A man who's previously referred to himself as "shark bait" is in hospital after a shark attack on the NSW mid-north coast.
The man received five deep lacerations to one of his lower legs when he was bitten by a shark at Nambucca Heads after 7am on Sunday, a NSW Ambulance spokesman told AAP.
Police say the 36-year-old was surfing near Scotts Head Beach when he was bitten on the leg.
He managed to swim to a nearby break wall, where a passer-by saw him and contacted emergency services.
He was treated at the scene before being flown to John Hunter Hospital in Newcastle, where he's in a stable condition.
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The man's dad said his son has loved surfing since he was young.
"He says he's shark bait but he's prepared to take the risk and he does," Rob Mason told reporters on Sunday.
"He loves to surf early and he loves to surf by himself which is a bit risky but nothing ventured nothing gained."
Beaches in the area are currently closed, including Shelley Beach and Main Beach.
