Zorbing: History and Reasons for Popularity

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Have you tried zorbing yet? Well, if you aren’t familiar with the term, then read on to find out. Zorbing is a recreational activity that involves rolling down a hill or slope inside a large inflatable ball. The activity originated in New Zealand in the 1990s and has since become popular around the world. Dugout Sports Arena in Chennai offers the best zorb ball experience for kids as well as adults. It’s time for you to try it out!

Seven countries have multiple venues for this activity. If you can believe it, this is a sport for people of all ages, even if the young are more likely to take part. This sport is clearly very well-known and popular.

The Origin of Zorb Ball

The history of Zorb Ball can be traced back to the early 1990s, when two friends, Andrew Akers and Dwane van der Sluis, were experimenting with different ways to use large inflatable balls. They were inspired by the idea of being inside a giant ball and rolling down a hill and decided to create a prototype of a zorb, which they called the "sphereing ball."

In 1994, the first commercial Zorb Ball ride was established in Rotorua, New Zealand, by Akers and Van der Sluis. The ride consisted of a large inflatable ball, which was placed on a hill and rolled down at high speeds. The activity quickly gained popularity among tourists visiting New Zealand and soon spread to other countries.

The first zorbing in the United States took place in 2000. Zorbing became an instant hit in the US and other countries worldwide. Today, zorbing is available in many countries, including Australia, Canada, the United Kingdom, the United States and India, among others.

Types of Zorb Ball Activities

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There are several types of Zorb Ball activities, each with its unique characteristics. The most common type is the "dry zorb," in which the participant is placed inside the ball without any water or other liquid. The other types are the "wet zorb," in which water is added to the ball to increase the thrill of the ride, and the "hydro zorb," which is similar to the wet Zorb but involves being strapped into the ball and rolling down a slope.

Zorbing is considered a safe activity, as the inflatable ball is made of durable and puncture-resistant material. The participant is secured inside the ball with safety straps, and a helmet is worn for additional protection. In addition, operators of zorbing rides are required to comply with safety regulations and guidelines set by the relevant authorities.

Despite its relative safety, zorbing is not without its risks. It is important for participants to follow the instructions provided by the operator and not exceed the weight limit for the ball. In addition, zorbing should not be attempted on steep or uneven terrain, as this can increase the risk of injury.

Also Read: Basic Dissimilarities Between Football & Futsal Game

The Rules of Zorb Ball

To win, you'll need to be fast, but you'll also need a little luck, as other racers can knock you off course, or you could get a strange bounce that sends you careening in a new direction. Such competitions need only a slope, so it's not limited to hills and can be held on ramps of any material (wood or metal). However, it is also common for this sport to be played on the water.
As with any sport, the goal is to cross the finish line first by taking risks and thinking outside the box, but there are rules that must be followed. Many recent injuries have cast serious doubt on the sport's future. One person was killed, and another was seriously injured in the Czech Republic when their zorbs went off the rails in 2009. Russian authorities responded to a series of fatal accidents by enacting new safety regulations for the sport in 2013.

The competitors are hurtling down an incline at high speeds, so it is against the rules for anyone to intentionally collide with another competitor's bubble. The participants should also remove any valuables from their pockets and not wear any items that zip or snap. Another matter of safety is that nobody wants their bubble to burst in the middle of a roll.

For safety purposes, the standard Zorb (sphere) is about 3 metres in diameter (6 feet 7 inches on the inside). A rider needs an outer air cushion of 50-60 cm in diameter. Zorb plastic should have a thickness of about 0.8 mm (0.03 inches thick). The zorbs should be linked using a web of fine nylon strings, and they should have one or two tunnel-like entrances.

So, what’s our verdict?

Overall, zorbing is a fun and exciting activity that offers an adrenaline rush for participants. Its origin in New Zealand and its worldwide popularity in the past few decades is a testament to its appeal. As long as safety precautions are taken, zorbing can provide a thrilling and unforgettable experience for people of all ages. So, if you are looking for an indoor play area for adults where you can try zorb ball in Chennai, you need to look no further than Dugout!

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