Our Story

San Francisco Tsunami Aquatics is an inclusive masters-level swim and artistic swimming club for LGBTQ+ athletes and allies. Founded in 1986, we welcome swimmers of all levels—from seasoned competitors to brand-new beginners. Tsunami offers high-quality training, stroke clinics, and a strong sense of community. We're proud to compete locally and internationally while fostering fun, friendship, and fierce performances.

Board of Directors

  • Chris Stuart

    PRESIDENT
    president@sftsunami.org

    As President of the Tsunami Board of Directors, Chris is responsible for providing leadership, oversight and direction to ensure the team’s success in day to day operations as well as in meeting the team's strategic goals. The president works closely with other board members, coaches and all other Tsunamis to promote a positive and inclusive environment that fosters teamwork, sportsmanship and fun for our LGBTQ+ aquatic community.

  • Linda Akamine

    TREASURER
    treasurer@sftsunami.org

    Linda oversees the team finances, managing investments and ensuring SF Tsunami's financial health. Includes budgeting and forecasting in conjunction with financial statement presentation.

  • Nick Wood

    SECRETARY & INFORMATION
    secretary@sftsunami.org

    Nick handles all information requests that come to the team through info@sftsunami.com including inquiries from potential new members and organizations looking to partner with Tsunami on initiatives, meets and other events. He also manages the agenda for our monthly board meetings.

  • Jay Biethan

    SOCIAL
    social@sftsunami.org

    Jay runs the team’s social channels, organizes monthly happy hours and seasonal events, and is always looking to spark collaborations with other LGBTQ+ teams and nonprofits to keep the community safe, connected, and radiant.

  • Patrick Knudsen

    FUNDRAISING
    fundraising@sftsunami.org

    Patrick organizes and leads inclusive fundraising initiatives to support team events and competitions, promote community engagement, and ensure equitable access to resources for all members.

  • Cris Loftus

    MEMBERSHIP & COMPETITION
    membership@sftsunami.org

    Cris helps onboard new members to the team, sends out team communications, and helps to spread the word about upcoming swim meets. 

  • Nick Rojas

    MEDIA & TECHNOLOGY
    media@sftsunami.org

    Nick manages the creation and maintenance of the team website, working together with all board members to ensure that team information is clearly communicated and easily accessible.

  • Paul Walker

    GOVERNMENT LIAISON
    government@sftsunami.org

    Paul handles communications with SF Recreation & Parks regarding pool operations.

  • Gino Manieri

    SYNCHRO LIAISON
    synchro@sftsunami.org

    Gino serves as the Synchronized Swim Liaison, acting as the primary point of contact between the synchronized swimming team and the board. He ensures that practice schedules, competition details, and team updates are communicated clearly and efficiently.

  • Justin Yue

    40TH ANNIVERSARY COMMITTEE CHAIR 
    anniversary@sftsunami.org

    Justin serves as Chair of the 40th Anniversary Committee and leads the planning and execution of the event. Please feel free to reach out with questions and ideas or to express interest in getting involved.

  • Eduardo Ontiveros​

    BILLING
    billing@sftsunami.org

    As the billing manager, Ed takes care of all your Mindbody-related needs, such as refunds, membership payment questions, scholarship inquiries, and overall account management.