#kayaks — Public Fediverse posts

The #MaineGearLibraryNetwork.

"The Maine Gear Library Network exists to share resources and knowledge in order to grow equitable and low-barrier access to outdoor gear for communities across the state.

Gear libraries statewide:
Adaptive Outdoor Education Center – #BrunswickME
Katahdin Gear Library – #MillinocketME
#KindlingCollective – #PortlandME
Maine Bound Adventure Center – #OronoME
#MaineGearShare – #BrunswickME
Skowhegan Outdoors – #SkowheganME
#OldTownME / #OronoME Gear Library – In Development

Partners:
#CurtisMemorialLibrary of Things – #BrunswickME
#Wabanaki Public Health & Wellness – #BangorME
Maine Office of Outdoor Recreation – Statewide

The Maine Gear Library Network is a growing coalition of community organizations working together to make outdoor adventures more #accessible, #affordable, and #sustainable.

From #tents and #backpacks to #snowshoes and #kayaks, gear libraries around the state are helping more people get outside, regardless of income, experience, or zip code. By sharing resources and knowledge, the Maine Gear Library Network is building a culture of collaboration and sharing, ensuring that everyone has the opportunity to explore and enjoy Maine’s incredible natural places.


What is a Gear Library?

A gear library is a community-powered lending program that provides low-cost access to outdoor equipment, such as kayaks, #bikes, backpacks, snowshoes, and more. Their models may differ, but these gear libraries share a common goal of supporting equitable access to the outdoors by removing the barrier of gear ownership, inviting more #Mainers to connect with nature."

FMI:
https://www.mainegearshare.org/maine-gear-library-network

#SolarPunkSunday #BorrowDontBuy #SharingEconomy #SpendTimeInNature #Kayaks #Hiking #Maine #GearHub #GearLibraries #SpendTimeOutdoors #BikeTooter #Biking #Kayaking #Camping

All or nothing at all by Taz !

https://tmblr.co/Z7VXvxjePmpyKm00

#miami #miamibeach #biscaynebay #water #kayak #kayaks #kayakers #dawn #morning #daybreak #hummmm #zenmoment #reflections #sea #ocean #atlantic #beach #sun #reflecting #iphone #iphoneimage #iphone13 #haze #hazy #fog #foggy #flickr #thingsdavidlikes

Checking out #GearLibraries just makes sense

Sharing equipment makes #OutdoorRecreation more accessible, equitable and #sustainable.

By Amy Paradysz, Winter 2025-26

"We're all familiar with the principle behind #libraries: The community shares a collection of books so we can all access media without having to buy, own or store it. Gear libraries are built on the same notion: Sharing equipment makes outdoor recreation more accessible, more equitable and more sustainable. And sometimes it just makes good sense: Do you really want to own that pull-behind ski chariot that you might use once or twice?

"Thanks to a new coalition called the #MaineGearLibraryNetwork, it’s becoming easier to access a wider variety of gear throughout the state. For example, although #KindlingCollective in downtown #PortlandME doesn’t have enough space to stock a wide variety of outdoor apparel, their members can borrow what they need through #MaineGearShare in #BrunswickME at no additional charge.

" 'The network is a growing coalition of community organizations that are working together to make outdoor recreation more accessible, especially for rural, low-income and historically excluded communities,' said Maine GearShare Advancement Manager Emily Mackeown. 'This means that more Mainers can enjoy the outdoors in all seasons.'

"The lending or renting model varies greatly across the network. At some gear libraries, members can check out items for free—and membership may be as simple as having a card to your local library.

"More commonly, there’s a fee to check out items, but gear libraries that are nonprofits or under the auspices of a public library or university can charge less than a for-profit rental business would.

"Sometimes there’s a sliding scale based on socioeconomic factors; basically, people with more resources subsidize gear for those with fewer resources. At some gear libraries, groups like school outing clubs can save a great deal of money by purchasing a membership that covers hundreds of 'participant days' worth of gear, eliminating choices of what gear, exactly, they can afford to borrow."

Learn more:
https://www.greenhealthymaine.com/blog/gear-libraries

#SolarPunkSunday #BorrowDontBuy #SharingEconomy #SpendTimeInNature #Kayaks #Hiking #Maine #OutdoorRecreation

Every age is fed on illusions, lest men should renounce life early and the human race come to an end.
-- Joseph Conrad

⬆ #Wisdom #Quotes #JosephConrad #Illusions

⬇ #Photography #Panorama #Sunset #Kayaks #Everglades #Florida

There is no feeling, except the extremes of fear and grief, that does not find relief in music.
-- George Eliot

⬆ #Wisdom #Quotes #GeorgeEliot #Emotions #Music

⬇ #Photography #Panorama #Sunset #Kayaks #Everglades #Florida