Strap yourself into a gigantic plastic ball and roll down a hill for a wild, adrenaline-packed ride! Sound like fun? Welcome to the world of Zorbing.
What Is Zorbing?
Zorbing or sphering, as it's sometimes called, was invented by a couple of adrenaline junkies from New Zealand in the 1990s. Dwane van der Sluis and Andrew Akers originally developed the zorb as a giant plastic ball that could be used to walk on water but the pair later figured out the zorb would be more fun for using on land. A zorb is a giant plastic ball, with a smaller capsule inside. The person zorbing, also known as a zorbonaut, rides inside the inner capsule, which is surrounded by a cushion of air that is pumped into the larger ball. Zorbers are strapped into then inner capsule and then the fun begins! The giant zorb rolls down a grass or sand covered hill at speeds up to 35 miles (50 km) per hour. As zorbers tumble upside down, the build up of centrifugal force keeps riders pressed hard against the plastic wall.
Zorbing - Where Can I Try It?
Zorbing is a big-time thrill ride, but because zorbers are strapped into the inner capsule, no real athletic skill is required (although a strong stomach and the ability to keep your lunch down would probably be good). All riders have to do is hang on and enjoy a ride filled with shrieks of both laughter and fear. Zorbing is rising in popularity with several zorbing sites in New Zealand, Australia, Europe and China. The first zorbing sites in the USA are expected to open in 2006.
Zorbing - Fun Facts
- In hydro-zorbing, several buckets of water are added to the inside of the zorb, so riders slip and slide inside as the zorb flys downhill.
- Up to three people can ride inside a zorb at the same time, so it can a be fun ride to do with a friend.
- Some extreme zorbonauts have rolled zorbs off cliffs and waterfalls for an extra adrenaline kick.
