A surfer has died after he was fatally stabbed soon after emerging from the water at a popular beach on the New South Wales Mid North Coast early on Thursday morning.

The 22-year-old man was still wearing a wetsuit when he was attacked in a shocking incident at Coffs Harbour.

Police said he was found in the Park Beach Reserve, not far from the Coffs Harbour Surf Life Saving Club car park, about 6.40am.

Paramedics treated the badly injured surfer at the scene before taking him to hospital, where he later died from his wounds.

A manhunt has been launched for the person or persons allegedly responsible for fatally injuring the man.

Chief Inspector Detective Guy Flaherty said homicide detectives had joined the investigation, with police forming Strike Force Koringaroo.

“We believe he recently came out of the surf and was wearing a black wetsuit at the time,” said Flaherty.

“The 22-year-old male has been found with significant stab wounds.”

Flaherty said a search was under way in the beach foreshore and surrounds for a possible weapon.

“Our search at the car park and the waterfront around Coffs Harbour beach will continue for some time,” he said.

Nearby Coffs Harbour Surf Life Saving Club closed its restaurant and bar for the day “due to unforeseen circumstances”.

-with AAP