What is Zorbing?

“Zorbing” is a fun activity that involves rolling around in a giant inflatable ball.  This article will provide a background and explain how this new activity works.  Zorbing is an unusual sounding name that will get many people curious about what this activity entails, but you may have also heard of some other names for this sport.

The activity that involves rolling in a giant inflatable ball is also sometimes known as “globe riding” or “sphereing.”  If you have ever seen somebody rolling around in one of these, I am sure it got your attention and maybe even appealed to the inner child in you.  This is not just an activity for children as anybody with a sense of adventure will surely have tons of fun Zorbing!

A Zorb is constucted of a flexible and transparent plastic that is inflated with air to give lots of protective cushioning to the person inside when they are rolling down hills.  This cushioning is provided by the two layers of plastic in the ball, the outer and inner layer, with the air resting in between.  This allows the rider to comfortably roll down hills or along a flat surface.

As mentioned before, this activity is not just for kids.  People of all ages an try it out if they are up for an adventure.  If getting into the giant inflatable ball and rolling around appeals to you, then you can do it.  You will be harnessed in and the inflated cushioning will provide comfort inside.  There is also a wet Zorbing option which involves having water placed into the ball for a different experience.  On hot summer days, this can be a refreshing way to go.  When wet Zorbing, you will not be harnessed into the ball.

If you have a group of people, it is even possible to load up to three people into the giant inflatable ball.   Just be aware that this may mean you cannot ride with the harnesses.

If you are intrigued, then you may be wondering where you can participate in this new and exciting activity.  There are official Zorbing locations because the company that provides the Zorbs has strict rules.  Currently, there is only one location in the United States in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee in the Smoky Mountains.  There is also a location in Rotorua, New Zealand and locations throughout the world in Slovenia, Ireland, Guam, Thailand, Argentina, and the Czech Republic.

Any location other than those listed previously is not an official Zorb location and may be unsafe as it is not signed up through the company’s code of safe operations.  There are other similar activities that involve a giant inflatable ball, but they are not associated with this same company and do not fall under their safety codes.

If you are lucky enough to find yourself in one of the locations where you can Zorb, you have a great opportunity to get your adrenaline going and have a once in a lifetime experience.