Why do Tightrope Walkers Carry Long Poles?

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Tightrope walkers carry long poles to balance themselves while crossing the rope. It has the same effect as holding out one's arms when walking on narrow plank or wall. Well experienced artists do not use poles and perform amazing feats, sometimes blindfolded too. Blond in was a legendary tightrope artist who astonished the world by crossing the Niagara falls on a tightrope in 1859. He walked on the 335 meter rope stretched from bank to bank at a height of 49 meters above the water. 

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