The name Wallenda is synonymous with death-defying feats, high-wire heroics, and a legacy of breathtaking performances that spans generations. The daredevil spirit runs deep in this family. Since the late 1800s, beginning in Germany, the Wallendas have performed across the globe—wowing audiences with gravity-defying stunts and show-stopping style.
While multiple members of the Wallenda family began performing at the Boardwalk in the 1970s, their high-flying history in Santa Cruz goes back even further. According to Santa Cruz Sentinel articles from 1952, members of the Great Wallendas—Edith and Herman—performed at Harvey West Stadium as part of the Shrine-Polack Circus. They also took the stage at the Santa Cruz Civic Auditorium, long before Karl Wallenda—the modern patriarch of the family—made his Boardwalk debut in 1975.
That debut was thanks to Skip Littlefield, who finalized a contract with 70-year-old Karl Wallenda in May 1975, securing his renowned aerialist act to perform twice daily from August 16–22. As with all the acts Skip booked, he pulled out all the stops promoting the shows. “It is our humble privilege to present to vacationing Californians one of the truly great names in the history of European and American show circles… the immortal… Karl Wallenda… and his family.” The hype was so great that two additional days of shows were added!
Billed as the “Most Famous High Wire Artist of the Century,” Karl and his four-person team—including his daughter Carla—performed breathtaking stunts high above Main Beach, without a safety net. Unfortunately, three days into the run, Karl was sidelined by a severe hernia attack, leaving him unable to participate in the final shows. In true show business style, the rest of the team completed the final performances without Karl.
But the spectacle didn’t end there.
The following year, Steve “Unique” McPeak and Stephan Wallenda (Karl’s great-nephew) returned to the Boardwalk with Skip to attempt a world record: walking the length of the Sky Glider cable—1,000 feet long and 70 feet high. McPeak, known as a rebel aerialist, already had a reputation for illegal stunts, including unauthorized walks across the Golden Gate Bridge, Hoover Dam, and Royal Gorge Bridge in Colorado. In fact, after his Boardwalk performance, he had to report to jail for an unsanctioned walk across Yosemite Falls.
After a rainy and windy Saturday that cast doubt on the attempt, Sunday, August 15, brought sunny skies and dry conditions. With 34 Boardwalk employees holding guide wires, a crowd of 10,000 spectators watching below, and no safety net in sight, the daredevil duo successfully crossed from the east end of the Sky Glider to the west loading platform—setting a world record in the process.
More recently, in 2011, Nik Wallenda (Karl’s grandson) brought the family’s legacy back to the Boardwalk to kick off Spring Break. Nik walked atop the Ferris Wheel as it spun, then rode a motorcycle across a high wire supported by the Double Shot tower—while his wife performed a trapeze act hanging beneath him.
As we look back at the jaw-dropping performers who’ve graced the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, we’re inspired to keep the tradition alive. Here’s to the next generation of thrills, chills, and unforgettable moments—high above the sand and surf.
There truly is Never A Dull Moment at the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk.
– Jessie
