An Australian surfer died in Indonesia after he was slammed into rocks in strong waves on Tuesday evening (local time).

Ronald Stephen Schneider, 54, from Sawtell near Coffs Harbour, New South Wales, was surfing in south Sipura, part of the Mentawai Islands off Western Sumatra when the tragedy happened.

Friends and family have posted tributes to Mr Schneider, one named him a “true water brother”, news.com.au reported.

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Friend Kevin Joseph Cramer described his “sparkling blue eyes, a ready laugh, (and) always a kind word … He was a true water brother”.

Sawtell Boardriders president Mark Hodgson said the 54-year-old would be missed.

“We will all miss you Ron. A great bloke who would do anything to help the club out,” he said.

“Our thoughts are with his family in this difficult time. God bless Ron.”

His brother-in-law Michael Greenwood said he “went out in the best way possible”.

“Surfing in a beautiful tropical location, you always had a way about you,” he wrote.

Mentawai Surf Travel owner Delvinus Sabolak told news.com.au he was on a surfing holiday at the time.

“Yes Ronald Schneider a passenger on a surf charter boat for a Mentawai surf trip has passed away by surf accident,” Mr Sabolak said.

“His leg was dragged by his leg rope then he was hit by the reef. The waves are pumping.”

Mr Schneider’s body will be sent back to Australia.