Scenes from a nudist conference

In this fun video segment, HamptonRoads.tv's Brian J. Clark goes to an American Association for Nude Recreation (AANR) nudist conference. The event talks place at Whitetail Resort in Ivor, Virgina. See what the resort and a nudist conference are like.

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Inside nudist resorts: What really happens?

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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

What do nudists do?

This video provides a brief introduction to nudism and explains what nudists do while at a nudist destination.

The speaker asks questions about the nudist lifestyle to an American Association for Nude Recreation (AANR) representative.



The video mentions AANR's 50,000 members.

50,000 is just the tip of the iceberg. Think of all the people in the US who are not members, either because of lack of awareness or interest in joining an organization.

Looking at the number of people at nudist beaches, there must be a significant number of people who enjoy the clothes-free outdoors regularly.

Words from a naturist

Judy Williams of the Wreck Beach Society, an organization dedicated to keeping Wreck Beach in Vancouver clothing-optional, talks to a reporter about the Bare Buns Run.



More about Wreck Beach here and here.

Nudist Myth Busting: "Crazy things go on during nude cruises"

Nope. True nudist/naturist cruises are not sex-charged places. They are human places. Nudist cruises are about real people on a cruise ship who just happen to be more comfortable without clothes. And with that, they form a common bond.


To get a feeling about what a nude cruise is really like, read the daily trip reports from a nudist aboard a Caribbean nude cruise with 1,200 other nudists.

There is one rule that must be followed for this nudist myth busting experiment to be true. The nudist cruise event must be held in positive regard by members of AANR, the International Naturist Federation, or any of the other wholesome nudism focused organizations, you can be assured the cruise is a good one.

When selecting a destination, reading the genuine nudist forums is a good place to start. A good one with a loyal following of "clothes-free people" is ClothesFree forums.

Nudist Myth Busted. Nude cruises provide a friendly, respectful vacation environment when properly selected.

Complete list of reasons to wear clothes

After hours of research on this April 1st, I am pleased to present the Complete List of Reasons to Wear Clothes:

1. Clothes are good when the weather is too cold to be comfortable.

2. Clothes are good for the safety of construction workers, race car drivers, etc.

3. Clothes are good for sterile environments like hospitals, medical labs, and research centers.

4. Clothes are good for graduation ceremonies (with nothing under the "cap and gown" required).

5. Clothes are good for religious ceremonies for symbolism.

There you have it, the complete list of 5 reasons. This was more difficult than I originally thought.

Competing with the 205 Arguments in Favor of Naturism appearing in The Naturist Society's (TNS) N magazine in 1996 is just not possible. The list of arguments was compiled by K. Bacher from various sources.

Here's a sample of the arguments:

15. Children are not born with any shame about nudity. They learn to be ashamed of their own nudity.

21. Many indigenous tribes go completely naked without shame, even today. It is only through extended contact with the "modern" world that they learn to be "modest."

29. Nudity is not, by itself, erotic, and nudity in mixed groups is not inherently sexual. These are myths propagated by a clothes -obsessed society. Sexuality is a matter of intent rather than state of dress.

33. Studies have demonstrated that countries with fewer hangups about nudity have lower teen pregnancy and abortion rates.

45. Naturism is the antithesis of pornography.

101. Clothing is produced by environmentally irresponsible processes from environmentally irresponsible sources.

205. One of the most important arguments in support of nudism is personal experience.