Live Stream: Nik Wallenda Grand Canyon Tightrope Walk - A Dream Come True

NikWallenda.jpg
High wire walker Nik Wallenda balances on a 1,200 foot (366 meter) cable during a practice session in Sarasota, Florida, June 14, 2013. Wallenda is training for his untethered high wire walk across the Grand Canyon scheduled for June 23. Picture taken June 14, 2013.  REUTERS/Steve Nesius

Most people have walked across a balance beam at least once in their lifetime and have probably felt the sense of accomplishment after, but none can be compared to what Nik Wallenda will feel in his attempt right now to walk across the gorge just east of the Grand Canyon without using a tether or a safety harness.

As a seventh generation tightrope walker, Wallenda said he has over-prepared for tonight’s feat. Even if there is an emergency, he said he has trained to hold on to the two inch (5 cm) wide rope until the rescue team and a standby helicopter get to him within 60 seconds.

“I’ve had a dream to be the first person in the world to walk a tight rope directly above the Grand Canyon,” Wallenda said in a video statement on his website.

Despite his claim that he will be crossing the Grand Canyon, Wallenda, 34, or Sarasota, Florida, will actually be walking across a gorge of Little Colorado River Navajo Tribal Park, located just east of the canyon.

That doesn’t make the stunt any less risky or the visuals any less spectacular. Wallenda’s two inch (5 cm) cable spans 1,400 feet (426 m) across the gorge, 1,500 feet (457 m) above ground; that’s higher than the Empire State Building. Plus, the site is likely to be buffeted with winds up to 30 mph (48 kph).

Wallenda describes himself as a “born-again Christian,” and credits God for his success, saying that what he does on the high-wire is a gift from God. Before every wire walk, he joins his family in prayer and he always wears a cross as he performs, according to ABC News. He remarks, “The Bible says pray without ceasing and I’m always praying.” He also said he tries to live “an upright life” and be a good example.

The Discovery Channel will air the broadcast at 8pm EDT Sunday, June 23, live. Watch the live stream here on The Discovery Channel via Skywire.

    Most Popular
  • Is 'The Last Supper' worth watching? Audience and critics weigh in

    Is 'The Last Supper' worth watching? Audience and critics weigh in

    Faith-based films often receive mixed reactions, and The Last Supper is no exception. The movie attempts to bring a fresh perspective to one of the most iconic moments in Christian history, but does it succeed? Some reviews from critics and audiences provide insight into its strengths and shortcomings.

  • ‘The Chosen’ Season 5: The darkest season yet—What to know before watching

    The wait is over—The Chosen is back with its fifth season, and this time, things are getting intense. The new episodes dive straight into the final days of Jesus’ life, covering some of the most emotional and dramatic moments in the Bible. If you’ve been following the series, you already know that The Chosen isn’t just about retelling familiar stories—it’s about bringing them to life in a way that feels real.

  • Massacres in Syria: Over 1,000 dead, including Christians and Alawites

    Syria’s coastal regions have been devastated by a series of massacres, with reports indicating that over 1,000 people—many from Christian and Alawite communities—have been killed in brutal attacks. Entire families have been wiped out, and survivors are fleeing in search of safety as sectarian violence escalates.

  • Kim Sae-ron and Wheesung: The tragic irony of Korean society and the principles of happiness

    Not long ago, the media was in an uproar over actress Kim Sae-ron’s passing. Just months before, the same people who had relentlessly criticized her for her DUI incident were now expressing sympathy, saying, "The world was too harsh on her." The irony is impossible to ignore.

  • Newsboys move forward as a quartet after Michael Tait’s departure

    After more than a decade as the lead singer of the Newsboys, Michael Tait has officially parted ways with the band, marking a significant shift in the Christian rock group’s lineup. The remaining members—Jeff Frankenstein, Jody Davis, Duncan Phillips, and Adam Agee—have assured fans that they will continue forward, embracing a new season of music and ministry.