Zorbing

ZORBING

Zorbing (globe-riding, sphereing, orbing) is the recreation of rolling downhill in an orb, generally made of transparent plastic. Zorbing is usually performed on a gentle slope, but can also be done on a level surface, permitting more rider control. In the absence of hills some operators have constructed inflatable, wooden or metal ramps.

History. Hamster balls have been manufactured and sold since at least the 1970s. In the early 1980s, the Dangerous Sports Club constructed a giant sphere (reportedly 23 meters across), but it was unsuccessful. In 1994, Dwane van der Sluis and Andrew Akers conceived the idea for a type of sphere in Auckland, New Zealand, calling their invention the "Zorb". With two other investors they created the firm ZORB Limited, and set to work commercializing sphereing.

Construction. The zorb is double-sectioned, with one ball inside the other with an air layer between.This acts as a shock absorber for the rider, damping bumps while travelling. Orbs are lightweight and made of flexible plastic. A typical orb is about 3 meters in diameter, with an inner orb size of about 2 metres. The inner and outer orb are connected by numerous (often hundreds) small ropes. Orbs have one or two tunnel-like entrances.

Countries. Zorbing is performed at commercial locations, where prospective riders pay a fee for each ride or for a whole day's activity. 'Hill-Rolling' (the another name for this activity) is practiced in England, Scotland, Northern Ireland, New Zealand, the middle of Sweden, Estonia, the Gold Coast in Australia, North Pole, Canada, the Czech Republic, Switzerland, Japan, Kochi in India, Thailand and Slovenia.

People. The Guinness Book of World Records recognizes two sphereing records, set over two consecutive days in 2006: - Longest sphereing ride held by Steve Camp who travelled 570 meters. - Fastest sphereing ride held by Keith Kolver who reached a speed of 52 kilometers per hour.

- Hill zorbing - Hydro zorbing - Aqua (water) zorbing - Snow zorbing - Aero zorbing - Night LED zorbing Classification.

Zorbs have been adopted as a symbol of the 2014 Winter Olympics in Sochi, Russia.

Ajectives. Exciting Fantastic Funny Positive Uncomfortable Hilarious Unforgettable Fascinating

Presented by: Alina Bychkova, 10a