Canyoneer sets heart-stopping world record

A Brazilian-born canyoneer has set a pulsating world record after leaping almost 60 metres from a cliff and into a pool of water.

Laso Schaller is a world-renowned canyoning expert who uses rope, harnesses and other rigging equipment to descend rivers in ways few others have before.The 27-year-old regularly leaps off 25m, 30m or even 35m cliffs, but recently decided to tackle Switzerland's famed Cascata del Salto waterfall for a world record cliff-jump attempt.With the help of a support crew, Schaller spent several days building a high-dive platform and studying the cliff face before taking the leap which, to be exact, was from a height of 58.8 metres.To further ensure his safety, the team also set six tanks in the pool to aerate the water and soften the landing.His plunge was nevertheless horrifying, with a point of view camera that was mounted to his helmet providing a dizzying perspective of what he faced.It's estimated Schaller reached a speed of 123km/h before he hit the water and even though his feet-first entry was perfect, he actually missed the landing zone and instead plunged into the harder water in the centre of the pool.The impact was akin to a gunshot, resulting in a mad scramble by rescuers who had to drag him back to dry land.Schaller was on his hands and knees for several tense moments before managing to climb onto his feet and raise his hands in triumph, triggering a roar of delight - and no doubt relief - from onlookers. If you are scared of heights, don't watch this video.