A man is dead after two surfers collided while riding the waves at a Wellington beach.

Police say the man, 33, died at the scene after crashing into another unidentified surfer in Lyall Bay on Monday afternoon.

Lyall Bay Surf and Rescue Club president Martin Robinson says the bay was not very crowded as conditions were windy and choppy.

Mr Robinson says it is harder for surfers to see each other in rough weather, but collisions are rare.

Police are appealing for witnesses to the incident.