The zorb tumbled into existence in the mid-1990s in New Zealand, hitting the extreme sport scene in 1998. What has now become a worldwide phenomenon is a simple ride inside a plastic ball down a grassy, or even snowy slope. In areas where there are no natural hills, zorb operators may build a metal track down which the zorb rolls. Although zorbing takes place on land, it can be a wet and wild experience when water is added to inside of the ball for the ride.
A zorb is actually two separate balls, both made of flexible 0.8 millimeter thick, transparent but strong plastic. The outer ball is around 9 feet 8 inches in diameter. The inner ball, which can accommodate one to three passengers, is about 6 feet 6 inches. This leaves roughly 2 feet of air to absorb the shock for the riders as they make their way downhill. The inner and outer balls are connected by hundreds of pieces of rope, which keep the balls turning together. The average zorb has one or two openings around 2 feet wide through which the rider enters and exits. For more info, visit www.zorb.com
