Legends of Science and Surfing

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It’s not every day that surfers share a symposium stage with scientists. But UC San Diego has never been an ordinary place.

And this was no ordinary weekend — the Legends of Science and Surfing, hosted by Moores Cancer Center last September, brought together world-class cancer researchers, legendary surfers, cancer survivors, philanthropic supporters, patient caregivers and advocates in a shared mission: to fuel innovation and inspire hope in the fight against cancer.

This year the event was expanded into a two-day summit beginning with the inaugural Legends of Science Symposium and ending with the cherished community surf competition. Building on the event’s 32-year legacy, the new format was designed to blend scientific innovation to propel cancer research, clinical trial innovations and care. 

Since the founding of the Legends of Surfing Invitational in 1994, the event has raised more than $13 million in philanthropic support for Moores Cancer Center research, giving Moores Cancer Center the critical funds to pursue bold, high-impact research and discoveries.

Spotlight on cancer innovation

The weekend began with the Legends of Science Symposium, which brought together leaders from academia, biotech, clinical care and venture science to explore the future of oncology innovation.

“There is nothing else like it,” said Moores Cancer Center Director Diane Simeone, MD. “This level of collaboration doesn’t exist anywhere else — not just among scientists and surfers, but clinicians, biotech innovators and the venture community, all working together for the best research and treatments in cancer.”

Panels ranged from artificial intelligence (AI) and emerging technologies to the role of venture capital and industry partnerships in cancer discovery. But the final session, “Surviving and Thriving,” captured the heart of the weekend, bringing together an extraordinary panel of cancer survivors from the surfing community to share their journeys of strength and gratitude and to highlight the importance of cancer research and its impact on patient lives.

Tyler Callaway, head coach of the UC San Diego surf team and a three-time cancer survivor, described each diagnosis as “a big wave that’s about to break right in front of you.” 

“It’s going to rock your world,” he said. “And if it wasn’t for the work of the people at Moores Cancer Center, I probably wouldn’t be here. My fellow thrivers and I want to be an inspiration to everyone fighting cancer — and to all their loved ones supporting them.”

The symposium also honored Laura Shawver, PhD — the recipient of this year’s Rell Sunn Award, named for the legendary Hawaiian surfer and cancer survivor known for her grace on the waves and in life. Shawver — a scientist, biotech leader and survivor herself — founded the Clearity Foundation to support women with ovarian cancer; her dedication embodies the event’s spirit of resilience and community.

As the symposium concluded, one message stood out: Progress in cancer research and treatments happens through partnership. At UC San Diego, discoveries move faster when academia, biotech and clinical care unite around a common goal.

“Moores Cancer Center proudly welcomes collaboration with our biotech community,” said Simeone, “knowing that together, we can accelerate innovation and bring new hope to patients everywhere.”

Community in action

The morning after the symposium, everyone hit the beach at Scripps Pier  in La Jolla for the Legends of Surfing Invitational, a vibrant display of passion, philanthropy and phenomenal surfing.

World-class surfers including Jojo Roper, Paige Alms and Jock Sutherland joined local teams in an incredible display of skill that was a joy to watch. Among the local legends in the waves was John Otterson, who recalled hosting the first invitational in 1994, when he slept in his truck to save a spot on the beach and woke up to some less-than-ideal surf.

“I had 20 surf teams showing up within hours, ready to go,” Otterson recalled. “The waves were only a few inches high — but the spirit was still there.”

This year, the waves were perfect as cancer survivors, clinicians and professional surfers alike paddled out in a moving display of solidarity and joy. UC San Diego Health CEO Patty Maysent sponsored the survivors’ team and showed her support. 

"I’ve been part of legends for more than a decade,” said Maysent, “and I look forward to it every year. It’s incredible to see our clinical teams, researchers, patients and community come together with such a purpose — to advance discoveries that improve care and outcomes for people facing cancer.”

John Dobak, MD , shares this sentiment, also returning to the event year after year. “This is my fourth year co-chairing the event, and it’s been a pleasure and an honor to serve UC San Diego and Moores Cancer Center to help raise money for all the things that our center does for cancer.”

Waves of excellence

Legends of Science and Surfing continues to set a standard for what is possible when science, sport and philanthropy come together. Funds raised from the event are used to fuel leading-edge cancer research; the development of new, much-needed therapies; and novel approaches to early cancer detection and prevention.

Each year, the event supports this important research, strengthens collaboration and celebrates the courage of patients, families and advocates. From the groundbreaking discoveries shared in the symposium to the community and resilience displayed on the waves, the event is a powerful celebration of the people and passions that drive progress against cancer.