Nine-time surfing world champion Kelly Slater, along with his brothers Sean and Skippy, was out in San Clemente this afternoon promoting skin cancer awareness.

The low-key event was put on by the World Skin Cancer Foundation, founded by longtime friend of the Slaters’ Drew Filliben.

The event was supposed to feature an invitation-only surf contest with big-name surfers, but that portion of the day was nixed when no waves showed up.

“It’s freezing, and miserable, but everyone has a smile and is having a good time,” said Sean Slater. “What can you do?”

The event started four years ago in Coco Beach, Florida, and this is the first time it’s been held on the West Coast.

“This event is about having fun, and doing it in a safe way,” said Sean Slater, marketing coordinator for Volcom.

The idea started after Filliben approached the Slaters about holding a surf contest that not only had top-notch surfers, but aligned itself with a cause he was passionate about - skin care education.

Since the age of 19, Filliben has had hundreds of “problem spots” that have had to surgically removed. He has to wear long sleeves, even in the hottest of weather.

“We want people to enjoy the outdoors, but to be careful,” he said.

During the past few years of the event, about 50 people have been diagnosed with melanoma skin cancer - for some it was great to catch it early enough to be treated, for others it was too late.

At the event, Kelly Slater said his girlfriend is constantly reminding him to put it on, and admitted to not using sunscreen as much as he should. But he said if he knows he’ll be fried while spending long hours in the water,  he’ll lather it on thick.

“I’ve been checked a few times, but I’ve been lucky so far,” he said.

Despite the surf contest being cancelled, some surfers got in the water to play around in the small waves coming through.

Will Thrower stopped by the tents after being taken-aback by seeing Kelly Slater hanging out. Thrower was having a birthday party for his daughter Maddisen Milano, 10.

“It’s cool to see Kelly come down here,” Thrower said. “It’s great it’s not a huge production, it’s more grass roots.”

Many people gathered around the skin cancer testing area to have doctors check them out.

Travis Winn, of San Clemente, said he wanted to get checked out after his father was diagnosed with skin cancer five years ago. His father had to go through chemo, and had chunks of his leg removed.

Winn, 29, said it was his first time getting checked, and was extra concerned because of his red hair and fair skin.

“Ignorance is not bliss in this type of situation,” said his girlfriend, Ashley Faust, of Irvine.

Aaron Kosins, a doctor who specializes in reconstructive surgery for cancer patients, volunteered his time to give beachgoers free cancer screenings.

He reminded people to always wear sunscreen, and to especially lather up small children, who could develop problems later in life if they get sunburns.

Mike Peck, a Doheny surfer, said it was his first time getting checked after 64 years of being in the sun.

“I’m going to  live - for now,” he said after his examination.

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