Strike a pose: Andy lewis’s 15 minutes with madonna was nothing compared to what he does out in the open air. Photo by Scott Rogers
Slackline Champion and world traveler Andy Lewis talks about how he pulls off the ultimate balancing act.
Before February 5, 2012—the date “Sketchy” Andy Lewis donned a Togo and slackline-danced next to Madonna during the Super Bowl halftime show—he was simply a niche athlete. Sure, he was a star in slacklining and climbing videos like Reel Rock 2011, in which the announcer, Timmy O’Neill, described him as “the most dangerous person I know.” However, the circulation of those videos paled in comparison to that Giants-Patriots game, the highest rated TV show in U.S. history with an estimated 111 million viewers.
Lewis, 26, has free-solo slacklined (highlined without a leash) more than 100 different lines and set slackline surfing records with the Guinness Book of World Records. He’s been crowned the World Trickline Champion every year since 2008. His goal was to be the most outrageous, outlandish and most awe-inspiring slackliner of all time. But performing in Indianapolis with Madonna at Super Bowl XLVI was enough to push him well into the realm of the planet’s first slackline celebrity.
When did you start slacklining?
I slacklined all the time at College of Marin, and for a few years I was never without a slackline. There was absolutely no point to slackline and I liked that. My family thought it was weird and my friends thought it was a waste of time. Now it’s a sport that is global with a community of hundreds of thousands of people.
You said it didn’t take long for slacklining to absorb you entirely. Can you expand on that?
Slackline started as a hobby, then I was addicted, and began calling myself a slacker. Then I started selling kits, making clubs, beginning to do TV shows, flying to the first world slackline competition. Then I was a highliner, longliner, water liner. Next, I was starting to be considered by most as the “best slackliner in the world,” so I got a slacklife tattoo. I became “Sketchy” Andy. Then Madonna called and I was live center stage at the Super Bowl.
How do you feel when you’re on the line?
I can feel free, or scared. Excited. Sometimes even bored.
Why did you decide to get into tricklining? Did you always have a competitive streak?
Yes. I was raised to love competition. My father was very into me doing my best, and hopefully winning. He never got angry at me for losing, but he did love it when I won. Slackline, especially trickline, took a long time to develop. It took me years to invent tons of tricks.
Solo slacklining, BASE-jumping off slacklines — does balancing this level of commitment and focus take you to a zone? What does it feel like?
It’s a crazy feeling, and like everything else it was a slow progression. The issue with BASE off a highline is that it is incredibly dangerous and entirely unpredictable. I have learned that it is actually not that fun, unless you have a perfect BASE line. Anything less is just a fun way to try and hurt yourself. But, I have to admit that hucking a gainer off a highline 300 feet off the ground is rather exhilarating.
Do you like being called Sketchy Andy?
Love it!
There’s a video of you slacklining and BASE jumping off Echo and Cottontail towers. Is this one of your favorite places to slackline/BASE jump? Do you have any favorite spots?
This spot in the Fisher Towers [outside Moab, Utah] is literally the most incredible highline in the world. It has everything to make for a mind-blowing experience—hard access towers, BASE jumps, a long highline [280 feet], and it’s right next to my house. Literally, there is no other place like this in the world. I would say that some of my favorite places, though, have easier access, and provide for more of a sport climbing vibe, rather than an extreme, day/week/month-eating, monster project.
What’s next for you?
I have so many options popping up, and honestly it’s a great feeling. I’m in Boston right now for the World Championships of Slackline. Then back in Moab for a few weeks to high line! I am a world traveler looking for life, love, and most importantly shared experiences. •
