Seventh generation high-wire daredevil (and possible crazy-person) Nik Wallenda received approval today from the legislature of the State of New York to cross Nigara Falls.
Wallenda, who is the seventh generation of the Wallenda family to take on such stunts, has completed over 200 high wire walks. The permit from the state, if approved by Gov. Andrew Cuomo, would be good for one year. However, it’s expected the walk could happen as soon as this fall as part of Wallenda’s Discovery Channel Show, Life on a Wire.
According to reports, the walk would be more than 2200 feet long, and would end on the Canadian side of the falls. At this time, Canadian officials say that they have yet to receive a request for permission from Wallenda. One would expect that it’s forthcoming, however.
To anyone who’s ever had even the slightest trouble with even the balance beam in gym class, Wallenda probably seems a little nuts. For people who are scared of heights (me!), he seems flat-out dangerously insane.
Here’s a video of Wallenda crossing the wire of Cedar Point’s Sky Ride in Sandusky, OH. Around 2:30, he actually lays down on the wire. So, he was either sleepy, or just taunting physics. If you click through to see other videos of other walks he’s done, DO NOT click on the video titled ‘Karl Wallenda’s Last Walk’. Just trust me.
