Steven Payne, who was originally from New Zealand but was living in Melbourne, and his girlfriend were five weeks into a six-month caravan trip around Australia when they stopped at Wharton Beach in Condingup, east of Esperance, on Monday.

The 37-year-old was surfing in chest-deep water when he was attacked by a shark in front of onlookers.

Witnesses reported hearing screams and, after a few minutes, all that remained was a surfboard floating about 30 metres from shore.

Payne was suspected dead and police scoured the waters to retrieve his body but were forced to call off the search today.

Tonight, his family issued a statement saying they were “devastated to have lost Steve” and that he was “one of the best”.

“A gentle giant at 6ft4, he was smart, kind, funny, laid back and very practical,” his family said in a statement.

“While he wasn’t a man of many words, he loved his partner deeply, cherished his family, thought the world of his best mates, and was devoted to his dog.”

Payne and his girlfriend had been together for 12 years and adopted their dog Poppy seven years ago. 

He was a keen surfer, a touch rugby player, volunteer firefighter and a respected colleague. 

“Just a week ago, Steve surfed one of the best waves of his life, sharing the wave with a dolphin. He was stoked,” his family said.

Shark culling calls emerged after this week’s attack, but Payne’s family said he would not have supported it.

“Steve would not support a shark cull or any attempt to kill the shark responsible. He and his partner spent a lot of time in the ocean together, had enjoyed many dives with sharks and knew the risks,” his family said.