INTERNATIONAL NUDIST

As a first-time visitor to a nude beach or nudist resort, you might ask “Should I be embarrassed about my body at a nude beach or nudist resort?” The basic answer is… No. Absolutely not. Real nudists are one of the few havens of body acceptance in modern western society. It is a basic nudist principle that you should not judge others based on their appearance, but if anything, should admire them for their courage to join you despite their possible insecurities and issues. For many, it takes a tremendous amount of courage to try a nudist location or event for the first time. You’ll see that many of your fears are needless, and that’s certainly the case with concerns about your appearance.

With nudists, you’ll see all shapes and sizes, all ages, men and women, and those with all manner of scars and abormalities. Some have even reported a sort of mild reverse discrimination at some nudist venues toward those who look too good… but that is rare, and not something to worry about if you happen to fall into that group. Appearance is just a non-issue at any real nudist place…so go, be free and be without worries. The size and shape of your breasts, penis, butt, belly or anything else just doesn’t come up. Nudists are a more sophisticated bunch than that!

Here, I’ll run down a list of common concerns:

• Body weight/body shape:
  As stated above, you will see all shapes and sizes. You’ll certainly see a more realistic picture of body diversity than you’ll ever get from the mainstream media. So don’t be thinking “I’m too fat” – you can be anything from very “overweight” to very skinny and you’ll fit in fine regardless!
• Scars/abnormalities/skin conditions:
  Nudists have just as many scars, abnormalities and skin conditions as everyone else. The difference being it’s not hidden, of course. Nobody is “perfect” and you’ll see everyone has some scars or something they could be self-conscious about, if they chose to be. The bottom line is…don’t worry – you’ll likely see several others much like you, all happily enjoying nudity as well!
• Age:
  You’ll see all ages at a nude beach or nudist resort. And I mean all! In the U.S., most locations are demographically weighted toward older people, but that’s just because more young people haven’t mustered up the courage yet. Think about it - statistically, some of those fraidy-cat younger adults will eventually become declared nudists themselves, by the time they have gray hair. And if you are younger and concerned with the age distribution, remember, the only way to balance it out is to do your part – attend and invite your friends!
• Piercings/Jewelry/ornamentation:
  In general, any tattoos, piercings or jewelry are just fine, probably common and so likely won’t even raise an eyebrow. Years ago, when new kinds of piercings were not so widespread, some resorts banned genital piercings, but that’s less common today. The main concern seems to be with genital piercings, jewelry or ornamentation that flaunts or calls attention to the genitals. This is mainly an issue for men, since their genitals are more out in the open and obvious. Women might wear such jewelry without it being viewable, and therefore it wouldn’t be an issue. For men… a good guideline is…if you might imagine it appearing innapropriate, creepy or pervy to other nudists, don’t do it or at least ask management first! The bottom line is… even nudists have some taboos, so be considerate and take into account the likely feelings or taboos of those around you – some crowds are more liberal or conservative in this regard than others.
• Gender:
  Some nudist locations have more males than females. As with the age issue above, the way this can change is by doing your part. If you are a female, attend anyway, bring one or several female friends with you if possible.
• Race:
  This is not something to worry about in the least. Nudists love diversity and welcome all, regardless of race, ethnicity or cultural background. If anything you’ll probably experience even more social warmth as a racial minority.
• Pubic Hair:
  In recent years, the shaving of all or part of one’s pubic hair has been fashionable. This is another non-issue. You will see those who are all natural (don’t shave or trim a thing), to those who shave all, and all variations in-between. Remember, nudists are a diversity-friendly bunch, and whatever style of pubic hair you have, it’s fine and not a concern. Likewise, distribution of other body hair, male or female, is a non-issue.
• Genitals, breasts appearance:
  Here again, you’ll see how pop culture badly lies and misrepresents about the true diversity of genitals and breasts. Do not be concerned about the size, shape or general appearance of yours. For one thing, you’ll probably see others like you. In addition, your appearance, of any body part, just doesn’t matter. Nudist locations aren’t pagents – just a place for you to be free, comfortable, happy, healthy and social if you want!
• Tattoos:
  Tattoos are essentially not an issue. And as common as they have become, they barely raise an eyebrow. The only problems I could imagine is if someone had a tattoo said something very offensive, like “I hate nudists”!

