The Strange Sport of Zorbing

Zorbing is when you get inside a giant plastic ball and roll around for fun. You have to love the minds of the people that come up with these things. You have to wonder if the inventor was watching their hamster roll around the living room and then thought, ‘hey, I want to do that too!’.

Zorbing is sometimes referred to as globe-riding, orbing, or sphering. To be honest, everyone we talk to refers to it as ‘that thing where you get inside a giant hamster ball’. It doesn’t really matter what you call it, the real matter at hand is whether or not it’s fun. Unequivocally the answer is yes, it is indeed fun!

The Beginning of Zorbing

The strange sport of Zorbing has quite a fascinating start. It was an idea brought to life by the infamous Dangerous Sports Club of England in the 1980s. For those of you not in the know, this club brought us the (now so popular it’s almost mundane) sport of bungee jumping. They also pioneered surrealist skiing, a bizarre strange sport to be saved for another day.

The idea was picked up in the 1990s by a couple of creative New Zealanders. They built a ball (how could you not be picturing a giant hamster ball) that a person could sit in and named the contraption a zorb. The creators have had a long and at some points, complicated, relationship with Zorbing but they are still heavily involved in the sport.

Different Types of Zorbing

Zorbing is usually done in controlled parks or arenas. There are a few obvious (but perhaps boring) safety precautions to take into account. Always practice zorbing in a regulated setting where there are individuals to assist should anything go awry. There are many different types of zorb balls, these are just a few:

• Can hold one – three people
• Sitting or standing
• Harness or free-style
• Wet or dry interiors
• Can be used on water or land

Children can go zorbing as well as adults so it’s a good choice for a fun family bonding activity. Different zorb balls can have different weight limits but in general, it is a fairly inclusive activity. We think the zorbs that take two people would be an intriguing first-date activity. A good way to find out if your possible match has a fun adventurous side.

Zorbing as a Sport

Often zorbing is getting into a zorb ball and getting pushed down a hill. Sometimes the zorb travels along a water track. The ride is fun but fast, often taking under a minute. The rush of adrenaline is amazing but some are looking for more of a competitive experience.

Zorb Soccer

This sport is also known as zorb football as it was created in Norway. Players are in zorbs that cover them from the waist up. It can be played inside or outside and the objective is…wait for it…score as many goals as you can. The fun part is it is a contact sport. It doesn’t matter if a player has the ball or not you can bump into them and knock them over.

At the beginning of each game teams stand on their goal line and the ball is placed in the center. Teams rush the ball to take possession and this procedure is repeated after a goal is made. This game is played both competitively and just for fun.

Zorb Bowling

Best weird sport ever! Zorb bowling has the same concept as regular bowling, getting the ball to knock over as many pins as possible. What makes it amazing is that you become the ball. This game is usually played on flat areas. It is sometimes offered on ski hills which would really amp up the adrenaline fun.

Zorb Racing

Race against your best time, relay-style, or against fellow zorbs. This fun side sport will bring a smile to any face guaranteed. With the popularity of zorbs increasing there are rental agencies located all around the world. How much fun would it be to gather a group of your friends and spend the afternoon racing each other? Alternatively, this would make a great team-building exercise, one that your office won’t call in sick for.

Is Zorbing the Strange Sport for You?

There is only one way to find out, you need to get out there and try it. Zorbing is a popular sport available in many countries worldwide. Check out what is available near you. If there isn’t Zorbing in your area put it on your list of things to try when we start traveling again.

When you think about it, Zorbing is the perfect way to safely play team sports during COVID. Why hasn’t this caught on earlier? Check out the videos online to see all the fun to be had with this strange but wonderful sport.