Update 5.30pm:
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Police have located a kayaker that was reportedly distressed in water at Kiama.
About 2.15pm, emergency services received reports of a man in a kayak in trouble in the water, near the Blowhole Point Rockpool at Kiama.
Following a large-scale search between Kiama and Minnamurra, about 5.15pm, police spoke to the kayaker who is safe and well.
Police would like to thank the media and public for their prompt assistance.
Earlier: Rescue crews are continuing a search for a male kayaker reported to be missing off the coast of Kiama just after 2pm on Sunday.
Initially, according to Westpac lifesaving helicopter crews, two kayakers were reported to be in distress about two kilometres off the Kiama Blowhole.
In an update issued at 3.15pm, the chopper crews said they were searching for one man in an orange kayak.
The wild weather meant conditions in the air and on the water were “very tricky for searching”.
The search area was located between Shell Cove and south to Kiama Heights, with the rescue helicopter stopping to refuel about 4pm.
Police and surf vessels took shelter in Kiama harbour due to the dangerous conditions.
The search will continue into the evening, the rescue helicopter crews said.
After almost a two hours of searching, police put out a call for public information as they continued the search.
They confirmed police from Lake Illawarra Police District, with the assistance of the Westpac Life Saver Helicopter, commenced a large-scale search between Kiama and Minnamurra about 2.15pm..
Police were told the man was wearing an orange high-visibility jacket and is in a black fishing kayak.
Officers are trying to identify this person and are seeking anyone that witnessed a man with a black kayak exiting the water or anyone with information as to the identity of this man to contact police immediately.
A hazardous surf warning is in place for all of the NSW coast, with NSW Police Marine Area Command advising people to avoid rock fishing, boating and swimming.
A gale wind warning is also in place for the Illawarra coast.
Police are urging anyone with information in relation to this incident to call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000