Zorbing is an intriguing extreme adventure activity that has rapidly become popular all over the world. Zorbing, which can also be called sphering, orbing and globe-riding, was developed by Dwayne van der Sluis and Andrew Akers in New Zealand in the 1990s, although it has been a reccurring idea in science fiction for decades. They have a futuristic look to them and allow humans to roll down hills, man-made ramps or even over the surface of the water!
Anatomy of a zorb
The ball (which can be referred to as a zorb or an orb) is a transparent plastic sphere that is actually made up of two spheres with about 2 feet (which translates to about 13 cubic metres of air) between the layers in order to cushion the impact of the ground for the zorber inside. The two layers are connected by thousands of tiny ropes and the plastic is less than a centimetre thick. As there are 2 balls (one inside the other) and they do not have to be inflated and deflated for every use.
The general measurement for a zorb is 3m in diameter and zorbers can get in and out of the zorb by one or two little doorways. These doors are the obvious entrance and exit for the zorb, and they are also the air circulation system. There are various ways to enjoy these modern toys: if it is found somewhere like New Zealand where space and hilly landscapes are not a rare commodity, then these balls are rolled down gentle slopes, or down purpose-built ramps which can be up to 200m long.
Zorbing options
Orbs can have a built-in harness, or be just as-is, in which case the zorber has the freedom to move around as they wish, trying to stay on their feet, which is nearly impossible, or being thrown around by the ride. Harnessed zorbers will go much faster down the hill though! There are children's zorbs, adult zorbs and zorbs that can hold more than one person (maximum 3).
Zorbings balls can also have a twist! For a wet adventure, water can be put inside the ball before the descent which gives it a washing machine effect! Zorbers will be sloshed around all the way down! Orbs can also be used on water (as they will not sink) and they are commonly used for children as a fun and innovative form of exercise. It is quite common for water zorbs, or water balls or aqua zorbs, as they are known, to have just one layer of plastic as no shock needs to be absorbed.
What the ride is like
Once inside the ball, the outside world may become quite blurry. Even though the balls are made of transparent plastic, once they start spinning it becomes impossible to distinguish the ground from the sky!
Despite what one may assume, one of the designers of zorbing claims that zorbers will not get dizzy or sick. Due to the large circumference of the ball, the ball only actually completes a 360 rotation every 9m.
Zorbs are safe! They do not pop as a balloon would, they simply lose air slowly without any drastic outcome. Whereas one may view as dangerous the fact that the zorber has no control over the ball, the balls are always used on controlled tracks. These balls do not pick up sufficient speed going downhill to become airborne so there is no need to fear that your ride will be excessively turbulent.
There's also a new zorbing invention that has come about that's called body zorbing. Zorbers put a smaller sized zorb on their upper body and bounce off of each other like little molecules or like a human game of ping pong. Whatever will they think of next?
This is a brilliant extreme adventure sport for everyone. It does cost a pretty penny but it is a unique and adrenaline-filled experience that practically anyone can try! This is a perfect treat for a special occasion or for trying something wacky and new! Have a look at our directory to find a provider near you!
