Video: Daredevil performs Mary Poppins-style skydive with an umbrella

Filed under: Travel News

Using Mary Poppins as inspiration for an extreme sports stunt is a new one on us.

But professional extreme athlete Erik Roner wanted to see if he, too, could fly with an umbrella.

Dropping from a hot air balloon over California, he says to the camera: "I'm hanging out under an umbrella, under a hot air balloon. I'm going to see if an umbrella actually slows you down, like Mary Poppins does."

Just before he drops from the hot air balloon, he asks: "What am I thinking?". Erm, good question.

He can be seen floating through the sky under the umbrella seamlessly for a few seconds, before the air pressure changes and turns the umbrella inside out, forcing him to use his parachute the rest of the way down.

Upon a safe landing, he says: "You're welcome, science, for the big step forward. Nasa's going to be able to use that one for years to come. Thanks for the idea, Mary Poppins."

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Fancy yourself as a bit of a daredevil? Try one of these extreme activities:

World's most extreme holiday activities

Drive the world's largest salt flats in Bolivia
 Bolivia is the highest, most isolated and most rugged nation of South America - so it's a brilliant choice for thrill-seekers. Take a 14-night tour that begins in the bustling capital, La Paz, then embarks on a four-night four-wheel drive tour of the world’s largest salt flat, the Salar de Uyuni, which is 10582 square kilometres (4086square miles) before visiting the world’s highest city, Potosi, sitting at an altitude of 4090 metres above sea level. You'll then head to the beautiful colonial town of Sucre and end the tour with five days in the jungle and rainforest. Visit <a href="http://www.encounterstravel.com/" target="_blank">encounterstravel.com</a>
Ride the world's fastest roller coaster in Abu Dhabi
 Never mind Alton Towers, you'll find the fastest roller coaster in the world, the Formula Rossa, at the Ferrari World Abu Dhabi. The world’s largest indoor theme park, it was created around the classic double-curve body shell design of a Ferrari car. As well as the  Formula Rossa, which powers to 240 kmh in less than five seconds, the park also features over 20 thrilling rides and attractions. Visit <a href="http://www.ferrariworldabudhabi.com/" target="_blank">ferrariworldabudhabi.com</a>
Sail the highest lake in the world in Peru
 Take a sailing trip on Lake Titicaca, the highest in the world, where you can also visit the native Uros people, who live on reed islands floating on the water. As well as boat trips, you can give kayaking, and mountain biking a go, and, while you're in Peru, it would be scandalous to miss out on the most spectacular ancient ruins in the world, Machu Picchu, ancient home of the famous Incas. Visit <a href="http://www.adventuretemples.com/">adventuretemples.com</a>
Attempt the world's highest bungee jump in China
 Got a head for heights? You'll need one for the world's highest bungee jump at Macau Tower, which takes you on a free fall at a speed of up to 200kmph from a height of 233 metres. You'll experience a four to five second freefall before stretching the 50 metre bungee cord nearly four times its unloaded length and rebounding at approximately 30 metres above the ground. Thanks to a  guide cable system, you'll safely experience a few rebounds before slowly landing onto a specially designed airbag below. We can feel our nerves jangling already… Visit <a href="http://www.macautower.com.mo/en/dining_shopping_entertainment/adventure/bungy_jump/index.html" target="_blank">macautower.com</a>
Climb the world's most remote mountain in Mongolia
