Community rallies around surfer Kai McKenzie after shark attack on North Shore Beach near Port Macquarie

In brief:

Kai McKenzie remains in critical condition after being attacked by a shark near Port Macquarie.

According to surfboard maker Luke Short, the surfing community is supporting the injured 23-year-old.

What’s next?

The Bite Club, a shark attack support group, will be providing support to Mr McKenzie and his family in the coming days.

Shark attack survivors and the surfing community are joining forces to support Kai McKenzie, who remains in critical condition after being attacked by a shark near Port Macquarie.

The 23-year-old man suffered serious leg injuries when he was bitten by a great white shark yesterday morning at North Shore Beach on the Mid North Coast of New South Wales.

Surfboard maker Luke Short, who has been making Mr McKenzie’s surfboards for more than five years as part of a sponsorship deal, said the surfing scene was shocked when news of the attack sent shockwaves through the community.

“We were all hoping we heard wrong,” Short said.

“In this situation we always try to see the positive.

“It’s amazing he survived.”

Ambulance personnel near the scene of the reported shark attack in Port Macquarie.(ABC Mid-North Coast: Seja Al Zaidi)

Beach remains closed

Mr McKenzie was attacked while surfing at North Shore Beach, north of the Hastings River.

The 23-year-old man managed to reach the shore via a wave, where he was treated by bystanders.

An off-duty police officer was walking his dog on the beach and used the dog’s leash as a tourniquet to stop the bleeding before emergency services arrived.

Mr McKenzie was later flown to Newcastle John Hunter Hospital, where he remains in a stable but critical condition.

The incident took place at North Shore Beach in Port Macquarie, on the northern side of the Hastings River.(ABC Mid-North Coast: Seja Al Zaidi)

According to Mr Short, the 23-year-old only recently started surfing again after recovering from a broken neck.

“He broke his neck going to see a band in the mosh pit,” Short said.

“He is a wise young man.

“He’s been through a lot, but this is really unbelievable.”

Town Beach at Port Macquarie remains closed today. Other local beaches will reopen from 11am.

Survivors offer support

Dave Pearson, founder of shark attack survivors charity Bite Club, said members were busy preparing to support Mr McKenzie and his family.

“We can only offer a shoulder to lean on, as someone who is not personally involved but understands what is going on and can help them with that,” Pearson said.

“It’s hard for us, but it’s something we have to do.”

Dave Pearson, founder of the shark survivor organization Bite Club. (ABC News: Anthony Scully)

Mr Pearson said the latest shark attack would undoubtedly have implications for victims and emergency workers involved in previous shark incidents along the Mid North Coast.

“New events trigger old events, and unfortunately that’s where your mind goes,” he said.

“You have to learn how to deal with that personally and, unfortunately, put your own feelings aside because you are there to help.

“If we just look at the Port Macquarie area, there are so many people involved in shark attacks on others that I know they don’t feel very good about it.”