According to Wikipedia, Zorbing (also known as globe-riding, sphering, orbing) is the recreation or sport of rolling downhill inside an orb, typically made of transparent plastic.  Prior to last month, I had no idea what the hell it was, nor had I ever heard of it.  Now I cannot stop talking about it, even as much as others around me wish that I would.

On our latest adventure, we headed down to America’s Most Visited National Park, The Smoky Mountains National Park.  Like most people in the Midwest, this was not our first trip to the area.  However this time I wanted to try some new activities that we had not yet experienced.  This is how I found Zorbing.  A quick internet search showed me the way to this redneck version of skiing.  Thanks internet!

In my mind, the origins of Zorbing goes something like this.  In a remote area in the backwoods two friends, Billy Bob and Jon Bob, were contemplating the meaning of life. They had just finished off a 6-pack of Bud and were itchin’ to find something new to do.  Billy Bob spotted a giant orb in the distance. It was too large to be a kickball, or a ball for crab soccer. What could they do with this giant orb?

That is when an idea hit Jon Bob.  They went to the top of Spring Mill Hill and Jon Bob ordered Billy Bob to dive inside the orb.  Afraid of popping their new discovery Billy Bob removed his overhauls and did a Superman dive into the giant ball.  Now comes the genius part.  Why not make this like a waterslide?  Jon Bob then added some water, told his friend to hang on and kicked him down the hill. Behold!  Zorbing was born! 

Only that is not how it happened at all.  Zorbing was born in New Zealand by Andrew Akers and Dwane van der Sluis. We salute them for their genius engineering!  

Our adventure began at Outdoor Gravity Park in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee. According to the website this is the only Zorbing park in the  States.  It is also tied to the originators in New Zealand.  This is the second commercial site for Zorb Rotorua.

Outdoor Gravity Park is just off the beaten path of the Parkway in Pigeon Forge.  It is a very easy short drive with easy access with all vehicles.  We bought our tickets online, which is VERY encouraged.  There are several packages available to choose from, one roll is $20 per person unless you buy a bundle.  If you want to roll the dice for walk-in availability each roll is $25 if there is space.

We only bought one roll(sadness) as we did not know if these orbs would make us claustrophobic. We did not have any issues, however, if you do not like small spaces this could be an one.  There are also some other rider exceptions that you will want to look at on the website before you go.  No need to waste a trip if you are unable to roll.

We arrived at Outdoor Gravity Park at 10:30 in the morning.  Our roll time was at 11.  This gave us time to look around the gift shop, ask questions, change clothes, and prepare ourselves for the elements.  It was a balmy 40° outside and we were in swimsuits with our barefeet waiting for the shuttle to take us to the top of the hill.  This did not excite my husband AT ALL.

When our chariot finally arrived to take us to our final destination there was a brief sense of fear deep inside me.  “Would I even be able to get in the damn thing?”  Oh shit what have we done?  Thank goodness the ride to the top was not that long or I could have second guessed all my life choices.

 Once we depart the shuttle, you are met with some hard choices.  Which track do you choose?  There are three courses to choose from and we only had one shot.  According to the Outdoor Gravity Park website, they have the following: 

1. Extreme Zig Zag(Orange)-The name says it all.  This track requires you have a previous roll under your belt and only one rider allowed.
2. Fast Tracks(Purple)-This track sends you straight down the 1000ft hill.  You can also have 3 riders on this track..
3. .Funnel(Red)-This is a great blend of both.  You can also have 3 riders and it is the most popular.

 Since we are sissies and newbies, we opted for the third track which is known as the Red track at the park.  All courses are also color coded and easily identifiable when you get off the shuttle.

Korey and I opted to go together and fully expected some punches to be thrown in that ball as we were kicked down the hill.  Being a 5 year old, of course I was first in line.  If you ever dreamed of being a flying superhero, you now get to rise to that occasion.  Park fun guides will arrange the giant hole in the ball to your height.  Then you get to take a superman dive into the orb.

I knew that there was water involved, however I did not expect it to already be in the ball when I took my Superman dive.  I almost drowned myself from the get-go.  Also, every roll gets new water, so you germophobes are gonna be ok.  After Korey dove in we were handed our Go-Pro(extra charge).  Since we went when it was cold and the water was warm as can be, you have to dunk the camera so it does not fog up.

After the crew zips the opening shut it is go time!  You are shoved down the hill and off to the races!  If you ever wanted to know what it would be like for a water slide, and a slip-n-slide had a baby, you will get your answer.  You slosh back and forth like a waterslide and are slapped in the face with water like a slip-n-slide.  Who knew waterboarding could be fun!

I laughed all the way down, and as for the video, that camera was everywhere!  I was blinded by water all the way down and it was the best time ever!  Korey and I did not even beat the brakes off each other.  It is only a one minute ride to the bottom which is a bummer, but if you buy more than one roll you will get your fill.

Once you get to the bottom, you are met with the funcrew.  They take the camera, if you buy this option, and give you instructions for exiting. They will tilt the ball and you will exit feet first along with the water.  It is kinda like being born all over again.

All in all this place was so much fun.  They sell several different packages and also have party packages as well.  In May and September they also have a fundraiser for Sevier County Food Ministries, called Running of the Balls. Again, the name says it all!

 Here you can live out your dreams of having a giant ball chase you down the hill. Will you be fast enough to not get run over?  You will need advanced reservations to do this, so be prepared.  I already have ours for May.  Let’s be clear, I have no intentions of beating the ball down the hill.  I am going to get run over and enjoy every minute of it.  One of the funcrew stated that it felt like a deep tissue massage.  I am going down folks!

If you are in the area you need to stop by and give it a whirl. I have been raving about it ever since we got home.  I cannot recommend it enough and cannot wait to return.  I recently even emailed the parent company in New Zealand to see what it would take to have a start up course in Southern Indiana.  So far I have not gotten a response yet and I believe they may think I am a crazy person.  They may be right!