Waboba Original
Pickup currently unavailable at BSS
The Ball That Bounces on Water
The Waboba Original is where it all started. Born in Sweden in 2005, it was the world's first ball engineered to bounce on the surface of water, and it remains the benchmark against which every water-skipping toy is measured. Throw it hard across the face of a wave or skim it low across a flat lake and it kicks up off the surface the same way a flat stone does, except it comes right back to your hands.
Patented 3-Layer Construction
The performance behind the bounce is the patented 3-layer design. At the center sits a signature gel core that stores and releases energy on impact with the water, generating the elastic rebound that makes the skip possible. The layers surrounding the core are tuned to give the ball enough mass to hold a straight flight path when thrown, while keeping it light enough for all-day play. The soft textile outer shell is grippy when wet, making catches feel secure even when your hands are dripping.
At 2.2 inches in diameter the Original is compact enough to slip into a board-short pocket, a beach bag, or a wetsuit chest pocket without taking up space that gear needs.
Best for Oceans and Lakes
Waboba rates the Original as a Surf/Extreme hybrid, meaning it handles both the chop of an ocean shore break and the glassier surface of a freshwater lake. The gel core delivers a reliable skip whether the water is calm or lightly textured. Flat, fast skims work best on open water; aim for the troughs between small waves in the surf. The ball floats, so a miss or a wind-blown overthrow does not end the game.
Who It Is For
Waboba recommends the Original for ages 6 and up. The compact size and soft shell make it approachable for younger players, while the Surf/Extreme rating means older kids and adults can push throws harder and still get a satisfying skip. It travels well: no inflation, no assembly, no batteries. Toss it in with your beach kit and you have an instant game anywhere there is open water.
Get It at Island Water Sports
Pick up the Waboba Original in store or online at Island Water Sports. The South Florida team can pair it with catch gloves, the Waboba Wingman, or other water toys from the Waboba lineup to build out a full day of water play.
Free Shipping, No Minimum for IWS Beach Club Members.
Returns are eligible within 30 days of receiving your order. Return shipping labels are FREE for IWS Beach Club Members. See more
Specifications
- Brand
- Waboba
- Model
- Original
- Edition
- Surf/Extreme Hybrid
- Diameter
- 2.2 inches
- Construction
- Patented 3-layer design
- Core
- Signature gel core
- Best Use
- Oceans and lakes
- Recommended Age
- Ages 6 and up
- UPC
- 840001910706
- MPN
- 107C02_A
Frequently Asked Questions
- How does the Waboba ball bounce on water?
- The Waboba Original uses a patented 3-layer design with a signature gel core that compresses on impact with the water surface and releases that stored energy as an elastic rebound. Combined with the right throwing angle, this produces a skip across the water similar to a flat stone, but the ball stays intact and floats for easy retrieval.
- What is the best way to throw a Waboba Original?
- Throw it at a shallow angle toward the water surface, similar to a sidearm or three-quarter arm throw. A low, fast release aimed at flat water or the trough between waves gives the most consistent skips. Overhead throws are too steep and will cause the ball to enter the water rather than bounce off it.
- Is the Waboba Original good for lakes or only the ocean?
- The Original is rated as a Surf/Extreme hybrid, which means it performs well on both ocean surfaces and freshwater lakes. Calmer lake water tends to produce longer, more predictable skips, while ocean use works best in light chop where you can aim for the flat water between waves.
- Does the Waboba Original float if you miss the skip?
- Yes. The ball floats, so an overthrown or missed skip will not sink the ball. Retrieve it from the water and keep playing.
- What is the ball that bounces on water called?
- The original water-bouncing ball is the Waboba Original. Waboba invented the concept in Sweden in 2005, and the Original remains the flagship product in their lineup.
- Is the Waboba Original safe for young kids?
- Waboba recommends the Original for ages 6 and up. The compact 2.2-inch diameter and soft textile outer shell make it easy to grip and catch, and there are no sharp parts or inflation required.
- Can the Waboba Original be used in a pool?
- The Waboba Original is designed for open water surfaces like oceans and lakes where the ball can build speed across the surface. A standard pool works for short tosses but the confined space limits the skip distance. Open water gives the best experience.