Other non-appearance body concerns

• Arousal/erections:
  Some are concerned they may become aroused at a nude beach or resort. While this is certainly possible, many don’t find a nudist environment particularly arousing once they get there, depending on the person and the environment. Even then, you’ll be surpised how much you can keep your thoughts and feelings under control if you really try. Women are luckier in this regard, because their signs of arousal are usually not as obvious as with men. Men should take care to hide an erection if it occurs, and psychologically suppress it as soon as possible. This is one of the few nudist taboos, the seriousness of which depending on the actual crowd or resort/club policies.
• Menstruation:
  Even nudist women menstruate (surprise?) and however you handle it, you will have no reason for embarrassment. Some women wear a tampon, but snip off the string. Some leave the string. Some wear shorts those days, if the resort policies allow. The concern some resorts or groups have is that if they allow women to wear shorts at their discretion, some will wear shorts all the time, then some men will and before you know it everyone is going to a nudist resort to wear clothes – making those who are fully nude feel very awkard and like they’re in the wrong place! I know, sounds strange, but people do strange things without some guidelnes and rules. The bottom line here is, do what you need to do, possibly check resort policies or ask other women in the resort or group. Most places will be fine however you handle it, as long as it’s reasonable.
• Body position:
  Mosts nudists aren’t offended by any particular position or view of the body. I mean, nudists are prepared to see the full reality of the human body and therefore it doesn’t make sense for them to be offended or bothered by someone bent over or legs spread apart. Some older nudists, from a previous generation, often 60 or older, may be offended by “un-lady-like” positions, but they are in the opinion minority, so be comfortable and have no worries in your nude relaxation and recreation!

More common nudist concerns

• Mainstream reputation:
  Will the word get out, to friends, family, co-workers and your community, that you are a nudist or frequent nude beaches? This is a legitimate concern for many, but in practice, nudists rarely “tattletale” on who they saw at a resort, beach or club. They wouldn’t want you to tell on them either. Unless you tell your aquaintences, they usually don’t find out, unless you give give big clues. Even then, most people don’t have the nerve to ask or bring it up. If they do, you could always tell a white lie or downplay your nudist experience if you need. Some people don’t feel the need to hide it and freely tell anyone they know that they’re a nudist. Whichever type you are, it’s fine, but respect the privacy of other nudists.
• Photographs:
  Will someone take my picture at a nude beach? It’s unlikely. It’s highly taboo to photograph nudists without their permission, and this is one reason a nudist resort is a safer place than a public nude beach. If you’re at a public nude beach and you’re very concerned about being photographed nude, put on some sunglasses or maybe wear your hair different. That’s probably enough to at least make you unidentifiable in the unlikely event someone were to take your picture and put in on the web.
• Gawking:
  Will you be gawked at, firted with or otherwise harassed at a nudist place? Probably not, but again, nudist resorts are much, much better, for this concern, than public nude beaches. Most public nude beaches have no effective way to keep out badly-behaving individuals. If you do go to a public nude beach, it really helps to go with a friend (or many), especially if one of those friends looks like he/she can kick some gawker ass!

You’ll see that, though many people have fears about trying nudism for the first time, most of the fears are unfounded, and the rest usually worth the benefits. So get out and there and feel the freedom today!

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A nudist spring break is the most awesome way to break, for college students or anyone else who is lucky enough to escape northern climate this time of year. Having endured a North American winter and finding a warm beach of more southerly lattitudes, it feels great to have the warm, ocean breeze against your skin. Why not take it all the way and get nude? Well, of course, some college students at conventional spring breaks do get nude, but we’re not talking about the actions meant to shock or arouse, of questionable taste – we’re talking about places where nudity is totally acceptable and, in fact, preferred or even required. There are many nudist resorts and beaches, from the Caribbean, Florida, Mexico, Texas and California, where you can be as nude as you want to be for spring break.

Now it’s usually not required that you call yourself a “nudist” or “naturist” at these places. It’s understood that most college students or other young adults are not yet ready to accept that label. For some, nudity is a short-term experiment. For others, it is the start of a lifetime of enjoyment of the nudist/naturist lifestyle.

Who do you go with? It may be that your friends you’d normally spring break with are afraid of getting nude in front of strangers. However, many college students are quite willing to try a low-key nudity experience, so float the idea by them, maybe as a joke at first to check their reaction. If nothing else, you could get some different friends, meet some online to meet you at the nudist place or just go alone. On the other hand, if you happen to have nudity-tolerant friends already, you’re good to go!

