The World's Tallest Cliffjump Record Looks Like One Big No Thank You

Redbull – From below, a high-dive platform resting at 58.8m looks simply high. From above? It quickens your pulse and makes you draw in your breath and wonder how anyone could survive this kind of a drop – even if it is into an 8m-deep pool of aerated water. But that’s the view Laso Schaller had as he contemplated such a leap. And he made it – setting a new world record along the way. The Brazilian-born, Swiss-raised 27-year-old is a canyoning expert – using rope, harness and other rigging to descend rivers in ways few others have before. He’s got numerous first descents to his name. Of course, in canyoning, there’s another way of getting down that doesn’t involve the hassle of ropes, anchors, or belay devices: you just jump. Schaller’s picked up a reputation for being the most fearless of all: he regularly leaps off 25m, 30m or even 35m cliffs with nary a thought. But almost 60m – higher than anyone has ever jumped before him? That takes some thought.

Kind of surprised the iron balls on this batshit Brazilian didn’t drown him after plunging close to 200ft into that pool of death. Even just standing on that rickety wooden plank is a big fat nope. See, heights and Smitty mix like oil and water. I essentially shit my pants when I’m above a 4th floor on a hotel balcony and break out in sweats standing on tall buildings in GTA.  No chance in hell I’d ever jump into anything from above 10 feet.