What is Zorbing?
Even if you've not had the chance to experience it yourself, you've no doubt already seen Zorbing on the TV or internet. This thrilling amusement has been a smash hit since it first appeared, and the unique fun it provides has quickly spread across the entire world. But how much do you know about the origins of this excellent family funfair attraction? We're going to take a brief look at the world of Zorbing!
Where did Zorbing originate?
While similar devices have been recorded as far back as the 1970s, Zorbing as we recognise it today first emerged in New Zealand back in 1994. Whether you know it as Sphereing, Orbing, Ball Rolling, Globe Riding or anything else, from its first appearance all those years ago it rapidly caught on to the point that the word Zorbing was even added to the Oxford English Dictionary in 2001!
What's so incredible about these gigantic inflatable orbs is the way they can handle any kind of environment and surface. They are able to travel on flat ground, slopes and even water! That's right, you can really walk on water with the help of Water Zorbing. Constructed from lightweight and flexible plastic, these water balls provide a double-sectioned and cushioned vessel for riders to tackle whatever terrain they fancy.
It's easy to learn how to Zorb
The operation of Zorbing is extremely simple. For fast-paced downhill descents, riders can be secured within the orb using a harness, and then go completely head over heels as they fly down hills or even purpose-built slides. Alternatively, participants can crouch within the orb unharnessed and use their own arms and bodyweight to direct and move the gigantic orbs.
Wherever you choose to place the Zorbs and whatever type of surface you travel upon, the adrenaline-pumping white-knuckle experience they provide is always extremely popular with thrill-seekers. Zorbing fans are always competing to see who can travel the fastest and furthest using this unusual form of transport.
As it stands today, the record for the longest single roll is an incredible 570 metres, while the fastest recorded speed in a Zorb is 32mph. Do you think you have what it takes to challenge either of those records?
Even if you prefer to go at a gentler pace (and we don't blame you if so!), you'll find that Zorbing is still bags of fun for both young and old. Riders are often surprised by just how great it is to board the Zorb and get exploring, so if you've not tried it yet be sure to give it a go when you can!
Because of the excitement it provides, Zorbing is a staple at amusement parks across the globe. Not only this, Zorbing has also become a very popular activity at stag and hen do's, team-building days, graduation parties, corporate events, charity fundraisers and more.
So next time you're planning an event where there's going to be plenty of adventurous people looking for fun, why not provide the inimitable excitement of Zorbing? It's sure to be a hit!
Zorbing Describes a Family of Activities Built Around an Inflatable Ball
Zorbing is generally associated with a participant entering or using a large inflatable ball or sphere, but the word can cover more than one activity format. The equipment, setting and way participants move can differ considerably, so it is useful to establish exactly what type of zorbing is being offered rather than relying on the name alone.
adventure activities provides a useful starting point for comparing zorbing with other forms of active event entertainment.
Rolling Zorbing Is the Version Many People Picture First
The classic image of zorbing involves a person inside a large transparent inflatable sphere that rolls over a suitable course or surface. Movement of the sphere creates the activity, making the environment and equipment configuration important parts of the experience.
This differs substantially from mechanically powered fairground entertainment. How Are Funfair Rides Powered? provides an interesting comparison with attractions that depend on electrical, mechanical or other powered systems.
Water Zorbing Uses the Sphere in a Different Way
Some attractions place inflatable balls on a controlled body of water, allowing participants to move inside them while the sphere remains on the surface. Although the visual connection with land-based zorbing is obvious, the activity format and operating environment are different.
water attractions contains other event entertainment involving water, including Water Balls - Walk On Water and Paddle Boats.
Zorbing Should Not Be Confused with Every Inflatable Ball Game
Event entertainment has developed numerous activities using inflatable spheres, padded equipment and inflatable structures. Similar-looking products do not necessarily operate in the same way as traditional zorbing, so organisers should consider the specific activity rather than treating "zorb" as a generic description for anything involving an inflatable ball.
inflatable attractions shows how broad inflatable event entertainment can be, with different products designed around different forms of participation.
The Venue Matters to a Zorbing Activity
Because zorbing is an active form of entertainment, suitability depends on the particular equipment and the environment in which it is intended to operate. Available space, surface, access, surrounding activities and the manufacturer's or operator's requirements can all be relevant when assessing an event site.
How to Choose the Right Funfair Rides & Games provides broader guidance on matching attractions to an event, while Event Planning and Logistics FAQs covers related practical planning considerations.
Zorbing Can Sit Within a Larger Activity Programme
At corporate, university, school and festival events, an active attraction can be combined with games offering very different styles of participation. This allows organisers to create variety rather than relying on several activities testing exactly the same ability.
Depending on the event, zorbing-style entertainment could sit alongside team building, sports games, icebreaker games or festival hire.
Check the Specific Zorbing Format Before Taking Part
Participants should follow the instructions supplied for the particular attraction, including any requirements concerning entry, use and suitability. Different zorbing formats should not be assumed to have identical participation rules simply because they share a similar inflatable-sphere design.
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