Three teenagers who tried to rescue their mate from a shark attack have been recognised for their bravery.

Lindsy Isaac-Davies, Shayden Schrader and Kurt Gillan are among those recognised in the first round of the 2015 Australian Bravery Awards announced by Governor-General Sir Peter Cosgrove on Monday.

The three teenagers were body boarding with close friend Zac Young north of Coffs Harbour in November 2013, when Zac was fatally attacked by a Tiger Shark.

The boys were about 100 metres off shore at Riecks Point, at a break called The Well, when Zac was severely bitten on the legs.

When his mates saw him go under they swam over, struggled with the shark for a short time, and then managed to get him to shore.

Sadly Zac's injuries were too severe and he did not survive.

Friend Lindsy Isaac-Davies was just 14 years old at the time.

Despite knowing that the shark was potentially circling underneath him he paddled for 15 minutes to get Zac back to shore.

"What I did wasn't necessarily brave, it's what anyone would do for a good mate," he said.

Since the attack the teenagers have been meeting regularly to talk things though.

"It's been tough, but together we're managing to get through it," Lindsy said.

"Chatting with each other, talking about what's happened, communicating and hanging out has made it all feel a little bit easier."

Lindsy thinks that if Zac could see his mates now, he would be proud of them.

"I'm happy with where we are and I think he would be too," Lindsy said.

"And I just want to encourage surfers who have had experienced the same thing to keep surfing.

"Keep pushing through because it gets easier."