REI Member since 1987
Favorite activities: Climbing, hiking
Meet Eddie, a man with a passion for the outdoors that’s nothing less than contagious. A scuba diver since age 5 and a 30-year veteran of the outdoor industry, he has led special needs campers, at-risk youth, co-workers, students, customers and friends into the wilderness he loves. He gets his fix during the weekday as manager of our Encinitas store. His favorite thing to do is bundle into an off-road truck with his wife and three kids, looking for “camping and family and the stars, that’s it.”
Why is “outside” important?
Outside is what I am! I have always LOVED being outside in nature. I grew up in a time where “outside” was the only real form of recreation and that was our playground. If we don’t continue to make being outside important, the spaces will slowly disappear as we once knew them. We need to all take care of “outside.”
Who are you inspired by to get outside? In whom are you fostering a love for the outdoors?
My 3 kids inspire me to get outside. It doesn’t matter how tired or busy we are, they are always reminding me that we need to go climbing, cycling, hiking, surfing or take a quick off-roading/camping weekend trip. They are my alarm clocks. Sometimes I get home late and they want to hit the beach or climbing gym even for a couple hours and I learned a long time ago to always just say yes! To be spontaneous! And now that they are older, their love for the outdoors has paid off! I never need to force them to play outside.
Your kids are all-in when it comes to recreating in the outdoors. What would you say to outdoors-loving parents looking to share that passion with their kids?
Simple… just do it! It all starts with the parents. Make it a priority to play outside and get your kids unplugged while they are young. Don’t allow the electronics or your schedule or tiredness become the priority. You don’t have to make it complicated, just be consistent. Join a climbing gym, check out the local hikes and bring the dog and make a picnic out of it, go to the beach before sunset, ride your bikes to the park, check out the local state parks. Let me pass this little hint that helped me as my kids were younger: No matter how tired I am or how much stuff I need to do or how dirty the house is… if the kids ask to do something active… always say yes! Believe me, it will pay off as they grow older.
What is your favorite piece of gear and what’s the story behind it?
A piece of gear that has always meant a lot to me is my first-generation MSR WhisperLite International backpacking stove.
When I was just starting to backpack, I had no gear and knew nothing about the activity. After using my friends’ gear for several years, I finally walked into the San Dimas REI store in 1986, maybe 1987, where a friend of mine from school worked—they recommended that stove. It was a lot of money back then, but after 30 years, I still have it and use it, and it has never failed… that says a lot about the product. I love that stove because I can recall many stories and adventures every time I fire it up, especially when I worked as a guide. It boils water so fast!
What does being an REI co-op member mean to you?
I’m proud to be a member. I love what REI stands for and what their true heritage is all about. It’s about being a part of a group of people that share the same passion and core values as you, including: authenticity, quality, respect, and integrity just to name a few. Not many companies can really say they have “true core values.”
With such a wide range of outdoor interests, what adventures are still on your bucket list? What’s next?
Two big things that are on my bucket list are Antarctica and Glacier exploration. Also interested in exploring the Utah-Arches and Bryce National Parks, and Machu Picchu. Long-term: Kilimanjaro!
Looking for more inspiration? Read other REI Member Portraits here.
Not a member? Join today! Learn more