Zorbing is an activity that involves climbing into a large, bouncy clear plastic ball called a ZORB and walking around in it or rolling in it down a hill or on water.
It’s an activity that can be done indoors or outdoors but people who learn about it might wonder exactly what it is: An activity? A sport? Extreme sport? Or perhaps something else.
Zorbing is best described as an athletic and fun activity with an extreme element especially when you roll down hills at great speed or through a track that has been set up specifically for zorbing.
Below we’ll discuss the background of zorbing, why you might do it, where to do it and other aspects about this fun and unique activity.
Who invented zorbing?
The ZORB – in all caps! – was invented by two New Zealanders Andrew Akers and Dwane van der Sluis back in 1994. They came to invent the ZORB when looking for fun things to do on the beach.
Their company continues to produce all ZORBS in their manufacturing facility in Rotorua in the North Island for export around the world.
You can find private zorbing locations globally who offer tracks or courses to zorb on for a fee.
What is the point of zorbing?
In 2001, the Oxford English Dictionary was defined for the first time as the following:
a sport in which a participant is secured inside an inner capsule in a large, transparent ball which is then rolled along the ground or down hills.
Oxford English Dictionary
In essence, zorbing is a fun activity that can be indoors or outdoors, alone or with others involving speed, rolling, coordination and being upside more time than you can count.
Is it a sport as the dictionary suggest, though? Unless you’re somehow competing while zorbing, it’s probably better described a fun and possibly extreme activity.
Where can you zorb?
ZORB the company itself operates several tracks at their location in Rotorua, New Zealand that are from 250 m – 350 m (820′ – 1150′) in length. You can purchase tickets to take part in a “roll” which is considered to be one trip down a hill. They also offer a second physical location in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee with similar facilities.
One particular zorbing option that is offered involves filling the zorb with up to 40 L (10.6 g) of warm (winter) or cool (summer) water so that while you’re rolling down a hill, you slide around in the water for added effect.
You can also find private businesses around the United States and in other countries that have purchased ZORBS who offer their own courses and tracks. You can also find locations in Canada, UK, Japan and Australia to name a few.
How big is a ZORB?
A ZORB weighs 95 kg (209 lbs) and has an outer diameter of 3 m (10′). It’s actually made of two orbs: The larger outer one and a smaller inner one typically 2 m (6′ 7″) in diameter. In between the two orbs is a space for a cushion of air to help protect the user.
You physically climb into the ZORB through a small tunnel and position yourself. There are handles inside the ZORB to hold onto while you’re turning and rolling. Some people forego holding the handles so you can spin and roll around.
Up to three people can fit in a ZORB at one time. As long as you under the weight limit of 125 kg (275 lbs), you will fit inside the ZORB.
How dangerous is zorbing?
Zorbing is generally considered to be quite safe as long as you’re responsible and follow instructions and rules. There is no height or weight minimum however.
The inventors of zorbing don’t allow kids under 5 years old and don’t recommend it for people who suffer from various ailments such as:
- High blood pressure
- Epilepsy
- Dislocations
- Pregnancy
- Heart conditions
- Back injury
- Head injury
- Neck injury
- Other physical conditions
Check with your doctor if you’re thinking about zorbing but are concerned about a health condition.
Fun facts about zorbing
- Zorbing is the verb but ZORB is the noun, the actual ball that you use to take part in zorbing.
- All ZORBS are hand made in the factory in Rotorua, New Zealand.
- You can purchase a ZORB but they cost $13,000 NZD ($9,100 USD) but in order to buy one, you first need to go through a site audit first.
- Zorbing tracks or courses have been set up (in the two corporate zorbing locations mentioned above for example) that you can maneuver through downhill but you can also zorb on water or flat land.
- Some locations – particularly in the US at the state level – have banned water zorbing due to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission’s fear of accidental drowning.
Below is a video taken by the inventors of the ZORB and the sport of zorbing when initially testing the product dating back to 1994.