Length of Time In A Zorb Ball With Inflatable Balls

In the early 1990s, a group of New Zealand scientists invented the giant plastic ball that would become the Zorb and gain popularity worldwide.

The sealed, airtight design of this product means that there’s a finite amount of time you can spend inside one of these balls of fun. The safest length of time in a zorb ball is somewhere around 15 minutes; at this point, you’ll begin to use up all of the oxygen.

Continue reading to find out how long you can stay in a Zorb ball, how much oxygen one of these contains, plus some tips to keep you safe.

How Long Can You Stay In A Zorb Ball?

Many manufacturers specify that there is enough air inside a Zorb ball to last up to 30 minutes. But that doesn’t mean you should stay inside a Zorb ball for 30 minutes because oxygen levels could decrease while the carbon dioxide starts to reach dangerous levels.

If the oxygen levels in your blood start to lower, hypoxemia can occur within just a few minutes. When this happens, your body will not function at a normal level.

Mild symptoms of hypoxemia include:

Headache
Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
Tachycardia – rapid heart rate
Coughing or wheezing
Confusion
Skin, lips, or fingernails turn a bluish color

The reason why you should exit a Zorb ball after around 15 minutes is that there is still a sufficient and plentiful supply of oxygen at that point, rather than one which is depleting.

How Does Zorbing Work?

Many people compare a Zorb to a human-sized hamster ball, but while the latter is made of hard plastic, manufacturers craft Zorb balls from durable PVC, which makes them perfect for bouncing down hills and across the water.

When you enter a Zorb ball, you’ll crawl through a waterproof zipper into an inflatable sphere, where you’ll wait for someone to pump air into the outer sphere.

Because of the outer zip mechanism, Zorbing does require assistance, and you should only use these sporting balls under guided supervision.

How Long Can You Breath In A Zorb Ball?

Zorb balls are waterproof and airtight, so the oxygen inside them will run out relatively quickly. The average diameter is three meters in a structure connected by a multitude of braces.

In general, there is enough air inside one of these balls to oxygenate a person for 30 minutes. Still, leaving the ball after 15 minutes is safer to ensure your body maintains a sufficient oxygen supply.

Some Zorbs allow for two people to use them at the same time. In this case, riders may want to keep the maximum ride time to ten minutes, ensuring that they keep a steady flow of oxygen.

Once the oxygen supply inside the ball is exhausted, a dangerous level of carbon dioxide can accumulate in just a few minutes. And those with lung or breathing issues could be at a higher risk than average.

Can You Get Hurt In A Zorb Ball?

The flexible and padded design of a Zorb ball protects its user against most issues. But, as with anything, it is not indestructible. While small rocks and stones are okay, larger obstacles can impact, penetrate, or otherwise damage the ball.

That’s why it’s imperative that you only Zorb on established and reputable tracks that are regularly safety inspected.

The other issue with Zorbing is that it can be uncomfortable for people who suffer from motion sickness as you spin around 360 degrees at speed.

Is Zorbing Safe?

Like any adrenaline-filled activity, Zorbing comes with several hazards, some of which can be fatal.

However, with appropriate management by professional bodies, Zorbing can be a safe and enjoyable sport and possesses a great safety record.

The Zorb design provides ample interior cushioning so that you don’t get too bashed about as you roll down a hillside at speed, and harnesses and handles allow you to maintain your body position and minimize the risk of injury.

Is It Safe To Zorb On Water?

The Zorb’s invention sprang from a failed attempt at creating inflatable shoes that would allow people to walk on water, and it’s no surprise that a device that will enable you to quite literally “walk on water” would become a sensation.

But, modern-day Zorbing is a sport best suited to land activities, and many governments and officials warn against Zorbing on water.

The biggest issue is that these balls don’t possess any kind of emergency exit, so if a person gets into trouble, it can turn fatal in a matter of minutes. And if the ball springs a leak, there is a real danger of drowning.

If you try water zorbing, it should always be on an enclosed, shallow water area that professionals supervise constantly. Never take a Zorb onto an open body of water; if you drift out, you could suffocate or drown in a matter of minutes.

Zorbing With Water.

While Zorbing on the water carries severe risks that you shouldn’t take lightly, there are a number of companies that offer safe water experiences, providing the perfect cooling system on a hot summer’s day.

The origin site of the Zorb – Rotorua, New Zealand – offers a water-based Zorbing experience called H20GO, where you ride accompanied by 40 liters of water (hot or cold depending on the season).

The popularity of these experiences speaks for themselves, but the most important thing is that you always seek reputable companies that understand the safety protocols of Zorbing.

Does Zorbing Have A Weight Limit?

Individually manufactured Zorbs each possess their own weight limits. Generally, a commercial Zorb’s weight limit will be between 18 and 20 stone.

Zorb balls also have all kinds of other limitations, such as temperature – many cannot be used below temperatures of 14 degrees. As long as you select a reputable provider, they should be able to give you a list of all limitations and restrictions on their product.

Safety Rules You Should Know Before You Zorb.

When done correctly, Zorbing can be adrenaline-fuelled fun to enjoy with your family and friends. The most important thing is that you follow the proper procedures and keep yourself safe. If you try Zorbing with a professional company, they should have all this information available.

Make sure that an experienced professional is the one who operates and supervises your Zorb. This operator should also request that you remove loose articles before you ride, so bear that in mind before you go. These include earrings, watches, necklaces, etc.

Once you enter a Zorb, a harness system should be there to secure you in place, while handles allow you to hold your position. You should not use the handles to manipulate the ball’s roll (unless instructed to do so), and you should not deviate from specified areas.

You should never drag a Zorb as the friction can cause burns and holes, and always seek help from a professional if you have any inquiries about your ride.

Final Thoughts.

Zorb balls generally hold enough oxygen for 30 minutes, but you’ll only want to stay in the ball for half of that time. This allows you to maintain a sufficiently oxygenated air supply and reduces the risk of breathing difficulties.

Zorb balls come with their own hazards, and it’s essential to understand these before you ride on one. However, professional companies are fluent in safety practices and can provide a safe and enjoyable ride for you and your friends.

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