OCEAN CITY- Some of the country's best surfers were carving up waves in Ocean City today for the Chip Miller Memorial Surf Fest. The annual event raises money and awareness about a rare and deadly disease the claimed the life of a local surfer.

It was a surfing showdown in Ocean City today, as the best local and pro surfers showed off their skills at the annual Chip Miller Surf Fest. "We've got currently the number 8 ranked on the World Qualifying Series, Ben Bourgeois, who's actually an Ocean City native," said Bob Tanner with Reef.

"Look at the waves out there, he's smiling down on us." Lance Miller is sure his dad has something to do with the unusually decent waves for the annual surf fest held in his name. "My dad was a great man," said Lance Miller, "he died at 61 from amyloidosis."

Chip Miller succumbed to the deadly disease four years ago, which is a buildup of abnormal proteins on organs. It is so rare, only eight in a million are diagnosed with it each year. "It was a tough deal," said Miller, "he passed away after five months of finding out it was amyloidosis, it's just a nasty disease. If he knew earlier, we could've actually saved him."

Today's event raises awareness and money for research on the disease, and brings people together to celebrate life and the love of surfing Chip shared with everyone. "Each year they're kinda blessed with good waves," said Tanner.

"I really don't have mixed emotions, it's just a great day," said Miller, "I'm smiling, life's good. We're here today, enjoy it."

Now in it's fourth year, the surf fest continues to grow in popularity. Miller is sure it's a tribute his dad would be proud of. "Everybody came together for him," said Miller, so I know definitely, he's smiling up there.

Just like his son was smiling out there in the water today, as he spreads some of his father's ashes into the ocean he loved so much during his time here on earth.