NSW woman dives into dam from moving hot air balloon
Standing above a dam deep within NSW's Hunter Valley region, Rhiannan Iffland prepares to leap.
The 29-year-old cliff diver jumps backwards off the balloon's small platform and turns gracefully in the air, before making a clean landing into the water 14-metres below the balloon.
The jump, completed in April, was a world first.
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The cliff diver admitted to being 'terrified' before the jump. Supplied
Speaking to Today, Ms Iffland said she was happy to complete the history-making leap "close to home".
"We were in Lostock Dam in the Hunter Valley region, so quite close to home which was really special," she said.
But Rhiannan Iffland still leapt backwards into the murky water below. Supplied
"It was a world first. That was part of the reason why I decided to (do it).
Despite her thrill-seeking profession, Ms Iffland admitted she's always "terrified" before a jump.
"Just the natural reaction to what I'm about to do," she said.
"I always say it's one thing that draws me back to the sport, is overcoming those fears on a regular basis."
The cliff diver is heading overseas to the Red Bull Cliff Diving World Championship in June.
"I'm so excited. We had 2020 off, obviously, so the first stop will be held in June in France," she said.
"Then we have six stops around the world."
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