 At the heart of Mongolia's Altai Tavan Bogd (Five Holy Peaks), Mount Khuiten is one of the least accessible mountains on earth. This massif lies on the border with both Russia and China, 2000 kilometres (1250 miles) west of the Mongolian capital of Ulaanbaatar. After sightseeing in Ulaanbaatar and enjoying a day's preparatory trekking in the nearby Bogdkhan National Park, take a journey to the remote Kazakh province of Bayan Olgii. Starting out with the straightforward trek to the summit of Malchin (4037m / 13,245ft), you'll get dramatic views of the Potaniin Glacier and of your subsequent climbing objectives; the steep and challenging Mount Khuiten (4374m / 14,350ft) and the easier, non-technical snow dome of Nairandal (4082m / 13,392ft). Visit <a href="http://www.keadventure.com/" target="_blank">keadventure.com</a>
Eat at the world's highest revolving restaurant in Switzerland
 Saas-Fee in Switzerland is set in a spectacular location surrounded by the highest mountains in the Swiss Alps and is one of the world's most beautiful ski resorts. But its claim to fame is that it's home to the world’s highest revolving restaurant on the mountain at Mittelallalin. Set at a spectacular 3,500m, you can experience a different magnificent view with starters, main and dessert as the restaurant revolves 360 degrees. You can choose anything from the classic steaming cheese fondues to the fabulous ‘Roesti’ potato dishes served with local meats, washed down with excellent white, rose and red local wines. Visit<a href="http://www.inghams.co.uk/" target="_blank"> inghams.co.uk</a>
Do the world's highest tandem skydive in Orlando
 Seeking the ultimate thrill but don't want to do it on your own? Try the world's highest tandem skydive in Orlando - and share the terror! Orlando Skydiving or Skydive Space Centre offers the jump, which drops you a stomach-churning 18,000 feet (5,486 metres), and offers views over the Atlantic Ocean and the Kennedy Space Centre. See <a href="http://www.visitorlando.com/listings/index.cfm?action=display&listingID=32244&menuID=0&hit=1" target="_blank">visitorlando.com</a>
Cycle the world's highest road pass in India
 This unusual adventure holiday involves cycling over the Indian Himalayas to the Ladakhi capital of Leh, visiting Buddhist monasteries as you go, as well as whitewater rafting on the River Indus. Then, after a necessary acclimatisation process, take on the challenging ascent to (and speedy descent from) the Khardung La, which is the world's highest road pass, at 5380 metres. Leaving Leh, this giant rollercoaster ride to Manali follows what is unquestionably one of the greatest mountain roads on the planet. The Leh to Manali highway crosses the main Himalaya Range by a series of very high passes, including the Taglang La (5280m), the second highest road pass in the world. Visit <a href="http://www.keadventure.com/" target="_blank">keadventure.com</a>
Go up in the world's highest gondola lift in Kashmir
 Take a trip on the highest cable car in the world, located in Kashmir. The lift provides the easiest way to reach one of the highest points on Earth without a rope! The Gulmarg Gondola is Asia's highest and longest cable car project. The two-stage ropeway ferries about 600 people per hour to and from Kongdoori Mountain, a shoulder of nearby Afarwat Peak (4,200m (13,780ft)). The ropeway project is a joint venture of the Jammu and Kashmir government and French firm Pomagalski. The first stage transfers from the Gulmarg resort at 2,600m (8,530ft) to Kongdoori Station in the bowl-shaped Kongdori valley. The second stage of the ropeway, which has 36 cabins and 18 towers, takes skiers to a height of 3,747m (12,293ft) on Kongdoori Mountain, a shoulder of nearby Afarwat Peak (4,200m (13,780ft)). Visit <a href="http:// http://www.wildfrontiers.co.uk/group-tours/kashmir-garden-of-the-moghul-kings/2000132" target="_blank">wildfrontiers.co.uk</a>
Traverse the world's longest zip line in South Africa
 At a height of 918ft, a length of 1.2 miles, and a speed of up to 100mph, the Unreal Zip 200 experience at South Africa's Sun City resort is the fastest, longest and highest zip line in the world. The extreme adventure is said to be more like a "flying" feeling than a "falling" one. Sun City is a tourist mecca, and can be three hours from Johannesburg, near the Pilanesberg Game Reserve. Visit <a href="http://www.2by2holidays.co.uk/Itinerary/madikwe_safari_holiday_madikwe.aspx " target="_blank">2by2holidays.co.uk</a>

