SAN DIEGO -- Surfing icons joined local business leaders and scientists to compete in a longboard contest to raise money for cancer research at La Jolla Shores Sunday.

The 14th annual Luau and Longboard Invitational, themed ``Surf For A Cure,'' started at 7 a.m. at the Scripps Pier. All Proceeds went to benefit the Rebecca and John Moores UC San Diego Cancer Center.

According to Paul Grayson, co-chair of the event, more than $2 million has been collected for cancer research over the past 13 years.

"For this year, we want to raise half a million dollars, one dollar for each life that will be lost this year to cancer,'' he said.

The contest began with a longboard competition, where five-member teams compete against one another for trophies. Each team was assigned a "surfing legend,'' organizers said.

The participants planned to break the Guinness World Record for the longest line of surfboards.

In the afternoon, the luau will include Polynesian dancing, bands, and live and silent auctions featuring surf memorabilia.

A ceremony will be held to honor the winner of the Rell Sunn "Queen of Makaha Award,'' which recognizes an individual who helped others in the fight against cancer, organizers said.