Zorb creators hope sphere will roll into Boulder City

Friday, May 6, 2005 | 10:12 a.m.

It may be all downhill from here for a New Zealand-based company that has tabbed Boulder City as one of its first U.S. locations.

Thrill-seekers and the young-at-heart soon will be able to roll down a Boulder City hill in an inflatable sphere called a Zorb if the Boulder City Council approves the company's request to lease city property.

Boulder City and the Smoky Mountains in Tennessee are the first locations slated for what is billed as a potential attraction for tourists. People who want to check out the Zorb can do so from 9 a.m. until 4 p.m. Saturday at Wilbur Square, across from Bicentennial Park in downtown Boulder City.

The council will likely vote in the next two months.

"We definitely want to come there," said Allen Skinn, the Texas-based president of Zorb USA. "We like to be where tourist destinations are. Las Vegas, besides being a gambling mecca, is becoming an entertainment mecca. That is where we fit in. We are in the entertainment business."

Earlier this year, Zorb officials were in Boulder City to put on a demonstration of the ride that is a sphere within a sphere. It measures about 11 feet in diameter, and has an inner sphere 6 feet in diameter with air between the spheres that acts as a cushion.

The spheres can hold up to three people and riders have the option of rolling head over heels or remaining upright by putting water in the sphere.

"It is like being in a washing machine," Skinn said of the addition of water. "As you are slipping and sliding, it feels like you are going 45 mph. It is definitely an adventure sport."

The Zorbs roll down a 200-yard hill at speeds of 26 to 30 mph, Skinn said. No one has ever been seriously injured while riding in a Zorb, he said.

Boulder City Mayor Bob Ferraro said he wants to try the Zorb and thinks it will be a fun, family-oriented attraction. He said the city wants to be a home to Zorb but needs to find the best location for it.

Skinn said he would like the attraction on city-owned property near U.S. 93 and U.S. 95 but is willing to discuss locations with Boulder City.

Ferraro said he prefers using hills in the Bootleg Canyon area where there are restroom facilities and easy access to city businesses and other attractions.

"I think it is unique and certainly appeals to a great number of younger people," Ferraro said. "It will be another outlet for our visitors."

The Zorb was created about 10 years ago by two New Zealand men who started with metal corrugated pipe. Skinn said the attraction fits in with other Vegas activities such as skydiving and bungee jumping.

"A lot of people come out here looking to gamble and hit the bars and shows at night, but they are looking for activities during the day," Skinn said.

The cost per ride is $20.

The amount of the lease Zorb would pay the city hasn't been determined.

Skinn said he would like to have the ride operating by the end of the year.