Get outside and get naked

It is not that difficult, really.

Why?

There are legal places to do so and these places are safe environments with like-minded people.

Personally, I recommend "nudist resorts" such as the ones found on the International Naturist Federation's directory or on the US/Canada nudist club directory on the AANR website.

Offended by Nude People?

If you are learning about nude recreation, you may have heard about how nudists come in all shapes, size, colors and ages.   Yes, tou will fit in no matter what you look like.  Yet, some of you may be worried about being offended by what you'll see - by what other people look like.  I can assure you, what other people look like is a non-issue.

Some reasonable questions by someone new to nude recreation:

• Will I see someone much older or younger than I am?
• Will I see someone much larger or smaller than I am?
• Will I be offended by seeing different kinds of people, people different from me, nude?

Yes, you will see people different from you.  The amazing part is that you are unlikely to be offended.  Contrary to everything you imagined you knew about the human body in all its shapes and forms, real life is much different.

Like a doctor, I've now seen most every body type, shape, size and age in natural, nude states.  Like a doctor, I am neither shocked nor offended.  Looking at a body is like looking at a face.  A face "just is".  A face is human.  Except, I'm not a doctor.  I've been a nudist for a handful of years.

The "context" of the environment changes how you see people.  Being younger than 80 or 90% of the people at nudist resorts and beaches, I have been surprised at how normal, natural and un-shocking it is to see someone, say an 80 year old woman, nude in her natural state.  It goes against everything I thought I knew prior to trying nude recreation.

Why is this so?

My guess is that it is human instinct.   I "feel" no different seeing this women nude than I would if I just saw her face while she was clothed.  Strange, isn't it?  

Imagine going to the zoo and seeing all of the different animals naked.  There are zebras and gorillas and tigers and giraffes.  The animals are natural.  Seeing humans in their natural state "feels the same".  Does that make sense?

Take a look at this small picture of a nudist couple's backsides (butts!).  It's a picture on the American Association for Nude Recreation's website.  The couple are no supermodels by any means.  They are real people.  Middle-aged, imperfect, natural.

I have a feeling that if you try nude recreation, you'll have this same experience within minutes after being nude around a lot of other people.

Besides the freedom and comfort of being without clothes in a natural state, the experience of being nude around other people in a safe, non-gawking environment creates a new appreciation of human-ness.  An un-learning happens.

The truth is that how people look is irrelevant.  We all age.  We all have different shapes and sizes and imperfections.  Hiding these imperfections behind cloth seems to be more restrictive than liberating.

Nude recreation frees your body from clothing and at the same time, frees your mind.

Inside nudist resorts: What really happens?

Check it out.

Terra Cotta Inn Clothing Optional Resort and Spa in Palm Springs, CA put out an article about the Top 7 myths about nudist resorts that people new to nudism may have. This is perfect for Nudist Beginnings readers so I though I'd pass it along:

The Top 7 Myths About Vacationing at Nudist Resorts

Vacationing at nudist resorts is the fastest growing segment of the travel industry. It is a booming niche market with over $400 million in annual revenues. A recent Roper poll showed 25% of American adults have gone skinny dipping. Maybe it is time you should too. Make your next vacation a fun one, go as bare as you dare.


Palm Springs, CA, June 13, 2007 --(PR.com)-- Those high walls and locked gates seem just so imposing. Everyone knows there are nudist colonies in America. Yet, everyone also wants to know, "what really happens inside the walls of a modern nudist resort?"

Tom and Mary Clare Mulhall, the owners of The Terra Cotta Inn Clothing Optional Resort and Spa located in sunny Palm Springs, California share some of the secrets and myths about nude resorts.

Just this March, their beautiful boutique hotel was reported by AOL.com to be one of the top 10 "world's best clothing optional resorts."

More importantly, The Terra Cotta Inn is considered the most mainstream nudist resort in America and perfect for couples trying nude sunbathing for the first time.