If money is an issue, check into nudist resorts in your own state (or one nearby). Sure, it may not be an exotic, tropical destination, but certainly would be a delightful way to say “hello” to spring.

Nude Beach or Nudist Resort for Spring Break?
Whether you go for a nudist resort or nude beach (or both!), depends on how you’d like to experience nudism and your tolerance for the occasional gawker. In a typical nudist resort, gawkers are forbidden, therefore only other nude people seriously interested in, or trying out nudism will be there. Because only real nudists are there, there is a more trusting envionment, which makes for easier socialization, if you want to socialize. If you don’t want to talk to anyone, find a large resort with nature trails and plenty of space where it’s easier to get away, alone or with your partner or friends. 

A nude beach, on the other hand, typically has gawkers to some degree (people who go just to look at naked people), and so you have to have more of a tolerance for that and other potntial social annoyances at a public nude beach. This problem is worse at urban nude beaches, like Haulover Beach (Miami, Florida area), where people can easily walk literally right off the street, taking little effort to gawk at you. More rural or difficult-to-reach nude beaches, like Black’s Beach in California, however, have less of a gawker problem. It’s a matter of who has more willpower to get to remote beaches, nudists or gawkers, and usually the nudist wins out here.

Whereever you decide to go, have fun, be careful and wear that sunscreen!

A few nude beach and nudist resort listings for spring breakers:

Haulover Beach, North Miami Beach, Florida:
While the people environment here has been described by some as “socially cold”, the beach and water here are warm and beautiful! South Beach is just a few minutes from here, so after a day at the nude beach, a nap at the hotel, you can have a blast at the South Beach clubs all night long.

South Florida Free Beaches: creators & mentors of Haulover’s clothing-optional naturist family beach in Miami.
Haulover Beach on Wikipedia

Sunsport Gardens, near West Palm Beach, Florida:
SunsportGardens.com

Black’s Beach, San Diego, California:
Black’s Beach on Wikipedia
Black’s Beach Bares
Black’s Beach on About.com/Calfornia Travel

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Many nudists are still nude in their homes in the winter time, depending on how well-heated their house is.

Some don’t find the dry indoor winter air as comfortable as the more humid summer air, and some choose to save energy by lowering the thermostat, thereby making it too cool for nudity. Yes, most nudists put on clothes when it comes to saving money or the environment (through decreased energy usage).

For those with the flexibility and funds to travel, you can always fly, drive or boat to someplace warm, no matter how cold the winter. Sunsport Gardens, near West Palm Beach, Florida, hosts the Midwinter Naturist Festival (going on now), from Thursday, February 12 – Tuesday, February 17, 2009 and about the same time each year. On the USA West coast, there are nude beaches and resorts, such as Terra Cotta Inn in sunny Palm Springs, California. There are several resorts and beaches in the Caribbean which are lovely nude escapes in winter months. If you’re in Europe, you may try Cape D’Agde, Crete or many other destinations whose climates are kinder to the naturist in winter months.

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Are nudists mostly Democrats or Republicans? Right wing or left? Socialiist or capitalist? While there are no comprehensive statistics on the matter, at least a couple surveys in the U.S. showed actually a slightly higher number of Republican nudists vs. Democrat nudists. This is a surprise to many, who imagine all nudists as distinctly liberal in all views in their life. The thing is, Republicans value freedom too, just prioritize other types of freedoms than Democrats stand for. Though Republicans are often stereotyped as consisting soley of the religious right, there is actually a large portion that aren’t particularly religious and think more like Libertarians – that people should be as free as reasonably possible without harming others. There is also the growing Christian Nudist movement, which tends to be a little more Republican as well.

Whatever your political orientations, know that nudists are roughly the same proportions as the rest of society. Indeed, the only single thing you can expect to agree with all nudists on is that we ought to be free to have places where we can be without clothes!

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Several colleges around the U.S. have annual streaking events. More still occur spontaneously or, at best, are premeditated briefly. Are these events, and more obnoxious student nudity a good thing? Most would probably agree that they are harmless. While we do not all choose to express ourselves in such a manner, it certainly serves as an outlet, where they choose to not take things so seriously, have fun and be nude, even if it is obnoxious (or in some cases illegal). Perhaps the worst part of the phenomena is cost of police who may be on duty to monitor anuual, scheduled events. Unfortunately, when these events are well-publicized, gawkers with cameras are attracted. This is probably the reason for the pumpkin helmets worn in the Naked Pumpkin Runs…it obscures their identity from the inevitable photographers, welcome or unwelcome.

