NICK BROOKS

MUSIC TEACHER | ADVENTURER | FLY ANGLER | COMMUNITY LEADER | HUSBAND | FATHER

@outdoorgearandbeer

My Name is Nick Brooks. The first born of triplets, I was born in New Orleans but raised in Decatur, Georgia. By trade, I am a music educator with a B.A. in Music and a Masters of Education in Media Design and Technology. I’ve taught elementary level general music for over 18 years and it’s STILL fun and we rock-out in my classroom every day. 

Music, however, is not my only passion; I have also always been drawn to the outdoors. My father, an Eagle Scout, valued getting my brothers and I out into the outdoors and would always take us with him on his less strenuous trips when we were little, thus sparking a fire of interest in us. Though a young African-American city kid, activities like hiking, camping, fishing, sailing, horseback riding and virtually all things outdoors were just a normal part of my life. As an adult, I naturally found myself also working seasonally in the outdoor industry. I have also enjoyed partnering with local environmental organizations and working on different service projects around the Atlanta area and the southeast. Currently, I am a Scoutmaster for Troop 1906, proudly sponsored by the men of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. in East Point, GA. I also sit on the council for “Outdoors For All”, an event in Old Fort, NC who’s organizational mission is to provide a space for a diversity of thought leaders, industry partners, community participants, and outdoor enthusiasts to unite and discuss ways we can collectively work together to create a shared equitable outdoor community for all.

On weekends, I get outside as much as possible with family and friends, and I am a social media reviewer of craft beer and outdoor gear during my spare time. I enjoy backpacking, family-camping, mountain-biking, fly-fishing, and overlanding in my Toyota Tundra rig. Some of my favorite places that I’ve visited are Smoky Mountain National Park, the Blue Ridge Mountains in North Georgia, and the Pisgah National Forest. One of the most epic trips that I’ve taken was backpacking the Teton Crest Trail in Grand Teton National Park with some good buddies. I also enjoy exercising at my local CrossFit gym. These activities have fueled my passion for the environment and I have been purposeful in my promoting cultural, racial, and gender inclusion of the outdoors.

I currently live in Atlanta with my lovely wife and two boys. They are a wonderful mess of sorts! We also have a beautiful American Bulldog. His name is Monk, named after the jazz pianist Thelonious Monk.