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.

German Nudist Attitudes Explored

Author Michele Hartley on About.com provided a nice overview on German nudist attitudes here in the article "Nude in Germany - German Nudists Bare All".

Here's some of the key points relevant to Nudist Beginnings readers:

"Nudism in Germany is not shocking, it is daily life. German nudists are everyday people like you and me. The first documented nudist camp was established just outside of Hamburg in 1904 by Paul Zimmerman,..." (Michele Hartley via About.com)

That's so different from the United States nudist experience where nudism has growing acceptance but is still considered strange by many. Most American nudists keep their nudism private from coworkers and even family.

In Germany, Hartley explains, there are many opportunities for nudism.

"Freikörperkultur (free body culture or FKK for short) has a huge following with campsites and vacations spots for the entire family. Germans don't mind nudity. It is accepted and sometimes expected, as in most saunas, where bathing suits are generally verboten or at least looked upon as an oddity." (Michele Hartley via About.com)

It sure seems that Germany is a different way of life when it comes to body acceptance and freedom. According to Hartley, anyone can be clothesfree and not have to worry about being judged.

"Sunbathing in the nude is commonplace in the major city parks around Germany (including Berlin) and the beaches are very often clothing optional. Whole families (from Grandma down to toddler) frolic on the beaches naked." (Michele Hartley via About.com)

Sure makes me want to consider visiting Germany someday. I'll certainly be looking into it further and reporting more here and on my nudist travel blog.

Nudist Blogs a Good Way to Learn About Nudism

Everyone has a unique perspective on nudism just like everyone has a unique perspective on life. The point is to talk about it. Several nudist use blogs as a way to let others learn about nudism.

It's alright to think nudism is not for you. Everyone has a preference. However, if you are open to the idea of being clothesfree beyond your shower, there are some good nudist blogs out there in the blogosphere that can help you learn more about real nudism.

Here's a few to check out, though there are many others that are just as good:

The Nude Life is a new blog with several articles from an experienced nudist. He was the author of the nudist cruise series on my nudist travel blog earlier this year.

USA Nudist covers USA nudist news topics and AANR happenings.

Nudist Day covers world nudist news and travel and has interviews with nudists and more.

The Nudiarist blog has a lot of posts on a variety of nudist topics. Check out the Burqini - the opposite of being cloths-free.

Of course, there's my other blog to learn about nudist travel and naturist resorts.

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

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.

Nudist Myth Busting: Clothing is Required

Humans need clothing, don't they? Let's dispel the myth of clothing. A brief sampling of works by other authors makes it clear that living nude is more common than you may think.

In the recent and recommended book "The Complete Guide to Nudism and Naturism" by Liz and James Egger, the husband and wife nudist authors of 30 years provide some interesting facts and evidence why clothing is not a physical requirement for survival.

They point out that the natives in Tierra del Fuego in South America's southernmost region have lived nude in a climate with 43F (6C) degree average weather. Charles Darwin is among the people to document this.

The Egger's go on to say "The difference is that [the natives] had never felt the need for clothing, and so their bodies had adapted to the cold."

NUFF, the Naturist UK Fact File, is compiling a list of many existing and extinct nude cultures around the world. The list is surprising. Did you know that the peoples of the indigenous tribes of the Caribbean, the Caribs, were usually nude at the time of discovery by Christopher Colombus?

In a 1927 book entitled "Studies in the Psychology of Sex: Vol. 1" by Havelock Ellis, the author examines many cultures whose people do not normally cover themselves with fabric. The book is dated and relative, but points out many cultures where nudity has been the norm:

"The Mandurucu women of Brazil... are completely naked, but they are careful to avoid any postures which might be considered indecorous..."

"The semi-nude natives of the island of Nias in the Indian Ocean are "modest by nature," paying no attention to their own nudity or that of others,..."

And then there are cultures where clothing is restrictive:

"In [1927] England, the regulations of the Swimming Clubs affiliated to the Amateur Swimming Association, require that the male swimmer's costume shall extend not less than eight inches from the bifurcation downward, and that the female swimmer's costume shall extend to within not more than three inches from the knee."

Living naked is a way of life in many cultures. Myth busted.

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.

What kinds of people are Nudists? Another nudist definition.

According to Liz and James Egger, authors of the "Complete Guide to Nudism and Naturism" (2006), nudists are "normal, morally responsible respectable citizens - singles, couples and families - who just happen to share a passion for wholesome social nudity."

The book is a great introductory resource to the modern situation of nudism. I'm sure I'll refer to the book again.

The authors also provide a concise definition of naturism/nudism:

"Naturism is the enjoyment of getting as naked as possible, wherever appropriate, alone or with others, just for its own sake"

It's a nice definition. Clear and to the point.

The book is available here.

What is "naturism"?

"Naturism" is considered to be the same as "nudism" by most people in the US and Canada. Some regions and countries tend to use "naturism" more than the word "nudism". The nature part of the word reflects the "harmony with nature" aspect of being nude.

The MSN Encarta definition of naturism is this:

wearing no clothes as custom: the practice of going without clothes, usually in a communal setting or in designated areas, in the belief that nudity is a healthy natural state

The Encarta definition mentions the social setting aspects of naturism. However, solitary nudist hiking qualifies as naturism just as much as riding a bike in the nude with nudists for a cause.

Nudism not so strange after all

According to a 2006 study by the Naturist Education Foundation/Roper Poll, 54% of Americans support having public land set aside for nude sunbathing. (View nudist research here)

The American Association for Nude Recreation (AANR) has over 50,000 members.

The AANR has 270 affiliated clubs and resorts where you can take your clothes off.

As I wrote in Nudist Travel Guide Blog, there are a lot of good fun activities at these types of clubs and resorts including:

1. Lounging on the beach or by a pool

2. Swimming / skinny-dipping

3. Picnics at nudist campgrounds and dining at resort restaurants

4. Hiking naked

5. Camping au naturel

6. Nude petanque

7. Nude volleyball

8. Nude ping-pong

9. Nude tennis

10. Dancing at dance night at a nudist campground

Welcome to Nudist Beginnings

Nudist Beginnings is a blog full of resources for people considering nudism.

This blog will help you understand what being a nudist is all about. A good first step is the definition currently on Wikipedia:

The meanings of naturism and nudism are very similar, and refer to a cultural and political movement practicing, advocating and defending social nudity in private and public spaces. Several other terms ("social nudity", and recently: "clothes-free") have been proposed as a replacement of these terms, but none has yet found the same wide-spread acceptance as the older terms naturism and nudism.