside the pockets of cloth by folding over the ends of the cloth towards the middle of the cloth. Use a lot of tape so that the wood is anchored inside.
3
Lay one end of the tubing on a tab of cloth that is not being used by the wood pieces. Bend the other end around and lay it across the same tab of cloth. Tape the cloth around the tubing, but do not get any tape on the tubing itself because the cloth should be able to slide up and down the tubing. Do this with the other piece of tubing on the other side of the cloth. You should end up with two loops of tubing.
4
Using the tape, cover all free ends of the launcher wherever they are loose or unstable. Heavy taping is very important, as it is what holds the whole launcher together. It needs to be able to hold a great deal of force.
5
Fill some balloons with water and put them in a bucket or some other container. Attach the ends of the tubing to two trees or some other sturdy objects. Alternatively, you can use two friends to hold the ends of the launcher. You could also use a tree and one friend. Put a balloon in the launcher and pull back at a 45-degree angle. Let the balloon fly!
Tips & Warnings
If you are able to sew, sewing the seams of the launcher would be better if a heavy duty stitch is used.
Stand well away from the launcher when it is being used. The balloons are quite powerful!
