What is zorb ball made of?

A person inside a rolling zorb ball, clearly showing the large open tunnel for airflow

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What is zorb ball made of?

You see those giant inflatable balls and think they look fun, but you’re not sure about their quality. You need to know if the material is safe and durable before you try or buy one.

Zorb balls are made from two main materials. Standard models use PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride), which is cost-effective. Premium models use TPU (Thermoplastic Polyurethane), which is more durable, flexible, and better for use in cold weather.

A close-up shot showing the thick, transparent material of a zorb ball

My name is Leo Li, and as the Production Manager at Inflatplay, I work with these materials every day. A customer like Mark from Canada, who focuses on quality, needs to understand the difference between PVC and TPU to make the right purchase for his business. It’s not just about the price; it’s about performance and safety. I’m going to explain what these materials mean for you and answer some other common questions about zorbing.

Can two people zorb together?

You want to share the fun experience inside a giant zorb ball with a friend. But you are worried if it’s safe or even possible to do so.

No, it is not safe for two people to use a standard zorb ball together. The risk of them colliding inside the ball and causing injury is very high. Always use one ball per person unless it is specifically designed for two users.

An image showing a "one person" icon next to a zorb ball with a red "X" over a "two person" icon

This is a critical safety rule that I always emphasize. While it might seem fun to have two people rolling around in a zorb, it creates a dangerous situation. The standard zorb ball is a single, open chamber.

Here is why "one person, one ball1" is the golden rule:

  • High Risk of Collision2: As the ball rolls, two people inside would be thrown around and crash into each other. This can cause head, neck, and limb injuries.
  • Loss of Balance and Control: A single person can somewhat brace themselves and control their movement. With two people, the weight is unbalanced and unpredictable, making the ride much more chaotic and dangerous.
  • Safety Is Priority: The entire point of a zorb ball is to provide a fun, cushioned experience. Adding a second person removes the cushion between the riders and turns it into a hazard.

The only exception is if you find a zorb ball specifically designed for two people. These are rare and would have separate, secured compartments or harnesses to keep the riders safely apart. For all standard products, always stick to one person at a time.


Is zorb breathable?

The thought of being sealed inside a giant plastic ball makes you feel a bit nervous. You are worried about not being able to breathe or running out of air inside.

Yes, zorb products are completely breathable. They are not sealed airtight structures. Large rolling zorb balls have open ends for constant airflow, and body zorbs leave your head completely outside the ball. You can breathe normally at all times.

A person inside a rolling zorb ball, clearly showing the large open tunnel for airflow

This is a very common and understandable concern, but I want to reassure you that there is no risk of suffocation. As a manufacturer, safety is our top priority, and all mainstream zorb products are designed with open airflow.

Let’s look at the two main types:

  1. Rolling Zorb Balls1: These are the giant spheres that roll down hills or on water. They are designed like a big, open-ended tube. There are large openings on both sides that allow air to flow through freely. You are never in a sealed chamber. The air circulation is constant and very good, so you will not feel stuffy.

  2. Body Zorbs (Bubble Soccer Balls)2: With these products, you wear the ball on your upper body. Your head, neck, and shoulders are completely outside the inflatable sphere. You breathe normally, just as you would without the ball on. There is also a large opening in the front.

So, you can relax. No matter which type of zorb you are using, it is designed to be an open and breathable experience.


What are the rules for zorbing?

You want to try zorbing but have no idea what the rules are. You need to know the basic safety guidelines to ensure a fun and injury-free experience.

The most important rules are: only one person per standard zorb, remove all sharp objects before entering, always have a supervisor present, and only use the zorb on safe surfaces like grass, water, or snow. Limit each session to a few minutes.

An instructor giving safety instructions to a person about to enter a zorb ball

Zorbing is very safe when you follow a few simple, common-sense rules. These rules are designed to protect the user and the equipment. As a professional, I make sure all event operators we work with understand and enforce these guidelines.

Here are the core safety principles broken down:

  • One Person Per Zorb1: As I mentioned, this prevents riders from colliding inside the ball. It is the number one safety rule.
  • No Sharp Objects: Before entering, you must remove everything from your pockets. This includes keys, phones, pens, and jewelry. These items can injure you or puncture the zorb ball.
  • Always Have Supervision2: Never use a zorb ball without a trained operator or supervisor watching. They are there to ensure safety, manage the ride, and help in case of any issues.
  • Use on Safe Surfaces: Zorb balls are designed for soft surfaces. This means grassy hills (free of rocks and sticks), water, or snow. Never use them on pavement, concrete, or other hard surfaces.
  • Control the Time: A single zorbing session should be kept short, usually just a few minutes. This prevents dizziness and exhaustion.

