What Is Zorbing and How Does It Work?

Zorbing means rolling down a grassy hill inside a giant transparent ball. It sounds strange, but it is one of the simplest adventure activities: no skill or training is needed, only a sense of humour. Did you know that the sport was invented in New Zealand in the 1990s, the same country that made commercial bungee jumping famous?

How a Zorb Ball Works

A zorb is actually two balls, one inside the other, joined by hundreds of air-filled connectors. The cushion of air between the layers absorbs bumps as the ball rolls. The inner sphere is large enough for one or two people to sit, lie or be strapped in.

Harness zorbing and water zorbing

• Harness zorbing: you are strapped inside and roll head over heels with the ball, a little like a slow rollercoaster.
• Water zorbing: a few buckets of water are added inside and you slide around freely as the ball rolls, staying upright most of the time.
• Water walking: a single-layer ball placed on a pool or lake, where you try to walk on the water surface.

Where It All Started

The first commercial zorbing site opened in Rotorua, New Zealand, where long grassy slopes made the perfect track. Since then zorbing has spread to adventure parks around the world, often as part of family activity centres.

Is Zorbing Safe?

On a properly designed track with trained staff, zorbing is considered a low-risk activity. Operators set limits on age, height and weight, and they check that the slope ends in a safe run-out area. People with back or neck problems, heart conditions or who are pregnant should not take part.

Tips for your first roll

Remove glasses, jewellery and anything in your pockets. Choose water zorbing if you are worried about feeling dizzy, and avoid eating a big meal just before your ride.

Looking for More Adventure?

If you enjoy a light adrenaline rush, Antalya offers many family-friendly alternatives, from ziplining and rafting in Köprülü Canyon to buggy safaris in the Taurus forests.