The 21-year-old man who died after being tipped out of his kayak in the Eastern Bay has been named as Graeme Allan Whiri-Tai.

The Whakatane man's body was discovered near Opotiki after he went missing at Waiotahi Beach.

Police plus Coastguard volunteers from Opotiki and Whakatane were called in to help find the kayaker after receiving reports of a man was struggling out at sea at about 12.40pm.

Conditions at the time were described as rough and it has been reported the man was not believed to have been wearing a life jacket.

At about 3pm the Graeme's body was discovered near the shore, about 1km from where he disappeared, by a friend who had been assisting police and Coastguard with the search.

His death has been referred to the coroner.