Go Zorbing Or Sphereing And Roll Down A Hill Inside A Giant Plastic Ball!

Remember how much fun you had rolling down grassy banks on lazy summer days when you were a kid?

Have you been Zorbing or are you planning to go soon? If so we would love to hear all about your experiences (perhaps with a photo or two). You can contact us via our contact page. 

 

Or freewheeling down a steep hill on your bike with the added excitement of not knowing if your back brake would be able to stop you when you reached the bottom?

New Zealanders Dwane van der Sluis and Andrew Akers obviously careened down one hill too many during their misspent youths, but at least it gave them the inspiration to come up with the latest in extreme sport technology - the Zorb.

A Zorb is a gigantic inflatable PVC ball measuring 3m in diameter which contains another smaller ball suspended in position by thousands of nylon strands of various colours that act as shock absorbers.

Why the need for shock absorbers? Because you’re going to climb inside the inner ball at the top of a hill and climb out again when you get to the bottom! Reaching speeds of up to 35 miles per hour, Zorbonauts (as Zorb riders are called) are protected from injury by the outer ball and rather incredibly nobody has ever been sick inside a Zorb.

The Zorb is now a worldwide business with franchise agents in many countries and so far 200 Zorbs have been rolled out. No experience is necessary to become a Zorbonaut, although weight and age restrictions do apply (12-17 year olds also need parental permission).

Want to give it a go?

Roll on down to Bockhampton near Dorchester in Dorset then where Zorb South will be only too glad to push you down a hill. Prices start at £30 a go for a shared Zorb ride and £35 for hydro zorbing - where a bucket’s worth of water joins you in your ride for that “I’ve been in a washing machine” effect. Ring 01929 426 595 to book your seat.

Sphere Mania offers similar experiences in Dunkeld, Perthshire, Scotland, courtesy of Nae Limits (telephone 01350 727 242) and at the Chepstow Outdoor Activities Centre (telephone 01291 629901) in Monmouthshire, Wales. Prices start at £40 a go.


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