What about streaking overall, such as the occasional streaker at a sporting event? Again, probably most people, whether nudist/naturist or not ,would find these incidents harmless and possibly amusing. While I cannot recommend streaking where it is against the law, it is a statement against our gymnophobic society and so I cannot say much bad about it!

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Would you like to meet other nudists and naturists, but don’t know how? The development of the internet has really opened up opportunities to find not only nudist or clothing-optional locations, such as beaches and resorts, but also other people, some of whom may even live nearby! What kind of web medium you use to find other nudists depends on your purpose. There are general social networks, personal ad sites and other websites that may have a way to search for those interested in nudism and naturism.

Here are a few great places around the web to find other nudists:

Nudist Social Networks

NudistClubhouse.com - I recommend this site. I consider it the best true nudist social network and nudist chatroom.
TrueNudists.com
NudistSpace.org
Multiple Ning.com networks (search on “Nudist”)
Multiple Ning.com networks (search on “Naturist”)
NetNude.com – A long time host of personal profiles, pictures and general nudist information.
ClothesFree Forums – The World’s Largest Naturist Community
Nudist-Resorts.org – World’s Most Complete Nudist Discussion Forum and Bulletin Board

Personals or More Dating-Oriented Sites

NaturistSpace.org
NudistFriends.com
aNaturist.com UK (England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales)
SingleNudist.com Personals site for AANR members.
Nudist-Resorts.org Personals Threads

In addition to nudist and naturist websites, another way to go is to try to search more general-interest websites for words like “nudist”, “naturist”, “clothing optional”. Some systems may not allow these search words or profiles may not be searchable. Other websites, like Tagged.com are quite open and even sites like MySpace.com may allow a search by name.

 Also, check out a site called CouchSurfing.com, a social network where people can find a “couch” or home to stay in while traveling around the world. CouchSurfing.com has alot of nudist members and several nudist groups.

While it’s great to meet new nudists/naturists online, another great way is to find a local resort and meet folks in-person! Nudist resort events and busy weekends can turn out larger crowds where you’re more likely to find the type of person you’re looking for. As far as nude beaches go, it’s harder, at least for a male, to meet others. People may be more on-guard, due to gawkers and other potential trouble-makers, and there is usually no automatic medium or activity that makes it easy to meet others. 

One last thought – if you’re having trouble finding other nudists in your area, consider meeting non-nudists and introducing them to nudism! If you want to save yourself some time and trouble, this could be your best bet to begin with. 

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Some people do not visit nudist beaches or nudist resorts, but go nude frequently at home. Many of these “home nudists” would reject the label of “nudist” due to the feared stigma of the term. Whatever you call yourself though, nudity at home can make your home life much more comfortable and low-stress. Many young couples, perhaps over half, wander around their home naked, at least sometimes, for reasons other than showering or sex. Couples are less likely to go nude around the house by the time they have children, but some do anyway.

So can you call yourself a “nudist” if you’re only a nudist at home? Certainly! If you get nude outside the usual conformity of acceptable places like the bedroom, shower or doctor’s office, then you are a nudist, though perhaps not full-blown. People have reasons for not visiting nudist resorts or nude beaches. For some, they just don’t have time, money or baby-sitters. For others, they may be chronically afraid of their body being seen by others, out of body-shame, body-image fears, as opposed to modesty/morality concerns. And some do have the modesty/morality concerns as the reason they don’t go to nudist locations. That’s something personal and possibly of deep religious importance to a person, and I wouldn’t want to argue with that. Everyone has their own morality code and social nudity just doesn’t fit into that, depending on one’s belief system.

Home nudity is not without it’s challenges. Depending on the setup of your residence, unexpected visitors could get an “eye full” and get offended, aroused, shocked or embarassed. Just about any long-time home-delivery, UPS, pizza person or utility worker has seen people nude at least a time or two. Take care to not be visible from the front door and keep some clothing handy should visitors could drop by.

