Zorbing time – the best locations in the US

Zorbing
Zorbing

Have you ever wondered what that huge ball is doing jumping around with a live person inside? That’s not just any huge ball, that’s a zorbing orb.

Zorbing is one of the coolest and craziest outdoor activity in the world. It’s also called orbing, sphering and globe-riding. Come on, who doesn’t like the idea of rolling downhill inside a transparent giant ball? It is fun as it sounds and we all love it.

Zorbs at the Chew Stoke Harvest Home 2010
Zorbs at the Chew Stoke Harvest Home 2010

Zorbing can be performed on land or water. Both ways are incredibly fun, thrilling and unforgettable. The first zorbing site in the world was in Rotorua, New Zealand, but from there it has spread to over 50 countries around the world.  Maybe being trapped in a hampster ball doesn’t sound enjoyable to many of you, but rest assured, zorbing is the thing to try on your next vacation.

This rolling ball consists of two parts (for traveling on land), a large ball and a small ball placed inside. The orb is completely transparent so you can enjoy the view while riding. The two layers are necessary for the bouncing and avoiding rough surfaces, so the rider stays safe inside. The water balls only have one layer. There is also a type of zorbing where you fill the ball with water, but just a little bit, so when you start rolling you get the feeling of being in a washing machine.

Inflatable water cylinder – Author: Maksym Kozlenko – CC BY-SA 4.0
Inflatable water cylinder – Author: Maksym Kozlenko – CC BY-SA 4.0

The US is one of the top zorbing destinations in the world with many famous locations where people can participate in this crazy sport. If you like rolling downhill in a plastic ball, visit one of these places.

Amesbury Sports Park (New England)

This park has some of the steepest zorbing hills and also offers water zorbing during the summer months. Up to three individuals at a time can enjoy a ride in the large sphere. If not zorbing you can snow tube during the cold months, play hockey, football or rugby. Summer is a more attractive proposition for some because of the Annual Bew Fest with more than 100 brands of beer to try out.

Zorbing – Author: Andrew Gustar – CC BY-ND 2.0
Zorbing – Author: Andrew Gustar – CC BY-ND 2.0

Roundtop Mountain Resort

Roundtop Mountain Resort is one of the most visited zorbing locations in the US. They offer an amazing aqua zorbing experience, filling the inner sphere with five gallons of water. It’s not recommended for participants younger than 6.

Richardson Farm

This area is known for being the best ramp zorbing spot. And what is ramp zorbing? It’s you stuck in a small ball, suspended in a big ball rolling on a specially constructed ramp. Activities provided by Richardson Farm are aqua zorbing, pumpkin picking, pedal trikes, goat walks and slides.

Zorbing 028 – Author: _arktoi – CC BY-ND 2.0
Zorbing 028 – Author: _arktoi – CC BY-ND 2.0

Interesting zorbing facts

  • The fastest zorb ride ever was 52km per hour which is just over 32 mph.
  • Longest time spent zorbing was 3:49:06
  • Longest distance traveled in a zorbing ball was 570 meters.

Choose your favorite place and have fun! Small children should be accompanied by adults, especially in aqua zorbing! Be careful with any outdoor activity you do, because safety always comes first.

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stef-zisovska

stef-zisovska is one of the authors writing for Outdoor Revival