Laird Hamilton -- Go Ahead, Swim with Sharks ... But How's Your Jab? (Just in Case)

If big wave surf god Laird Hamilton says there's no need to worry about swimming with baby great white sharks ... we guess we believe him? Maybe, sorta?

One of the little buggers is chilling near an L.A. beach -- but Laird assures us the ole punch-a-shark in the nose thing actually works! As long as you swing BEFORE it's torn your body in half.