Man dies while surfing on NSW north coast

A man has died in waist deep water while surfing on the NSW north coast.

The 57-year-old reportedly suffered a medical episode about 9.20am off the shores of Main Beach in Yamba, authorities said.

After disappearing under waist deep water, life guards pulled him to shore and performed CPR until emergency services arrived.

The man, whose identity has not been made public, was taken to Maclean District Hospital where he died.

A brief will be prepared for the Coroner.