The fun-loving body boarder and committed Christian’s death in a shark attack near Coffs Harbour on Saturday sent shock waves throughout the community.

Zac was remembered during the The Point Community Church’s Sunday service followed by a paddle out at Town Beach.

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More than 100 people took to the water in the paddle out to celebrate Zac’s life, while a large crowd watched on from the shore.

Christian Surfers north NSW regional coordinator Dave Malvern said Zac was such a massive part of their lives and such a massive encouragement.

Mr Malvern looked up to the 19-year-old.

“I’m just so blessed to have walked with Zac over the past two years mainly,” he said.

Zac came to Mr Malvern for advice, but quickly the tables turned, and Mr Malvern turned to Zac for words of wisdom.

Port Macquarie Bodyboarding Association president Kylee Kay said the community had come together after the tragedy,

“Everyone is raw with emotion,” she said.

Ms Kay said condolences went out to Zac’s family and the boys who helped get Zac out of the water after the shark attack.

She remembers Zac as a fun-loving person with a big smile.

“Zac shone a light on a lot of people’s lives,” she said.

“He was a bubbly, fun-loving and really positive kid.”

Port Macquarie Bodyboarding Association will include a tribute to Zac in its presentation on Friday, with a paddle out at Lighthouse Beach planned for Saturday morning.

Port Macquarie Bodyboarding Association media officer Margo Bennett created a Facebook page in Zac’s memory.

One person summed up Zac as “one of the greatest guys I had the privilege of becoming friends with through high school and surfing with since I picked up a board”, while another said “I will never forget your smile”. Three time world bodyboarding champion Damian King said Zac loved Lighthouse Beach and the breakwall.

“He was a positive kid that loved the ocean,” he said.

Police yesterday called off the search for the shark which attacked Zac while he was bodyboarding with mates near Coffs Harbour at a well known break called The Well.

Beaches in the Coffs Harbour area remained closed yesterday.

A marine specialist has been called in to attempt to identify the type of shark responsible for the attack.

The Facebook page in Zac’s memory can be found at www.facebook.com/inmemoryofzac