Nik Wallenda's Success and Achievements in Timeline

A closer look at the biggest achievements of Nik Wallenda. Awards, milestones, and records that define success.

Nik Wallenda is a renowned American acrobat, aerialist, daredevil, high wire artist, and author famous for his high-wire walks performed without safety nets. He holds 11 Guinness World Records, notably for being the first person to tightrope walk directly over Niagara Falls. In 2020, he completed his longest walk, covering 1,800 feet (550 m) across a steel cable suspended over the Masaya Volcano in Nicaragua, cementing his reputation as a master of his craft and an extraordinary risk-taker.

Sections (4)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition

2001: Eight-Person High-Wire Pyramid

In 2001, Nik Wallenda and seven other family members successfully walked across a tightrope in Japan's Kurashiki Tivoli Park, setting a Guinness World Record for the world's first eight-person high-wire pyramid.

2008: Guinness World Records for Bicycle Ride

In 2008, while performing with Ringling Bros., Nik Wallenda set Guinness World Records for the longest and highest bicycle ride on a high-wire in New Jersey.

2009: Personal Bests in Tightrope Walks

In 2009, Nik Wallenda achieved new personal bests for highest and longest tightrope walks, completing a total of 15 walks above 100 feet in the air.

2009: Allegheny River Wire Walk

On July 3, 2009, Nik Wallenda wire walked 200 feet over the Allegheny River in Pittsburgh, overcoming challenges such as strong winds, rain, and an oiled wire.

August 30, 2010: Atlantis Paradise Island Performance

On August 30, 2010, Nik Wallenda performed at the Atlantis Paradise Island resort in the Bahamas, setting a new Guinness World Record for the highest bike ride on a high-wire and tightrope walking over a marine habitat.

2010: Increased Height Record and Tightrope Walk

In 2010, Nik Wallenda nearly doubled his height record and also upped his personal best by tightrope walking over 2,000 feet in a single performance.

June 4, 2011: High-wire crossing in Puerto Rico

On June 4, 2011, Nik Wallenda recreated his great-grandfather's fatal act by completing a 100-foot high-wire crossing between the two towers of the Condado Plaza Hotel in San Juan, Puerto Rico, with his mother, Delilah. He honored his great-grandfather's memory by kneeling and blowing a kiss during the performance.

February 15, 2012: Approval for Niagara Falls tightrope walk

On February 15, 2012, Nik Wallenda received official approval from Ontario's Niagara Parks Commission to walk a tightrope across Niagara Falls, fulfilling a childhood dream. The plan involved crossing the Niagara River from the American side to the Canadian side.