Our Founding Story
Here, creativity meets opportunity. Whatever you're building, we're here to help you take the first step with confidence. Driven by curiosity and built on purpose, this is where bold thinking meets thoughtful execution. Let’s create something meaningful together.
“San Francisco Tsunami was born from a moment of visibility, courage, and competitive excellence.”
Cris Meier-Windes
SF Tsunami Aquatics Founding Team Member
1982
A small group of LGBTQ+ swimmers comes together to train for Gay Games I in San Francisco. After the event, the group dissolves, but the idea of a community team takes root.
1982–1986
Cris and Rick Meier-Windes help introduce LGBTQ+ swimmers into Pacific Masters Swimming, building regional visibility and momentum leading up to the next Gay Games.
Summer 1986
Swimmers train together for Gay Games II under coach Dave Doyle, recruiting teammates through ads in the Bay Area Reporter.
Early Identity: Pride, Fundraising, and Community
Late 1980s–Early 1990s
The AIDS epidemic profoundly impacts the team, with the loss of key members including Tim Elliott in 1990. Membership declines, and the team faces one of its most difficult periods.
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Dream it.
It all begins with an idea. Maybe you want to launch a business. Maybe you want to turn a hobby into something more. Or maybe you have a creative project to share with the world. Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.
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Build it.
It all begins with an idea. Maybe you want to launch a business. Maybe you want to turn a hobby into something more. Or maybe you have a creative project to share with the world. Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.
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Grow it.
It all begins with an idea. Maybe you want to launch a business. Maybe you want to turn a hobby into something more. Or maybe you have a creative project to share with the world. Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.
Late 1980s–Early 1990s
The AIDS epidemic profoundly impacts the team, with the loss of key members including Tim Elliott in 1990. Membership declines, and the team faces one of its most difficult periods.
Early–Mid 1990s
Members advocate successfully to preserve pool access during San Francisco budget cuts, demonstrating the team’s resilience and commitment to survival.
1994 (Gay Games New York)
Under President Brian Fitzgibbons and Coach Joe Healy, the team experiences renewed energy and membership growth while preparing for competition.
Key Highlights
1982 – 1987
The Founding: From Gay Games I to a Movement
In 1982, at Gay Games I, swimmers competed — and won — in events where age groups were divided into demanding ten-year increments.
Their medals were presented by Tom Waddell, whose leadership left a lasting impression.
1989 – 1991
The Pool Time Battle & Identity Transformation
One of Tsunami’s defining turning points came in 1989 when the San Francisco Recreation & Parks Department proposed user fee increases.
2004 – 2006
Loss, Expansion, and Challenging International Barriers
On March 14, 2004, Rick Meier-Windes passed away.
His absence was deeply felt.
That same year, artistic swimming (synchro) was added to Tsunami programming — marking a new chapter. Because Tsunami included men in synchronized swimming, the team stood out nationally.
In 2006, we were invited by USA Synchro to perform an exhibition at the World Synchro Championships at Stanford.
Many of you are traveling from afar to celebrate with us, so your presence is the ultimate gift. If you'd still like to send us something, you can easily do so through our online registry.