Highest Slackline Above Ground

WORLD RECORD: ATHLETE WALKS A HIGHLINE 17,000 FEET IN THE SKY BETWEEN TWO HOT AIR BALLOONS WITH PIX AND VID By Mikey Jones Check out this breathtaking moment as a professional slackliner completes the highest slackline walk ever attempted above ground. Alexander Schulz, a highline athlete, carried out the incredible feat on November 22, 2025, high above Catalonia, Spain, during a carefully planned ascent with two hot air balloons. The attempt took place at 5105 metres above sea level, with the slackline suspended 4700 metres, or 15,400 feet, above the ground. The line measured 15 metres long and was stretched between two balloons drifting above Catalonia. Alexander said the day already felt different from any on the ground as he ascended. “We climbed past 1000 metres, 2000 metres, 3000 metres, and 4000 metres. The beeping of the altimeter sounded like a strange pulse in the background, with clouds far below and the sky turning a deeper blue.” He described taking breaths from an oxygen mask as the air thinned, and how every movement began to require extreme focus while the balloons drifted like islands in the sky. When he removed the oxygen mask to begin the walk, he immediately felt the strain. “The balloons rotated and confused my visual balance. My parachute pulled me down. The line reacted to every tiny movement. My legs were burning, and I realised how little time remained.” After several failed attempts and moments of doubt, Alexander centered himself and prepared for one final try. “The balloons were calm. I was calm. I accepted the possibility that I might not make it.” Step by step, with short breaths and tense muscles, he made his way across the narrow 2.5 centimetre line. The final moments show him reaching the basket and being pulled inside by his team, succeeding in setting the world record for the highest slackline walk above ground. Alexander said: “We knew it was a team success. Months of tension, training, planning, and waiting for the right weather all disappeared in an instant.” "There have been other slacklines that have been rigged at a higher altitude above sea level but our project is still a height record; it is the slackline with the highest distance to the ground; in short: Highest slackline above ground (and highest balloon line)." Moments later, three team members jumped in free fall beside the balloons, capturing the entire achievement from the sky. He reflected on the meaning of the walk: “The slackline is a mirror of life. Regaining balance often requires letting go of fear and unnecessary stress. I am grateful that these projects have taught me this.” He also acknowledged inspiration from the Flying Frenchies, who completed the first ever slackline walk between hot air balloons, and paid tribute to Tancrède Melet. ENDS