Following these rules ensures that zorbing remains a fun, thrilling, and safe activity for everyone.


What are body zorbs?

You’ve seen people running around in giant bubbles, bouncing off each other. You’re curious about what these are called and how they are different from regular zorb balls.

Body zorbs, also known as bubble soccer balls or bumper balls, are inflatables that you wear over your upper body. Your head is outside the ball, and your legs are free to run, allowing you to play games like soccer or just bump into friends.

A group of people wearing body zorbs and playing bubble soccer on a field

Body zorbs1 have become incredibly popular for team-building events, parties, and recreational sports. Unlike a traditional zorb ball that you roll in, a body zorb turns you into a human bouncing ball.

The key features are:

  • Wearable Design: You slip the body zorb on over your head. It has shoulder straps inside, similar to a backpack, to keep it securely in place.
  • Head and Legs Free: Your head stays outside the top opening, so you can see and breathe easily. Your legs are completely free, so you can run, walk, and kick a ball.
  • Focus on Bumping: The main purpose of a body zorb is to allow for safe, fun collisions. You are surrounded by a cushion of air, so you can bump into other players without getting hurt.

They are most famously used for bubble soccer2, but their use is expanding to all kinds of fun, physical games and challenges.


How to play body game?

You have your body zorbs and a group of friends ready to play. You need some fun game ideas beyond just running into each other randomly.

The most popular game is Bubble Soccer, where two teams try to score goals while bouncing off each other. Other fun games include a last-person-standing bumping contest or team-based relay races and challenges. The goal is fun and interaction, not serious competition.

Two people in body zorbs colliding in the middle of a bubble soccer game

The beauty of body zorbs is that they make any simple game hilarious and exciting. The bumping action is the main attraction.

Here are a few ways to play:

  • Bubble Soccer1: This is the classic game. Set up two small goals and divide players into two teams. The rules are like regular soccer, but with one major difference: you are encouraged to safely knock over your opponents to get the ball. Falling is part of the fun!
  • Last One Standing2: This is a simple and fun game. All players start inside a marked circle. The objective is to be the last person remaining inside the circle by bumping everyone else out.
  • Team Relays: You can set up obstacle courses or relay races where players have to run, tumble, and complete tasks while wearing the body zorbs.

The core idea behind any body zorb game is not about athletic skill. It’s about laughter, interaction, and enjoying the hilarious experience of bouncing around.


What to wear for Zorb football?

You’re about to play bubble soccer for the first time. You want to make sure you’re dressed appropriately for comfort and safety, without damaging the equipment.

You should wear comfortable sportswear and athletic shoes with good grip. It is very important to remove all watches, jewelry, and sharp objects from your pockets. Wearing optional knee pads can also provide extra protection and confidence.

A person dressed in sportswear and sneakers, ready to put on a body zorb

What you wear can make a big difference in your bubble soccer experience1. Comfort and safety are the two main goals.

Here is a simple checklist of what to wear and what to avoid:

  • Clothing: Wear comfortable, athletic clothing2 that you can move in easily. T-shirts, shorts, or track pants are perfect. Avoid clothing with sharp zippers or buttons.
  • Footwear: Athletic shoes or sneakers are a must. They provide the grip you need to run on the field and help protect your feet. Do not play in cleats, as they can damage the playing surface or the zorb balls.
  • Remove Accessories: This is a strict rule. Before you play, you must take off all jewelry, including watches, rings, earrings, and necklaces. Also, empty your pockets of keys, phones, and anything else that is sharp or hard. These items can injure you or puncture the ball.
  • Optional Protection: While the body zorb provides a lot of padding, you will be falling and rolling. Wearing knee pads or elbow pads is a great idea for extra protection and can help you play with more confidence.

Dressing appropriately ensures everyone stays safe and has a great time.


Conclusion

Zorb balls, made from durable PVC or premium TPU, offer a variety of safe and breathable ways to have fun. By following simple rules, you can enjoy this unique, thrilling activity.


  1. Explore tips and resources to maximize your enjoyment and safety during bubble soccer. 

  2. Discover recommendations for athletic clothing that enhances comfort and performance in sports. 

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Leo Li

Hello, I’m Leo Li, the Accounting Manager at Inflatplay. With extensive experience and expertise in the manufacturing management of inflatable products, I am committed to delivering products that excel in reliability, safety, and durability. I actively work on improving manufacturing processes and design solutions to ensure the highest standards of quality. At Inflatplay, we are dedicated to offering top-quality products, so you can rest assured. I’d be happy to share more about myself and Inflatplay with you!

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