Once you learn about the top 7 myths about vacationing at nudist resorts, you will want to pack the sunscreen, some good books or magazines, your iPod, sunglasses, and if you have kids at home, pack them off with the grandparents. Because it will be time to experience your most fun, romantic, relaxing vacation ever.

Myth #1 All nudist resorts are the same

As experienced naturists know, all clothing optional resorts are unique and different. They have their own personality and character. Most cater to families and their kids. Many are charmingly rustic campgrounds and parks. Nicer ones that appeal to first timers like Terra Cotta are not for kids. That way you can have a nice relaxing, pampering, romantic vacation. It is very important for your first nude sunbathing experience to find the nudist resort that is right for you. If you go to the wrong place, you will probably never try nude recreation again.

Myth #2 You will have to play volleyball all day long

Yes, volleyball is the national pastime of many nudist clubs, parks, beaches and campgrounds. However, most of the more modern nudist resorts don't even own a volleyball net. And if you go to a nudist campground or beach for your first experience, don't worry, no one will force you to play.

Myth #3 You have to be a "card carrying" nudist to visit a clothing optional resort

Yes, it is true that many of the older nudist parks and clubs in America still want their customers to buy an annual membership just like you buy an annual gym membership. But, many parks allow you to visit before joining. And nudist resorts like The Terra Cotta Inn in Palm Springs have never required any of their guests to buy membership.

Myth #4 Everyone laughs at you if you have tan lines

This couldn't be further from the truth. You will see many experienced nudists have tan lines because many times they take a 1 week vacation with their kids and swimsuits and then go to a nice nudist resort for their 1 week relaxing vacation without the kids and swimsuits. Also some first timers like to try European sunbathing (also called topless sunbathing) first. That is ok at some of the nicer hotels like The Terra Cotta Inn. You must enquire first before booking your vacation. Finally, you find not all nudists like laying in the sun all day long. So there is normally lots of shade at the nicer places.

Myth #5 All nudists are aging hippies

While some nudist parks are having a hard time convincing younger couples to buy annual memberships, that is not true of all nudist venues. For instance, a recent survey published in the 2007 National Leisure Travel Monitor showed 16% of adults born in 1979 or later consider vacationing where there is access to nude or topless sunbathing desirable or very desirable.

Myth #6 Nudists have orgies

Not true. Most guests at nudist resorts are married or in long term committed relationships. There is much less sexual tension at a clothing optional resort, than there is at a regular hotel where everyone is wearing a bathing suit. Nudist resorts make you feel comfortable with your naked body and build self esteem.

Myth #7 You need to lose weight before vacationing at a nudist resort

This is the biggest myth of all. Many people think nudists are all models and body builders. Where in reality, they are regular normal people. They are tall and short. They are thin and not thin. They are all ages from 20's to 70's. They are all professions. And they are democrats, republicans, and nonvoters. Everyone vacations at nudist resorts, and so should you.

So make this the year for you to have a great vacation. Find out for yourselves all the fun that goes on behind those mysterious, high walls.

If you want to say goodbye to your tanlines forever, give the Terra Cotta Inn in Palm Springs, California a call at 1-800-786-6938.
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So that's what Terra Cotta Inn has to say. Yes, there's some salesmanship in the article, but to be honest, Terra Cotta is worthy of consideration for first-timers and even experienced nudists who want to try something different. Read this Terra Cotta Inn review to learn more.

Speaking of nudist myths, several nudist myths have been discussed here on Nudist Beginnings. Here's 3 more nudist myths that may be interesting:

1. Nudist Myth Busting: "Crazy things go on during nude cruises"
2. Nudist Myth Busting: Clothing is Required
3. Nudist Myth Busting: Nudist beaches are full of naked people with perfect bodies

Get Outside and Get Naked!

If you need a reason to try nude recreation, look no further.

The American Association for Nude Recreation (AANR) and The Naturist Society (TNS) are teaming up this summer to encourage Americans to take off their clothes during the annual Nude Recreation Week celebration, held July 9-15, 2007. Nude Recreation Week gives first-timers the chance to give clothes-free recreation a try at home or at one of the many AANR-affiliated clubs that open their doors to the public during this week.

