What is Zorbing?

Have you ever wanted to feel like a hamster in a ball, running around and rolling down hills? Well, now you can with zorbing!

Zorbing is an adventure activity where you climb inside a giant inflatable ball and roll around to your heart's content, and it's great fun for children and adults alike. In this article, we'll tell you everything you need to know about zorbing.

In this guide

• What is Zorbing?
• What is Aqua Zorbing?
• Where was Zorbing Invented?
• Is Zorbing Safe?
• How Fast Do Zorbs Go Downhill?
• World Records in Zorbing

What is Zorbing?

Zorbing is an adventure activity that involves getting inside a giant inflatable ball and rolling down a hill. The ball is usually made of PVC or TPU and is transparent, so you can see where you're heading as you roll. There are two types of zorbing: land zorbing and water zorbing. As the names suggest, the first takes place on land, and the second on a pool or lake.

What is Aqua Zorbing?

Aqua zorbing (or "water zorbing") takes place on a body of water, usually a reservoir, lake or pool. Unlike land zorbing, this version lets you experience what it's like to walk on water! Another form of aqua zorbing puts a little water inside the zorb with the rider, which stops them getting disorientated when rolling downhill.

Where was Zorbing Invented?

Whilst the exact origins of zorbing are patchy, the first concept for this activity can best be credited to the television series "Gladiators", which ran through the 1990s and early 2000s. In the show, competitors battled it out in an event called "Atlaspheres", encased in giant steel cage balls.

Then in 1994, a New Zealand company named ZORB Limited became the first to commercialise the idea, creating human-sized plastic zorbs for recreational use. When the word "zorb" made it into the Concise Oxford English Dictionary in 2001, the activity's place in the history books was secure.

Is Zorbing Safe?

Yes, zorbing is safe when it's run properly. You're held inside an airtight plastic ball, often with a harness, so there's no danger of falling out. However, following the safety instructions is essential. Only roll on a slope that's been set up for it, never on one that's too steep or has obstacles, and never in strong wind, as gusts can lift a zorb off the ground. It's also worth staying hydrated, as it gets warm inside.

Is Zorbing for Two People or One?

Both. If you want to experience the thrill of zorbing with a friend or family member, a two-person zorb is well worth considering. These are slightly larger than single-person zorbs, with enough space for you both to fit inside comfortably.

How Fast Do Zorbs Go Downhill?

Depending on how steep the slope is, zorbs can pick up an unbelievable amount of speed when rolling downhill. The fastest zorb ride on record belongs to New Zealander Keith Kolver, who reached a whopping 52 km/h (32 mph).

Can You Get Dizzy from Zorbing?

Yes, you certainly can. Because you'll be bouncing and rolling around inside the zorb, it's important to know your limits. If you're not feeling great after lots of rolling and bouncing, it's time to take a break.

One way to combat this is aqua zorbing. A small amount of water inside the zorb helps keep the rider upright and avoids dizziness when speeding down a hill.

What Do You Wear for Zorbing?

We highly recommend wearing sporty clothes if you want to try zorbing yourself. Because you'll be moving around inside a giant plastic bubble, it soon gets warm in there! Shorts and a T-shirt are best for this activity, but gym leggings or cycling shorts work too.

Is Human Hamster Balling the Same as Zorbing?

Almost, but not quite! With human hamster balling, you're also wrapped up inside an inflatable zorb. But instead of rolling down hills or across water, human hamster balling usually involves some kind of maze or course for you to navigate.

World Records in Zorbing

Since zorbing took off, several world records have been set across the globe. These three are the most significant:

Source: Guinness World Records, checked November 2026.

Final Thoughts

Zorbing is an exciting adventure activity for children and adults alike. If you're looking for something different on your next holiday or day trip, why not give it a go? Just follow the safety instructions and have lots of fun!