There are situations where people are nude even when friends or family are over, whether the friends or family are nudists or not. There have even been some celebrities with this naked-at-home behavior. It happens in some college dorms or off-campus homes at universities around the country. Whether or not it works out depends on how accepting and prepared the visitors are. While some people can “warm up” or get used to nudity they didn’t expect, some just can’t deal with it, so be considerate at at least warn people before inviting them over.

Home nudity need not only be indoors. Some are lucky enough to have a private backyard or even several acres of land, for sunbathing or any number of nude activities. Again, being considerate will allow you to get along best with friends, family and neighbors. Ensure you have tall shrubs, fences or building structures that fully block anyone from accidentally seeing you.

Be sure to stay legal, too. While in the U.S., most states and localities are reasonable, it doesn’t hurt to check local and state laws. Unfortunately, some innocent home nudists have been charged with crimes because someone saw them through their window or saw through their fence in the backyard. Despite these minor challenges though, home nudity can be as fulfilling as resort or beach nudity, and can actually be a positive message to family and friends, so be comfortable, healthy, happy and nude in your home!

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Ever wanted to celebrate the holidays naturally? The opportunities are increasing in number every year. Many resorts offer holiday events, including nudist or clothing-optional New Year’s parties and Christmas parties, which, of course, may actually be held before Christmas, so that you can spend Christmas with non-nudist family.

If you can’t find an event with a group or resort nearby, consider hosting an event at your home, inviting area nudist/naturist friends!

For area holiday nudist/naturist events, check with your local resorts. Here is a good sampling:

Eureka Naturist Club (UK)
Nude Christmas Party at The Terra Cotta Inn (Palm Springs, California, USA)
New Year’s Eve Clothing Optional Party – The Terra Cotta Inn (Palm Springs, California, USA)
Four Season Nudist Resort: Christmas and New Year Events (Toronto, Ontario, Canada)
Mountain Air Resort: New Year’s (Colorado, USA)
Olive Dell Ranch (California, USA)
Lone Star Resort Holiday Party (Texas, USA)
Cypress Cove Christmas and New Year Events(Kissimmee, Florida, USA)
White Thorn Lodge (Darlington, Pennsylvania, USA
Serendipity Park (Geargia, USA)
River Island Nature Retreat (NSW, Australia)

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Is nudism good and healthy for the environment? You bet!

As global warming and other results of human civilization threaten the environment, the nudist lifestyle could have a real effect for the better!

Air conditioning
This is a biggie. Enormous amounts of electricity, and therefore more fossils fuels, are used to run our air conditioners every summer or even all year in warmer climates. If the earth warms further, air conditioners will be used even more. But nudists can tolerate a few more degrees in temperature increase without the use of air conditioning, especially with a little air movement generated by a fan (which uses much less energy than an air conditioner). If more people went nude when it is warm, it could significantly help with energy costs, environmental impact and your own pocketbook! The flip-side is that nudists could use more energy in the winter to stay warm, so nudists might need to clothe when it is cold to save on energy, but at least nudists have the option to remove clothing when it is warm. Nudists, therefore, have more potential for environmental friendliness than a non-nudist overall.

Laundry
The more you go nude, the less laundry to have to do, thereby saving more energy, water and soap (which can take more energy to produce and can pollute the environment).

Nature-Consciousness
Nudism, especially outdoor nudity can give you a more intimate awareness of nature. In fact the term “Naturist” or “Naturism” alludes to the nature-centric principles of naturism and nudism. The lifestyle, thought, natural surroundings, are all more conducive to greater appreciation of the envionment, and nudists less often require the concrete and steel world of textiles. Outdoor-intensive activity such as hiking provides even further awareness of the environment, often leading to greater concerns for it.

Indeed it seems the whole mindset of nudism/naturism goes hand-in-hand with being green, and nudists, as a group, tend to be concerned for the environment, so you have a social network that agrees with you. There are so many things connected to nudism, such as good health, working from home, and living simply, that are also great for the environment. So now you know what to do – save the planet by living nude!

More Links:
How Nudism Can Save You Money

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A nude painting, “Benefits Supervisor Sleeping”, may be the most expensive painting ever sold by a living artist when it goes on sale at a UK auction house in May. The model is also still living, now 51, but the painting was made 20 years ago, when she was in her early 30s.

I love this painting for it’s unapologetic realism and natural beauty. As with a rare few other photographers and artists, we see a real woman in a real setting, very unlike the narrow, unlealistic and strange view Hollywood and the mainstream Western media tries to force upon us.

More on the story here.

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