What Is Blobbing?
Imagine sitting at the end of a giant inflatable airbag floating on a lake while three people jump onto the other end—and suddenly you are launched dozens of feet into the air. That is blobbing, a wildly entertaining water activity that combines a giant inflatable “blob,” teamwork, timing and a whole lot of nerve.
The basic idea is simple. One person, called the “blobber,” sits near one end of the air-filled tube. Other participants climb a platform and jump onto the opposite end. Their combined weight and momentum compress the blob and send the person at the other end flying upward before they eventually splash back into the water.
From Summer Camps to Worldwide Fun
Blobbing has its roots in American summer camps. The Blob was developed as a camp activity in Texas decades ago, helping turn a large inflatable device into a favorite water attraction. It eventually spread beyond camps to resorts, water parks and recreational facilities.
Part of blobbing’s appeal is that almost anyone can understand it immediately. There are no complicated rules or special skills needed to appreciate the thrill. One person jumps, another person flies, everyone laughs—and then they do it again.
Over time, blobbing also became more organized. Competitions and events began appearing in Europe, including the Blobbing Battle championships, which started in 2011. Participants discovered that reaching impressive heights required much more than simply jumping. Timing, body position, teamwork and technique could make a dramatic difference.
Why Has Blobbing Grown?
Social media has given blobbing another boost. Watching someone suddenly rocket into the sky makes for spectacular video, particularly when the flyer performs flips and other aerial maneuvers before hitting the water. What began largely as a camp pastime has become a shareable extreme-sports spectacle.
The activity also appeals to people looking for something different from traditional water sports. Instead of simply swimming, skiing or riding a tube, blobbing lets participants become part of the launch itself.
A New World Record
Blobbing recently reached an incredible new height—literally. On August 9, 2026, in Brunnen, Switzerland, Robin Steiner was launched 28.22 meters, or 92.58 feet, into the air. Guinness World Records officially recognized the feat as the greatest height achieved when launched from an airbag through blobbing.
Steiner was launched by three teammates: Switzerland’s Luc Siegenthaler, Germany’s Lennart Florczak and America’s Tristan Kuhn. Their synchronized jump generated enough force to send Steiner soaring nearly as high as a nine-story building. The new record shattered the previous mark of 22 meters (72 feet, 2.14 inches), established in 2012.
What started as a goofy summer-camp activity has evolved into a worldwide thrill sport capable of producing genuine record-breaking stunts. And judging by how spectacular blobbing looks on video, it may be flying even higher in popularity.