Coffs Harbour stabbing: Young surfer dies after he is wounded in the neck and chest moments after leaving the water

A young surfer was stabbed to death moments after he left the water with cops launching a desperate search for the attacker. 

The 22-year-old was wounded in his neck and chest following an incident in Park Beach Reserve at Coffs Harbour, on NSW's North Coast, at 6.45am on Wednesday. 

He was transported to hospital before he succumbed to his injuries.

Chief Inspector Detective Guy Flaherty said officers were combing through the area searching for the weapon. 

He added the young surfer was found in a car park with significant stab wounds.

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

'We are conducting an evidence search in relation to possible objects used in the offence in and around the area.

'Our search at the car park and the waterfront around Coffs Harbour beach will continue for some time.' 

Detective Flaherty said officers were continuing to search for the attacker.

'We believe the person responsible may have travelled back from the car park, back towards the creek and bridge area,' he said.

Coffs Harbour Surf Lifesaving Club operations manager Craig Peart said the community had been left shocked.

'It's a shock to see that happen outside in the car park, outside the surf club,' he told ABC.

'There's surf lifesavers that come in on a morning that grab boards and go out for a surf or use the gym facilities.

'There were some chefs that came in before the club opened at 7am to set up for breakfast,' he said.

'They need to give statements to police.'

A local, who has been sleeping rough in the area for some time, said he noticed the surfer drive into the car park at 6am.

'I just saw him drive in,' he told NBN.

'Then I came back to put my runners on.

'It just looked like he was just sitting up against his driver's door.'

A crime scene was established with SES personnel also in attendance.

An investigation has been launched into the stabbing with anyone with information urged to contact Crime Stoppers.