Central Coast beaches closed after shark attack

British doctor Charlie Fry was surfing with two friends at Avoca Beach when a two-metre shark jumped out of the water and hit him in the right shoulder about 4pm on Monday.

Mr Fry said the shark bit his arm and shoulder after he missed a wave.

"I saw a shark's head come out of the water with it's teeth and I just punched it in the face," he told Nine News.

He said he shouted out to his mates and then "paddled so hard back to shore".

"It was terrifying but it only lasted five seconds," he told the Daily Telegraph. "I'll get to tell the story for the rest of my life."

He sustained scratches and puncture wounds, and was driven to hospital by his two friends who were both doctors as well.

Surf Life Saving NSW said the "minor" shark attack happened at the lagoon at Avoca Beach. Central Coast Council lifeguards treated the man's puncture wounds while paramedics also responded to the incident.

"North Avoca and Avoca beaches are currently closed following a shark attack," the council said.

"Our thoughts are with the surfer who sustained a wound to his upper shoulder and has been taken to hospital. He is recovering well.

The Westpac Life Saver helicopter spotted a three-metre shark north of the lagoon entrance and advised lifeguards. No swimmers were in immediate danger, they said.

In October 2014, teenage surfer Kirra-Belle Olsson was attacked by a shark at Avoca Beach.