REI Co-op announced that it will host more than 300 free classes and day tours, on Saturday, June 15, to highlight its support for members and the broader outdoor community, including resources, expertise and inspiration. To register, visit REI.com/OptOutsideFreeDay.
“Opt Outside is much bigger than one day of the year – it’s the way we live. It’s the clearest expression of what REI is all about,” noted REI EVP and CCO, Ben Steele. “Simply put, time outside is fundamental to the health and happiness of individuals and communities. Today, too many people feel like their time isn’t their own and all of us know we spend too much of our time indoors. We can make a different choice. From our incredible store staff to our professional guides and much more, the co-op is here to be a resource for everyone to have a healthy, active life outside.”
REI will host a free curated collection of its most popular in-store workshops and local, guided hiking and paddling tours with retail staff, co-op “experiences” guides and community partners. Nearly 6,000 people are expected to get outside and learn new outdoor skills and activities, in conjunction with the event. Additionally, REI will be joined at select stores by body positivity influencer and yoga instructor, Adina Crawford, as well as Adaptive Adventures, All Bodies on Bikes, Black Girls Do Bike, Black Girls RUN!, Latino Outdoors and The Venture Out Project.
REI’s Opt Outside site, serves as a tool to learn more about virtual and in-person resources that are offered, year-round, by the co-op. For example:
- Over 38,200 enthusiasts participated in 4,800 day experiences programs across 14 communities, last year.
- REI reportedly teaches more people how to ride bikes every year than any other outfitter.
- REI offers 150 adventure travel trips throughout North America, including three new itineraries launched in partnership with Outdoor Afro that celebrate joy in nature.
- Stores regularly host introductory classes on activities such as hiking, camping, cycling and more.
REI is also amplifying its partnerships with Hipcamp and Strava in order to broaden awareness of prioritizing time outside.
