Young NSW surfer killed by shark

A young man has died after being attacked by a shark on a northern NSW beach while bodyboarding with friends.

A man has died after being attacked by a shark at a beach near Coffs Harbour in northern NSW. (AAP)

A young surfer has died on a northern NSW beach after he was attacked by a shark.

Zac Young, 19, was bodyboarding about 100 metres from shore with three friends on Saturday afternoon at a popular break north of Coffs Harbour, when he was bitten on the legs by a shark.

His worried friends dragged him to land and attempt to resuscitate him.

Paramedics arrived and continued CPR but Mr Young, who's from Port Macquarie, died a short time later.

Beaches within 10 kilometres of the attack have been closed as authorities search for the killer shark.

They will remain shut until at least Sunday.

Coffs Harbour's chief lifeguard Greg Hackfath told News Limited shark attacks were "highly unusual" in the area.

"We've had two recorded shark attacks... in 150 years of settlement," he said.

Surf Life Saving NSW manager Andy Kent said the attack was an "awful tragedy."

"The hearts of all surf lifesavers go out to the family of this young victim," he said in a statement.