Crédit Pierre Lecornu
Could you imagine the joy on the faces of 12-13 year old teenagers to whom it is announced that they are being given the chance to push each other around, not only in a completely safe way without running the risk of being punished but also with the approval of adults ? That is exactly what 60 youths got to enjoy at a resort in Northern England. During their stay, they got to try “bodyzorbing” - an activity scarcely known in France but very much appreciated across the Channel.
Adam, an English camp monitor usually animates and leads a variety of activities including football, hockey, and rugby, but that morning at the Stonyhurst campus of the resort it was “bodyzorbing” that he had come to introduce to the French youth. Beneath the intrigued and impatient glare of the children, he began “blowing up” the equipment. “Bodyzorbing” is an activity that is performed inside large transparent plastic bubbles sure to take anyone out of their comfort zone. Once blown up, six “zorbs”, as they are called, take their place on the field. There is a hole in the middle, which allows players to slide their upper bodies in, leaving their legs free.
Crédit Pierre Lecornu
Among the wave of hands that lift up, Adam chose 6 youngsters to begin, passed out the “zorbs”, showed the children how to get in and explained the rules, all in English of course! The game thus began; accompanied by the laughter of those on the sidelines the teens threw themselves joyfully one against the other. Given their balloon-like appearance, the “zorbs” bounce on impact, causing the player to lose balance and often times winding up on the ground without any damage to the occupant given the bubble’s shock absorption.
Crédit Pierre Lecornu
For the six young players selected, the first “bodyzorbing” session doesn’t last more than a mere 5 minutes. It is after all a taxing physical activity. The plastic tube in which the player slides him or herself is relatively narrow and despite the opening on top, it does require more energy and breath than normal. It is therefore recommended to take frequent breaks. However, zorbing in and of itself is not the only thing that can be done with the “zorbs”, you can play football as well. Taking the ball away from others players as well as losing it becomes child’s play. Needless to say, shoulder bumping is allowed. Slightly off to the side, the girls and the younger ones of the group, tired of being targeted by the other “bodyzorbers”, take a swing at some acrobatics, including summersaults and other routines. The possibilities are endless !
Crédit Pierre Lecornu
That said, the idea of rolling around in the English grass not only sparks the enthusiasm of the children but also that of some of the resort’s animators. Luckily, legislation required that the group of 20 include 2 animators, or rather 1 per 12 children. After trying to measure up against their friends, the challenge became to knock down the animators, ganging up 5 against 1 if need be.
“Bodyzorbing” is in fact a variant on zorbing - another recreational activity that consists of having the entire body enveloped in a zorb. Well-protected in the double-lined bubble, one can have fun rolling down hills or treading water.
Crédit Pierre Lecornu
The invention, which dates back to the 90s, is from New Zealand. In any case, the sport developed in Anglo-Saxon countries and this is the main reason the resort director decided to include it on the agenda. “The goal is for the children to do something that will stay with them, something they won’t get to do in France”. The goal was well achieved despite a budget that is diminishing year by year. Whereas Adam normally would bill 180 sterling pounds for a 1-hour long “bodyzorbing” session, he gave the director of the resort a special discount, bringing the cost to 110 pounds, since he is a regular on the scene. “Even if it is more expensive, we are still here to promote England. So we offer hockey, cheerleading, and ‘bodyzorbing’, and that, they will be able to brag of only being able to do here.”