Zorbing history

In 1994, Andrew Akers and Dwane van der Sluis invented a big inflatable ball that people could jump inside and roll around in. Initially they thought they could use the ball for walking on water but they soon found they could have more fun rolling down hills in it, and the activity of 'zorbing' was born.

The original Zorbing site is in Rotorua New Zealand and Zorbing is now a global business. Our Managing Director Paul Knight was originally introduced to Zorbing by Graham Lawes, a Kiwi who had experienced the activity at Rotorua in 1998. The first UK Zorbing site opened in Dorset, July 2000 with participants only able to experience Harness Zorbing. In 2002 Hydro Zorbing was launched exclusively at our site and has now proved to be our most popular ride.

Since 2002, Zorbing South has continued to develop and fine tune the zorbing experience and are continually looking at ways to improve. In 2008 we launched the new seat system for harness zorbing and for hydro zorbing, the extra security of a double zip door. In 2010 we invented a new braking system for harness zorbing, allowing us to operate in downwinds up to 15mph.

For a complete history of zorbing from its very beginnings, please click here where you will be redirected to the OGO website (the guys who invented the zorb)

We have just completed our 11th season with a 100% safety record. Our Zorbing site has been developed over the years to provide an excellent experience in a safe, friendly and fun environment. Our product is still the best out there, and being improved all the time.

You can see the entire family history of zorbing by clicking here