Downhill Revolution

You have tried bungee jumping, hurdled through the white waters, and climbed a steep rock.

You have tried bungee jumping, hurdled through the white waters, and climbed a steep rock. You have parasailed high in the sky and you have tasted saltwater thrills on the crest of the waves. So, what next? Well, how about getting strapped-up inside an enormous plastic, air-cushioned ball and getting rolled down with a small push. I bet for adrenalin junkies and weak-hearted fun lovers. Zorbing or sphering, is something you wouldn8217;t want to try. But the best part remains that no formal training is required to experience it.

The Beginning
The game began six years ago when inventors Dwane van der Sluis and Andrew Akers created unique PVC spheres called zorbs and rolled them down slopes with people inside. Since then, the sport has travelled to other corners of the globe with slight changes here and there. In India too, zorbing sees a slight change in the diameter of a zorb. The current diameter is either 10 feet or 12 feet depending on the number of people that are harnessed inside. There are nylon ropes in the transparent zorbs that keep the brave souls inside firmly in position throughout the entire topsy-turvy ride.

About Zorbing
Zorbing is the practice of travelling in a sphere, generally made of transparent plastic. The exercise is done usually for fun. Sphering or globe-riding is generally performed on a gentle slope, allowing the rider to roll downhill. It can also be done on a level surface or on water, permitting more rider control.

As of the sphere, it is a double-hulled sphere, with one ball inside the other with an air layer in between. Many spheres have straps to hold the rider in place, while others leave the rider free to walk the sphere around or be tossed about freely by the rolling motion. The inner and outer spheres are connected by hundreds of small ropes. Spheres generally have one or two tunnel-like entrances. At least two adults or three kids can be safely ensconced inside the bouncing bubble.

The sport can be enjoyed by people of all ages who don8217;t mind being strapped inside an enormous clear plastic, air-cushioned ball. As the ball rolls down a long grass-covered slope, you spin around in a virtual anti-gravity form of weightlessness like an intoxicated space traveller. As you tumble head over heels, the build up of centrifugal force keeps you pressed hard against the plastic wall, so it8217;s easy to 8216;go with the flow8217; and enjoy the revolving view outside.

Ideal Surface
There are specifications that have to be kept in mind while adapting this sport to Indian conditions. Zorbing is best experienced on golf courses and open manicured grounds with a slight elevation where there is an absence of sharp objects. Uneven plains that are interspersed with pebbles and rocks are likely to cause punctures in the zorbs.

Where to Head
Countries abroad have regular zorbing events, but it has caught up in India, especially Himachal Pradesh. The Solang Valley Resort in Himachal Pradesh and Dhanaulti Woods Swiss Camp in Uttaranchal have slopes that are ideal for zorbs to roll down at a uniform speed.

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Precautions
Like any other adventure sport, Zorbing too needs to be carried out with certain precautionary measures. To begin with-
Usually a team of four people handles the zorbing sessions and keeps an eye on the comfort levels of the zorbonauts.
The team is responsible for pushing the transparent bubble, controlling its direction and stopping it immediately if any participant is scared.
The ball usually traverses a distance of anything between 35mt and 50mt, but the maximum limit has been fixed at 100mt.
The writer owns adventure club, clubfootloose.com, and is a city based gemologist. Mail him at soliclubfootloose.com