Daredevil Tightrope Walk 40 Metres Up Is World First

Professional slackliner Alex Mason defied the laws of gravity to perform a captivating tightrope walk off the coast of Beirut.

Raouché boasts the natural landmark the Pigeons’ Rock, and the 20-year-old Mason walked on a thin line from one rock to another 40metres above the sea watched by a gasping audience on the coastline.

Billed as Rocky the Line, the young American daredevil set off tentatively in his quest.

He occasionally looked like he was above to tip off the line and fall into the water below but managed the feat of crossing from one rock to the other, the first person in history to have achieved it.

Aided by fellow countryman Andy Lewis, himself an extreme sports athlete, collectively the pair studied the wind speed and meticulously checked the safety of the rope linking the two rocks together.

Mason said: “The project is another perfect example of how I feel slacklining and high-lining has evolved me as an athlete.

“I saw a challenge that I didn’t know that I could accomplish and I surrounded myself with people who got me excited about pushing myself until the task is complete.

So far in my career, working with Sketchy Andy and pursuing creative ways to slackline has turned out to be a strong strategy! Lebanon is beautiful and we can’t wait to come visit again.”