Solo kayaker rescued off NSW coast

A Gold Coast father who hoped to become the first kayaker to make the Tasman crossing unassisted has been rescued after his boat started sinking.

Stuart Cleary activated his distress beacon 45 nautical miles off the coast of Coffs Harbour on Monday afternoon, only a day after setting off from Ballina.

The 53-year-old has been picked up by a NSW Water Police boat and is in a good condition, says a NSW Maritime Safety Authority spokesperson.