15th Annual Lua & Longboard Invitational takes place

Top surfers and wannabes took to the waves in La Jolla on Sunday as part of the Moores UC San Diego Cancer Center’s 15th Annual Luau & Longboard Invitational.

The 15th annual fundraiser at the Scripps Institution of Oceanography paired surfing icons with local business leaders, doctors and scientists in a surfing competition to raise money for cancer research.

According to the event’s co-chair, Tori Pitruzello, more than $2.6 million has been raised for the Moores UCSD Cancer Center over the past 14 years.

“Our support of one of the top comprehensive cancer care and research institutions in the nation helps translate promising discoveries into better treatment options for cancer patients,’’ Pitruzello said.

The event began with a longboard surfing competition at Scripps Pier, where five-member teams competed for trophies.

The luau featured Polynesian dancing, bands and auctions of surf memorabilia.

A ceremony honoring the winner of the Rell Sunn “Queen of Makaha Award’’ was held.