Running most falls (the one shown was about 20 feet high) is mostly an exercise in conquering my fear of heights, rather than a dangerous act. I used to run Class 5 drops - but the one shown I'd rate as Class 3 - very straightforward and not difficult. You really have to screw up to make it dangerous. There are lots of crazies that have run falls over 50 feet, but even if the approach is easy, spinal injuries get much too possible for a sane person. They make for great photos, though...
Class 5 stuff requires control (and remaining upright) in very difficult water, and the penalty for mistakes can get serious. I don't do those anymore.
It helps to have a photographer that can make the drops more impressive than they actually are.
