Slackliner Breaks 2 World Records by Walking Above a Volcano and the Clouds
Rafael Bridi is not afraid of heights – he actually enjoys them.
The 35-year-old Brazilian currently holds the Guinness World Records for the highest and longest slackline walk over an active volcano (ISA-approved).
Slacklining, a quickly growing sport, is very similar to tightrope walking.
However, instead of using a stiff cord or rope, athletes typically balance and perform tricks while suspended in the air using a tensioning system made of a cable or polyester belt that is rigged between tree slings.
When Rafael was visiting a friend, he tied a cable between two palm trees, which sparked his interest in slacklining.
Although it didn’t come naturally to him at the start, it motivated him to keep trying to get the right balance.
He practiced constantly until he mastered the discipline thanks to his competitive and driven mindset, finally teaching himself how to perform static poses, dynamic tricks, and keeping an excellent balance. Rafael created strategic slacklining techniques by using his engineering skills, eventually becoming an expert in the field.
On December 2, 2021, the slackliner broke the record for the highest slackline walk by walking 18 meters (59 feet) between two hot air balloons above the Praia Grande in Santa Catarina, Brazil, at a height of 1,901 meters (6,236 feet).
To put it into perspective, the distance walked was twice as tall as Burj Khalifa, the tallest building in the world.
“The walk was pleasant and very calm,” Rafael said.
The record title for the longest slackline walk over an active volcano was 261 metres (856 ft) and was achieved by Rafael alongside Alexander Schulz (Germany). On April 15, 2020, they both went 42 meters (137 feet) above the crater of Mount Yasur, a stratovolcano on Tanna Island in Vanuatu.
Rafael practices on a 100-meter-long slackline at home to prepare for such incredible heights. He trains two to three days per week.
Rafael’s next goal is to set up the first highline, which will be 6,000 metres (19,685.03 feet) above the Andes mountains. He also wants to break another record soon.
(Do NOT try slacklining at home unless you are with a professional)
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