What is zorbing?

Zorbing is a recreational activity which emerged in the late 20th century. It involves rolling down an incline in an inflatable, usually transparent, double-hulled sphere made from PVC.

Zorbing originated in New Zealand as the brainchild of Dwane van der Sluis and Andrew Akers, who in the 1990s (dubious assertion—see talk page) invented and manufactured the spheres, which they named "zorbs", in Rotorua, New Zealand. The inside of a zorb contains several straps to keep the rider in place. Strapless models can be filled with water for an experience somewhat like a water chute.

Distribution of zorbs has since spread to many countries worldwide, mostly in Europe , particularly in Dorchester (near Bournemouth) and also to China and Argentina.

Americans have not had much exposure to the sport, and there is a lack of zorbing sites in the United States. However, the activity has been shown in episodes of Wildboyz, Road Rules, The Amazing Race, and