• Nudist Beginnings Tip: I highly recommend trying it at home first. If you are a couple, make a date out of it and do a nude dinner at home. Strange at first, you will both be surprised how natural being naked feels. The awkwardness goes away eventually. It took my wife and I a while to get up the nerve to try nude dining at a nudist resort. Now, we won't pass up the opportunity.

“A national study* found that 15 percent of Americans are looking for a nude recreation experience; however, sometimes taking the initial 'plunge' can be difficult for newcomers,” John Kinman, President of AANR explained. “Nude Recreation Week gives the public an opportunity to try something new while at the same time allowing nudists across the country to celebrate the freedom of clothes free travel and recreation, in appropriate settings.”

This annual celebration is open for individuals - and families - to visit one of the hundreds of clothing-optional clubs affiliated with AANR or TNS, and experience firsthand one of the fastest growing trends in both travel and recreation. Many of the 267 AANR-affiliated clubs have activities and events planned throughout the week – such as open houses, “canude” nude canoing trips, sports and poker tournaments, “bare buns fun run,” health screenings, fine arts shows and more.

Or, for those looking to try something new in the comfort of their own home, AANR and TNS recommends these “fab five” activities:

1. Cool off: skinny dip in your backyard pool
2. Make housekeeping fun: shed those clothes, turn on some music and get out the mop
3. Get in touch with nature: garden nude
4. Exercise in the buff: hit the treadmill or dust off one of those workout videos
5. Telecommuting in the nude: working from home-- in the nude--is actually increasing in popularity!

• Nudist Beginnings Tip: Don't forget the beaches! There are some very nice beaches to visit. However, beaches are not as regulated (not gated) as a nudist organization affiliated resort.
  

“We would like to spend this National Nude Recreation Week celebrating the nude human form as inherently wholesome and natural,” explained Nicky Hoffman, President of TNS. “We realize that nude recreation may not be for everyone, but we urge you to give it a try. You just might like it!”

First-timers are invited to don their birthday suits at home or at a nudist resort and experience the personal liberation, stress-relief, and simple comfort of nudism.

AANR’s mission is to advocate for nudity in appropriate settings as well as educate, and inform the public about its value through ongoing membership growth. It is the oldest and largest organization of its kind, representing nearly 50,000 members and their families, who enjoy clothes-free recreation throughout North America. Nude recreation has experienced tremendous growth and popularity over the last several years and has become a $400 million niche segment within the travel industry.

For the club nearest you, and to find out more about its Nude Recreation Week schedule of events, log onto the association’s Web site at www.aanr.com, or call 1-800-TRY-NUDE.

Parties interested in visiting one of AANR’s clubs during Nude Recreation Week should call the resort in advance to make a reservation and find out the rules of the resort.

Related Links:
- American Association for Nude Recreation
- The Naturist Society:

*Yesawich, Pepperdine, Brown & Russell/Yankelovich Partners 2006 National Leisure Travel Monitor

Trying nudism before you die

43things.com is a cool website with a "1,000 things to do before you die" theme. People contribute what they want to do, what they have done, get ideas from other people and share experiences.

Some people want to try nudism and others have already. I'm just browsing through the 43things website and so far it is fun.

I tried to contribute to one person's Thing: "my strange desire to visit a nudist colony"

Other people want to get nude on a nude beach, visit a nudist colony (nudist resort/campground) and others talk about positive experiences. Yet others want to go nude more, having tried it a liked it, and another has lived in a nudist resort.

14 pages of first-time experiences with nudism

Of course "first-time" is a misnomer. If you can read this, you were probably born nude.

Hearing real stories about first-time experiences with nudism is both entertaining and a great first step for those interested in trying nudism.

Though second nature in many European countries and other parts of the world, trying nudism takes a lot of courage given the historical misperceptions in American culture. Reading real stories exposes the truth about the freedom of being naked outdoors.

This 14-page forum thread provides many insights into first-time nudist experiences, from experiences at resorts and beaches to how significant others react to their first-time.

View the post.