The Tsunami Rangers are an ocean adventure kayaking team. Originally located near San Francisco, the TR live for kayaking adventure on the ocean. We believe we should, through example and education, show others how to fully enjoy the marine environment with nominal effect on it. Aside from our desire to have unrestricted access and camping privileges on the coast and to preserve the ocean, especially the coastlines, we are a nonpolitical group. We believe that coastal exploration, adventure, and play are the ways of life fulfillment. We paddle together to experience isolated surf zones, complex rock gardens, and mysterious sea caves.
Formed in 1984, the Tsunami Rangers have evolved from a coordinated team to a close-knit tribe united not by blood but by spirit. We are a hierarchical team, set up on naval rank (which only applies during formal social events [awards presentations] and while on dangerous conditions at sea – not around the campfire). We choose who will be on the team; you cannot join it like you would a country club. We look for people who are easy-going, open-minded, adventure-oriented, and who have skills which will benefit the team. Our rank, from lowest to highest, are: seaman apprentice, seaman, Tsunami Ranger first class (highest level of trainee/cadet), ensign, lieutenant junior grade, lieutenant, lieutenant commander, commander, captain, commodore, and admiral.
Education is one of our prime goals. Many talented individuals and groups have written interesting and useful books, monographs, and articles on sea kayaking. We avoid repeating what others have done, and instead seek to contribute new knowledge based on our team’s adventures on the exposed coast.
Everything we know we learned through experience – some good and some not so good. We don’t claim to be the best or most knowledgeable kayakers in the world. We know many boaters who paddle faster, surf better, travel farther, or just mess around in boats in a different way than we do. We like to get close and personal to the exposed coastline. For us, this is what sea kayaking is all about. Who knows what the future may bring?
It is our hope that ocean adventure kayaking will spark imaginations, challenge stout hearts, and show that the only way to do something is to just go for it while ye may. Some of our opinions may defy traditional or current practices and principles. So be it. We bear no ill will toward any person or institution, and we mean no offense. We are always open to new ideas and always willing to discuss issues that center on kayaking on the wild oceans. – Commander Eric Soares, 2010
Addendum: Nearly 40 years on, the Rangers are still rocking. Some members have dropped out to pursue new things and other paddlers have been inducted. Commander Soares died in 2012. In 2017, Jim Kakuk, our Captain since 1984, retired and promoted Commander Deb Volturno, who has been a Ranger since 1996, to Captain. Jim is now Vice Admiral, or Admiral of Vice, whichever he prefers. Michael Powers, now over 80, is our official Shaman. Cate Hawthorne and Jeff Laxier of Liquid Fusion, Fort Bragg, are our newest members besides me, Nancy Soares, who was invited to join the Rangers in 2016. Our numbers also include Paula Renouf of New Zealand, so the Rangers who were for years a mostly male-dominant team now boast 4 women members. – Lt. Nancy Soares, 2023