Into the Jaws of danger: Shark expert paddles to within feet of great white to prove they're not a threat to humans




This is the moment when a shark expert risked life and limb by paddling on a surfboard just feet away from a great white shark.

South African Chris Fallows, who runs diving and shark-spotting trips off Cape Town, went paddle boarding off the coasts of South Africa and Mexico, moving within sight of the predators in an attempt to dispel the theory that they pose a threat to humans.

The 36-year-old has 20 years of experience working with the animals, and says it has become a passion of his to show that sharks do not regard people as normal food items.



'The chances of a great white shark simply rushing in and attacking a human are very remote,' Chris said.



It's safe, honest: Shark expert Chris Fallows surfed perilously close to a great white to prove they pose little threat to humans

'Some people have this idea that sharks will attack on sight and this is not true at all. My goal is to show people that sharks and humans can under most circumstances share the same space.'

Chris - who says his fascination with underwater life began when he was a small child, has made documentaries in the past for the Discovery Channel's Shark Week, as well as running Apex Shark Expeditions, which allows tourists to get up close and personal with sharks.

He is also a renowned photographer of sharks and sealife, with the aim of giving people a better understanding of their role in nature.



'All the images I take and documentaries we have involved ourselves with have a strong conservation slant to them,' he said on his official website.



'The best way to change people's perceptions is by seeing the animal, and this is my opportunity to show the great white shark as a graceful and majestic animal, and also as a supreme predator in its world.

Someone's got company: Chris is known for his documentaries and photography of sharks in their habitat



