The body of a surfer who went missing from Sydney's northern beaches on Sunday has been found.

23-year-old Christopher Drake was swept out to sea in rough surf at North Curl Curl on Saturday afternoon.

It is believed he was trying to save a girl who was also struggling in the swell.

A member of the public spotted Mr Drake's body about 400 metres offshore at Blue Fish Point near Manly yesterday morning.

Water police retrieved the body and formally identified as the missing 23-year-old.

A report is being prepared for the Coroner.