One of Our Most Commonly Asked Questions
Why Do You Like to Be Nude?
Naturists reject clothes when possible for the same reason most people avoid wearing a three-piece suit to the beach: It's more comfortable to be free of them. Nudists and Naturists are people who believe the human body is inherently dignified and is nothing to be ashamed of.
The idea of body acceptance
is also a large part of the philosophy. The stripping away of clothing removes the materialistic and class status symbols that act to separate individuals from each other, allowing them to experience, at the same time, both the freedom and also the vulnerability of who they really are with others. They believe people should have the right to be nude at appropriate times and places, public and private. Consequently, nudists participate in various social and group activities without clothes whenever the weather or public circumstances allows it.
The benefits naturists claim from clothes-free recreation are as varied as the individuals who participate, but may include relaxation and stress relief; improved body image and self-esteem; the chance to form social relationships based on character rather than appearance; a deeper feeling of connection to the earth and other naked creatures; and the satisfaction of a more natural, rational approach to the body.
Many naturists are convinced that increased exposure to the natural environment, made easier through nudity, can result in numerous health benefits. Sunlight has been shown to be beneficial in some skin conditions, and is required by the body to make vitamin D. With the increased awareness of skin care, wearing of sun block and sun protection lotions is now part of the nudist culture and is one of their frequently discussed topics. Whereas nudist parents don't require their children to put on clothes before going outside at a nudist club or beach, most do require them to put on sunscreen lotion. Overall, naturists often claim that they are more relaxed and in a better state of mind when they shed their clothes. How are naturists different from other people?
In their day to day lives, naturists are not very different at all from the people you know. There are naturists in every profession and socio-economic level. Some are married, some are single, and some are parents with children.
Naturists tend to be well-educated. They are often politically minded and vote across the spectrum. Many are religious; virtually every major denomination is represented.
Chances are, you already are acquainted with some naturists. In fact, you are talking to one now. Some of your friends, neighbors and co-workers probably enjoy skinny-dipping from time to time. Perhaps you yourself have visited a nude beach or resort, either close to home or while traveling in Europe or the Caribbean.
Naturist gatherings bring together people from all walks of life but with a fundamental similarity. Naturists say this diversity of background combined with a shared belief in body acceptance provides an atmosphere of tolerance and openness unmatched by other social groups and settings.
What do naturists like to do while nude? The activities you might enjoy at a clothing-optional beach or resort are the same ones you'd enjoy at any beach or resort: swimming, running, walking, Frisbee, bicycling, picnicking or just reading and relaxing. Many resorts have volleyball, tennis, petanque and other sports facilities, along with swimming pools, hot tubs, saunas and spas.
If you're an outdoors type, you might enjoy back country hiking, camping, sailing, canoeing (sometimes called canuding
), hot springs soaking, or backpacking. If you live in a climate where the weather turns cold, look for a local naturist group to provide pool parties, bowling, roller skating or other indoor nude activities in winter.