David Becker
David Blaine Floats Over Arizona Desert Holding Only Helium Balloons
Yes, you read that right. The 47 year-old illusionist awed viewers yesterday on YouTube with his latest high-flying act, “Ascension.”
We’ve all asked ourselves at one point or another, “If you hold onto enough helium balloons, could you float into the sky?” Especially after Disney Pixar’s animated film Up, it really got us dreaming about the possibilities.
David Becker
PAGE, ARIZONA - SEPTEMBER 02: David Blaine prepares to perform the stunt "Ascension" on September 02, 2020 in Page, Arizona. (Photo by David Becker/Getty Images for YouTube Originals )
On Wednesday morning, David Blaine began his ascent holding about 50 helium balloons and livestreamed it on YouTube. But these weren’t your everyday store-bought balloons. According to USA Today, these were “tricked out [balloons] and could be deflated or popped remotely, as needed. One "balloon" made of fiberglass held a parachute and oxygen.”
As Blaine reached an altitude of 24,900 ft above the Arizona desert, he successfully skydived and parachuted back to the ground. This was an amazing feat that many have dreamt about. And everyone that followed the one hour journey from lift to land was left in awe.
ICYMI: You can watch the livestreamed stunt here.