Seeking adventure too? Try one of these not-for-the-faint-hearted holidays:

The world's most extreme holidays

Climb closest to the moon
 Mount Everest may be the tallest mountain, but trekking across the snow-covered, conical peak of Mount Chimborazo in Ecuador is the furthest point from the centre of the earth you can possibly get without a spacesuit. <a href="http://www.surtrek.com/chimborazo_climbing.html" style="font-size: 10pt; line-height: 12pt;">Surtrek.com</a> runs climbing trips all over Ecuador and their two-day summit trek to Chimborazo starts in the capital city Quito, drives through the Avenue of the Volcanoes and follows the winding road up the slopes of Chimborazo. The summit climb starts at 00:00 hours on day two and, weather permitting, will reveal a breathtaking panorama of the Ecuadorian Andes, the Pacific Ocean to the west and the Amazon rainforest to the east. Prices from $494 (£330) per person, including climbing equipment, guides and transportation, excludes flights.
Soak in thermal springs in the world's driest desert
 With its stark, lunar landscape, red mountains and blazing blue sky, parts of the the Atacama Desert in Chile haven't seen rain for 400 years. It may not be the first place you’d expect to find thermal springs and spa hotels, which is why <a href="http://www.tierraatacama.com" style="font-size: 10pt; line-height: 12pt;">The Tierra Atacama hotel and Uma spa</a> is a bit of a find: an oasis with open-air yoga platform, private hot tubs and spectacular views of the Licancur volcano. Try Join Tierra’s 4x4 trip to the Puritama hot springs: eight natural pools where the temperature stays at an inviting 33C. Seven nights' full board including excursions and airport transfers is $3,500 (£2,300) per person. Flights extra.
Live under the sea
 Set in the cerulean waters of a 5,000-acre Fijian lagoon, the <a href="http://www.poseidonresorts.com/poseidon_main.html" style="font-size: 10pt; line-height: 12pt;">Poseidon Undersea Resort</a> is the world’s first seafloor hotel. Guests stay in luxurious, pod-like villas 40 ft underwater, surrounded by coral gardens teeming with marine wildlife. Just beyond the coral reef the seabed plunges into a dark abyss, which guests can explore in the resort’s very own submersibles. This underwater wonderland comes with a hefty price tag, the introductory package, including four nights above water and two below, costs $30,000 (£19,000) per couple, per week.
Drive across the hottest place on earth
 Death Valley, California is a land of extremes where rare rainstorms force the arid land to burst into bloom and strange salt formations warp the scenery. While the towering purple peaks are dusted with snow, the temperature can soar to 56.7C, which makes driving through this eerie moonscape an experience. <a href="http://www.timeandplaceluxuryholidays.com/america/fly-drive-classic-west">Timeandplaceluxuryholidays.com</a> operates a 15-day Classic West fly-drive holiday travelling from San Francisco, through Yosemite, Death Valley and the Grand Canyon to Las Vegas and Los Angeles for £1,579 per person, including flights and car hire.
Go caving in the world's wettest town
 Cherrapunjee is a small town perched on the southern edge of the Khasi Hills in the Indian state of Meghalaya. While the title of world's rainiest place is disputed, Cherrapunjee has the dubious accolade of recording the most rainfall in 1974 when it rained 24,555 mm…that’s about 80 feet! The torrential rain has carved out labyrinthine networks of caves in the limestone rocks making it the perfect destination for thrill seeking cavers.<a href="http://www.cherrapunjee.com/index.php?mid=28&footer=true" style="font-size: 10pt; line-height: 12pt;">Cherrapunjee.com</a> organises guided caving trips for the amateur to the advanced. The resort also takes guests to see the living root bridges of Cherrapunjee – Indian rubber trees that have formed secondary roots across eroded riverbanks creating natural bridges. An executive double costs £46 per night; caving trips must be booked with the resort in advance.
Sledging in the coldest place on earth
