Zorb gives Guam new draw for thrill seekers

By kyle mandapat

Adrenaline junkies and causal thrill seekers alike add one more adventure to the excitement of a trip to the list of things to do on Guam with the opening of Zorb in Ordot – an adventure ride that lets partakers barrel down a track inside a giant soft globe.

    The uniqueness of the ride is part of what makes it so fun, according to Leslie Moreno, Zorb general manager.

    “When you’re a kid, you’re rolling down a hill, now you’re an adult rolling down a really big 750 feet hill in a giant ball,” said Moreno. “It brings you back to your childhood.”
    Originating in New Zealand, Zorb brings two different rides to its Guam site.

    “The Zydro is a water ride; you can fit up to three people in it with a maximum weight limit of 575 pounds. It’s like a rolling party,” Moreno said of the water-filled globe. “You stay in the center of the ball and just follow the terrain of the slope. This is a more-than-one-is-fun ride. ”

    The second ride is called the Zorbit and, according to Moreno, is a little more intense.

    “On the Zorbit, you strap yourself in and roll down the hill.  You’re going head over heels and you get somewhere near 2Gs of centrifugal force,” he said. “This is more the adrenaline junkie ride.”
     The adventure starts at the Zorb Experience Center with a short digital questionnaire that includes a snapshot so riders can get a color printout of their official “zorbanaut” license and wrist band to present at the ride.
    “You go through the S.T.A.R.T., Safety Training And Ride Terms that gives you a series of questions making sure you are able to ride, and you get a pictured certificate when you’re done,” said Moreno.
    The zorbonaut is then led to the start of the track where they are helped into the orb of their choosing by members of Team Zorb. It’s all downhill from there. Afterward, the zorbanauts are escorted back to the center where they can see photos of their trip and even post one on Facebook for no additional charge.
    “What’s really cool is you can’t really have the same experience twice,” said Ray Limuaco, a zorbonaut who has tried both rides. “I don’t think there is an adjective to describe how much fun it is to ride.”
    According to Limuaco, the adventure is really enhanced by the service of the team and the fun atmosphere it creates.
    “It’s kind of intimidating at first, but then you start hanging out with the team and you realize this is going to be a lot of fun,” he added. 

                Site Manager Meafou “Tana” Meafou said that he and his team make it a point to try to make riders feel at home.
                “My whole outlook is:  family oriented service,” Meafou said. “We want to make sure everyone is having fun, the staff and the families.”
                Mebyann Fencia was looking forward to her first cruise down the Zorb track after seeing it for herself.
                “I ain’t getting any younger and I need some adventure in my life,” explained Fencia.  “I tried slingshot rides, but I want to step it up to the next level without jumping off a plane, and this is perfect.”
                “If you are new to Guam,” she added, “this is a great way to view the scenery of our island, with a twist.”
                Zorb offers a military discount and is open daily, 9am to 6pm. For more information, call 922-9672 or visit them near the Leo Palace Resort in Menenggon Hills.