New Guinness World Record
Erika Lemay’s Daring Blindfolded Aerial Silk stunt
“An aerial silk artist battled the elements to break a dangerous world record at a dizzying height.”
On a windy day in Comporta, Portugal, aerial artist Erika Lemay broke a world record for the highest suspended aerial silk free roll while blindfolded. At a height of 36.80 meters (120 ft 8 in), Erika performed four free rolls down the aerial silks. The challenge of this movement lies in precisely hooking the leg at the exact moment needed to stop the rapid descent, without using her hands or feet for balance or control. This made the performance incredibly dangerous, especially as the wind blew the silk around unpredictably.
More than just a physical challenge
“I believe this lack of emphasis on mental readiness can cost aerial artists their lives”
Erika’s performance was not just physically demanding but also a significant mental test. The unpredictable weather conditions added risk to the attempt, with extreme winds making the silk difficult to control. The day before her record-breaking performance, a thunderstorm prevented her from practising, leaving her with only hours to adjust. On the day of the attempt, strong winds whipped the silk in unpredictable directions. Despite decades of aerial experience, the feat was still incredibly dangerous.
However, for Erika, the mental preparation was as solid as the physical preparation—a crucial aspect that is often overlooked in aerial performances. By relying on body awareness and years of training, Erika was able to stay focused and calm, performing the rolls with perfect precision. Blindfolded and unable to see, she had to instinctively hook her leg to stop the rotation at the exact moment needed to prevent falling.
Special Thanks
Pedro Martins and the Evils Angels Rigging team, Miguel Câncio Martins and Quinta da Comporta Wellness Boutique Resort, Tamara Czartoryski for their trust and support.
You can find Erika’s interview and title on the Guinness World Record official Website.