Zorbing (globe-riding, sphereing, orbing) is the recreational activity of rolling downhill whilst inside an giant inflatable ball not too dissimilar from the well known hamster ball!
The globes are generally made from a transparent plastic.
As a rule Zorbing takes place on a gentle hill, however it can also be done on a level surface which allows for a greater degree of rider control.
There are two types of orbs, harnessed and non-harnessed. Non-harnessed orbs are able to carry up to three riders, while the harnessed orbs are constructed for one to two riders. Double-harnessed spheres have different slope requirements, and must only be operated in specific locations.
The first Zorbing site was established in Rotorua, New Zealand, by Andrew Akers and David Akers.
Zorbing entered the Concise Oxford English Dictionary in 2001 where it was defined as: “a sport in which a participant is secured inside an inner capsule in a large, transparent ball which is then rolled along the ground or down hills”.