 Only 57 people visited Oymyakon, Yakutia - the kingdom of cold - last year and 18 of those intrepid travellers were British. This snow-laden, ice age town wedged in the north east of Russia is the coldest inhabited place on earth. In mid-January the temperature drops to -50 C and the lowest recorded temperature was logged at a frostbitten  -71.2 C in 1972. <a href="http://en.planetyakutia.com/tours/tours/0001049/" target="_blank">Planetyakutia.com</a> operates an eight-day Pole of Cold expedition for the brave, starting with husky sledging, ice fishing and a meeting with the mayor of Oymyakon to collect your certificate for visiting and ending with an introduction to the life of the reindeer herders of Yuchugey. Prices and departure dates on application.
Snorkel and sail the most remote reefs in the world
 The Pitcairn Islands are about as far away from any inhabited land that you can get. This cluster of four fertile volcanic islands is marooned in the Pacific Ocean and inhabited by only 67 people who are mostly descended from pirates. Apparently a crew of mutineers from the infamous ship, the Bounty, landed here and, along with some Tahitian men and women, colonized the island. The locals still speak an 18thcentury sea-faring dialect and the place names have been christened in true buccaneer fashion – look out for Bitey-Bitey, Oh Dear, Bang on Iron and Little George Cocknuts. Join <a href="http://www.paradiseadventures.com.au/pitcairn_island.htm" style="font-size: 10pt; line-height: 12pt;">paradiseadventures.com</a> for your own high seas adventure sailing from Easter Island to Pitcairn to scuba and snorkel in the beautiful reefs and catch a glimpse of the sunken shipwrecked Bounty herself. From AUS$ 3,345 per person.
Eat with the cannibals in the last great wilderness
 The nomadic Korowai tribes live under the dense, emerald canopy of Papua New Guinea’s rainforest and are reported to still practice ritual cannibalism in the present day.Puretravel.comwill take you trekking through the lush Baliem Valley to meet some of these enigmatic tribes on their 14-day adventure tour. Jungle guides will take you to stay with the Korowai Batu where you’ll join their Sago Grub feast. While the thought of feasting on fat grubs may not seem immediately appealing look on the bright side, at least it keeps you off the menu! Prices from £3,950 per person including guides, accommodation, internal flights and transfers, excluding international flights.
Ride the train to the end of the world
 Board the narrow-gauge steam train from Estacion Fin del Mundo – the station at the end of the world – in Ushuaia on the southernmost tip of South America to the rugged peaks and glacial valleys of Tierra del Fuego National Park. The steam train once transported convicts to work at the timber yards and still follows the same route overlooking the Pipo river valley, winding through Sub-Antarctic forest before arriving at Estación del Parque. <a href="http://www.audleytravel.com/Destinations/South-America/Argentina/Itinerary-Ideas/Ultimate-Patagonia.aspx" style="font-size: 10pt; line-height: 12pt;">Audley travel</a> runs an epic 16-day Ultimate Patagonia trip starting in Buenos Aires, taking in Ushuaia, the Tierra Del Fuego Park, the dramatic scenery of the Torres del Paine Park and the Perito Moreno glacier. From £4,775 per person.
Fly a hot air balloon over the top of the world
 The world’s Northern-most tip – the Arctic North Pole is a frozen landscape that has bewitched and challenged countless polar explorers. Smash through the Arctic Ocean pack ice aboard the 50 Years of Victory icebreaker with <a href="http://www.discover-the-world.co.uk/en/holidays/high-arctic/north-pole/" style="font-size: 10pt; line-height: 12pt;">discover-the-world.co.uk</a>. Visit Franz Joseph Land - Eurasia's most northerly archipelago - and spot arctic foxes and polar bears on land and beluga whales and narwhals from the ship’s helicopter. There's only one way to finish this once-in-a-lifetime experience, and that’s taking the optional hot air balloon trip over the North Pole. The 13-night cruise departs in June and starts from £15,260 per person.