The Outdoor Adventure Club of East Texas started 20 years ago and has about 119 paid members.

Life is better outside. The hardest part is deciding to go, Tyler resident, avid hiker and kayaker Tami Brooks said. Luckily, there are growing groups of East Texans that people can join to get a taste of outdoor sports.

“I’m an avid outdoors person. I’m an avid hiker, and I love meeting like-minded people, and I also really enjoy when beginners and people come for the first time. I like to be there to encourage someone just starting,” Brooks said. “The entry barrier is pretty low, but sometimes people just need a little nudge.”

Page administrator Brooks said there are nearly 1,000 members of the Facebook page called the Outdoor Adventure Club of East Texas. The Tyler Bike Club page boasts even more, with over 2,000 members.

The club is a group of nature lovers who go on campouts, backpacking trips, hiking and kayaking, biking and more. A few people are considering adding fishing and hunting gatherings.

The pandemic kept people indoors, and now Tyler has a growing outdoor community.

“I think the outdoor community here is strong,” Brooks said. “We have a great hiking community. We have a really good cycling community that includes road biking and mountain biking.”

Brooks said the Outdoor Adventure Club of East Texas started 20 years ago. Although she wasn’t entirely sure who was responsible for its creation, different people became involved and took on leadership roles.

Brooks joined after she moved to Texas five years ago to find people to hike with and be introduced to the trails in the area. She has since become a liaison for new and existing members, an event coordinator and an outdoor sports ambassador.

“They needed someone to take it over, and I did it because I didn’t want to see it go away,” Brooks said. “We are trying to build it back up and get more people participating.”

Out of the several hundred Facebook members, only 113 are paid members. The group is diverse, ranging from 18 to 81, and there are always at least two groups that tackle hikes of varying difficulty and length.

“People don’t need to worry about being last. I think a lot of people are worried they can’t keep up. On the first Saturday, if I’m there, I’m the last person I’m bringing up the rear,” Brooks said.

For $10 a year, paid members can access exclusive events and activities calendar, such as the inaugural Gear SwapFest, and overnight and out-of-state excursions. The small fee is used to rent camping spaces and purchase seasonal picnic and gathering supplies and equipment.

Non-paid members are invited to participate in the first Saturday hike every month, the weekly Wednesday bike ride and beginner backpacking events.

“That way, people can sort of get a feel for the group and come out, try it, and kind of see if it’s something they’re interested in pursuing,” she said.

Brooks and other active members have scheduled events for the group, but ideally, the page would be used for anyone interested in planning outdoor sporting events.

“It’s a great group for people who want to do that whether they are moving here from somewhere else or already live here,” she said. “Many people don’t want to go out on their own and explore; they want someone with them for comfort or safety.”

Brooks said many experienced backpackers, hikers and cyclists in the Outdoor Adventure Club provide a wealth of knowledge to its members. If someone has a question about any outdoor activities, there is a member who can answer it.

Brooks said that if a person is interested in the group, the first Saturday hike is a great place to start.

“I would just encourage people, if they’re thinking about taking up any kind of outdoor sport, just do it,” Brooks said. If anybody is worried about joining, they should just come on out, and they will find the people helpful and welcoming. It’s a great community to be involved in.”