The English Channel, from what I've heard has been swam, jet-skiied and hovered across, so why not zorb across it?

Like those boat-tanks that they get for some people swimming long distances, why not just have one of those and put a zorb (with paddles attached to the outside) inside instead? They could run and run and run (like my friends pet hamster) until they get to France.
-- froglet, Dec 03 2005

Hydro Bronc http://www.waterspo...ore2/hydrobronc.htm
[Shz, Dec 04 2005]

Check out the video http://www.national...ds/0107/hydrobronc/
(Hydro Bronc) [Shz, Dec 04 2005]

Florida man arrested after trying to cross Atlantic in 'human-powered hamster wheel' https://www.nbcnews...amster-w-rcna103873
[xaviergisz, Sep 08 2023]

Neat idea, but there really isn't enoughroom inside a Zorb to run - make it bigger and it should work like the over-sized hamster wheel you envisage.
-- DrCurry, Dec 03 2005


Which would make it similar to jogging across the channel. Can I get out and swim when it gets too hot?
-- normzone, Dec 04 2005


The government is always arresting people for things which should not be a crime. This is an egregious example.
-- Voice, Sep 08 2023


We should invite this Reza Baluchi to join us.
-- pertinax, Sep 10 2023


If you provided a stripe all around the perimeter for orientation, and aligned raised ribs/fins along that axis, when you ran you could get some real headway with a spherical vehicle. A smooth outer surface will be at the mercy of wind and current, and you need some direction if you want to get to France. Or back.
-- minoradjustments, Sep 15 2023


Rishi Sunak could cleverly provide these cross-channel zorbs, free-issue, to be used in lieu of small boats. He will then have completely eliminated small boats by dint of their having become obsolete, and be perceived to be a man of his word.
-- bhumphrys, Sep 18 2023



random, halfbakery