Leticia Bufoni walks across a slack rope suspended hundreds of feet in the air between two cliff faces. A blue sky and a mountain range make up the backdrop.

Patience, determination, nerves of steel — these are just a few of the things you need to master the delicate art and science of rope walking.

Equal parts heart-racing and awe-inspiring, rope walking is a unique blend of sport and art. On one hand, it’s an extreme adventure, an ultimate test of resilience and bravery. On the other, it’s an active meditation, a practice that demands complete calm and presence in the moment.

Think you’ve got what it takes to learn how to balance on a rope but don’t know where to start? Eager to learn more about the history of this rousing yet reflective activity?

In this guide, you’ll discover the ins and outs of rope walking, from its fascinating history to the demands of the sport and the most jaw-dropping feats recorded to date. You’ll also uncover tips for kick-starting your own rope walking training, including must-have equipment and rope walking techniques to try.

The History of Rope Walking

Rope walking — also known as funambulism — dates back to the ancient civilizations of Greece and China. In fact, the word “funambulism” originates from ancient Greek, with funis meaning “rope” and ambulare meaning “to walk”.

In more modern times, figures like Charles Blondin played a huge role in turning rope walking into an elite sport and high art. In 1853, Blondin made history when he crossed the gorge of Niagara Falls on a tightrope. The rope, which sat 160 feet above the water, measured 1,100 feet long and just over three inches wide.

Nowadays, rope walking — whether it’s slacklining, tightrope walking, or highlining — has become a global phenomenon. Athletes from around the world are constantly defying gravity and pushing the boundaries of human determination.

A highliner balances on a slackline stretched between two cliffs, with a golden sunset illuminating the rocky landscape and distant hills.

Understanding the Demands of Rope Walking

With such high stakes at play, it’s no surprise that rope walkers face a myriad of challenges, both physical and mental. Here are the demands to prepare yourself for if you’re considering the sport.

The Physical Challenges of Rope Walking

It might look effortless, but rope walking is a full-body workout.

You need extreme core strength and control. Tight core muscles allow you to stabilize and adjust to the swaying of the rope. That said, you’ll also need exceptional strength in your legs, ankles, hips, and back. When it comes to mastering the physics of balance, you’ll also need to engage your feet, arms, and head to stay on the rope.

The level of physical exertion will vary depending on the type of rope. If you’re walking on something more taut, like a tightrope, your movements need to be more precise. If you’re walking on a slackline, which stretches and wobbles, you’ll need to sync your every move with the rope’s rhythm.

The Mental Challenges of Rope Walking

Rope walking is also a mental game. When you’re standing on a line staring down hundreds (or even thousands) of feet below, it’s only natural for fear and doubt to creep in. That’s why it’s vital to develop a sharp sense of focus and calm. According to many professional rope walkers, it’s not about getting rid of the fear but growing comfortable in facing it head-on.

“If I ever stop being scared, I think I might stop [highlining]. Fear guides us. I think it’s valuable,” says professional highliner Ryan Robinson.

For many, rope walking is a form of active meditation — intense concentration, complete presence in the moment, and steady breathing all help in getting from one side to the other.

The Greatest Rope Walking Feats Ever Achieved

In the many years it’s been around, rope walking has seen some incredible achievements. Below are some of the wildest feats ever achieved in the history of rope walking (and the legends who made them happen):

  • Walking the World Trade Center — Philippe Petit: In 1974, Philippe Petit became a household name amongst New Yorkers when he performed a highwire walk between the roofs of the Twin Towers of the World Trade Center. Hovering more than 1,300 feet in the air, he crossed the wire a total of eight times over 45 minutes.
  • The longest tightrope walk ever performed in high heels — Ariana Wunderle: As if walking a tightrope wasn’t hard enough already, Ariana Wunderle decided to take the challenge to the next level by doing it in heels. In 2022, she walked nearly 640 feet, claiming the Guinness World Record for the achievement.
Philippe Petit performs a highwire walk between the Twin Towers, holding a balancing rod with the Empire State Building below.

Getting Started: Learn How to Balance on a Rope

Thinking of learning how to balance on a rope? Here are three tips to help you kick things off:

  • Start from a safe height: No matter what kind of rope walking you want to pursue, you’ve got to master the basics of balance from a safe height. Start on the ground, then maybe a few inches off the ground. Work your way up slowly to avoid catastrophic injuries.
  • Experiment with rope walking techniques: Rope walking isn’t a one-size-fits-all activity — and finding the right style for you might take time. Try out different rope walking techniques, such as walking with specialized shoes vs barefoot, to figure out what feels best.
Leticia Bufoni walks a slackrope a foot off the ground, stressing the importance of starting your walks from safe heights.

Taking the First Step on the Rope

While rope walking may have once seemed like reckless abandon, you should now have a better understanding of what it really is: a delicate blend of balance, focus, and courage. As in life, the key to success in this sky-high sport is simple: put one foot in front of the other and never give up.

To dive deeper into the world of rope walking, check out the newest episode of The Team Ignition Show podcast. In it, host Leticia Bufoni chats with professional highliner Ryan Robinson about his career, overcoming fear, and balancing passion with pressure.