Marcel Brundler, 37, had puncture marks in his board and wetsuit after the attack at Cathedral Rock near Lorne on Tuesday.

"At first I didn't think anything of it, we have lots of dolphins in the water here, but then I realised it was big, much bigger," Mr Brundler said.

"I'm no expert but this was a least three metres long."

Mr Brundler said he punched and kicked his way out and rode a wave to shore.

"I was really really lucky this wave popped up out of nowhere."

Mr Brundler had just a little scratch on his back and was remarkably calm after the attack, police said.

"The shark left bite marks in his board and tore at his wetsuit ... but he has no injuries.

"He was very very lucky."

The popular surf beach has been closed and Fisheries Victoria has been notified of the attack.

Mr Brundler says he'll probably be back in the water next week.

"Maybe not on my own though, it will be a little scary," he said.

AAP