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Nudity Is Lekker For Locals

Cape Town – South Africans seem to have no problem taking their clothes off, says a British couple who celebrated the opening a new nudist resort in Somerset West last week.

At the opening of the Vasnat naturist resort last weekend about 60 people came to scope out the premises and had no problems shedding their clothes once the dignitaries had left.

And 95% of them were local Afrikaners, said Mark Taylor, who runs the resort with his wife Samantha.

The naturist couple are not new to the nudist resort business, having established the Vassalike Naturis Club on the Greek island of Kefalonia in 2007.

Since then – and despite the global economic downturn – their naked ambition has seen their unusual business flourish, and now expand to South Africa.

“People thought we were totally crazy when we left our jobs to start a hotel for naturists,” said Samantha, 32, who walked out on a lucrative management role at City firm JP Morgan. Mark, 39, worked as a chef.

The new resort, on an extensive property backing onto the Helderberg Mountains, boasts an outdoor swimming pool, luscious gardens, easy access to the beach and a spa.

Mark said they run a respectable operation.

“There are no sexual connotations at all,” said Mark.

“If anyone has any wrong ideas they’ll be out so fast they won’t believe it.”

The point of naturism was to enjoy nature without having to wear a “soggy bathing costume”.

Clients were professionals of all ages who wanted to enjoy nature and socialise without the burden of clothing.

“When people undress they become so much more sociable as all symbols of status were stripped,” said Mark.
2011.12.23 / no responses / Category: Nudist News
Outside Edge: Nudists Take a Hike

A chill ran through the drafty corridors and back passages of nudism last week when the highest court in Switzerland ruled that you can be fined for hiking naked in the Alps.

The federal court in Lausanne rejected an appeal by a hiker who was fined after he paraded past a family picnic area in the eastern canton of Appenzell, and a Christian rehabilitation centre for drug users – no doubt putting them right off their smack. The beaks said that upholding his 100 Swiss franc (£69) fine was only a marginal infringement of his personal freedom, although even that could be quite painful in freezing conditions.

Appenzell is not the most forward-thinking place in Europe – they only gave women the vote in 1990 – but even they have moved on from those old Garden of Eden values.

Rocky Horror Klitschko Show

The Klitschko brothers have joined forces with Sylvester Stallone to put on a musical of Rocky. The Ukrainian heavyweight champions will produce the show and help choose the leading man. They have to find someone who can really hit the high notes.

It never rains but it pours

A match between Granada and Real Mallorca had to be abandoned after a linesman was struck by a fan’s umbrella. A 15-year-old boy from a local homeless shelter who had been invited by the club was fined €5,000 (£4,300), even though it was ruled an accident. Poor lad, no roof over his head, and now no brolly either.
2011.12.03 / no responses / Category: Nudist News
15 Greatest Places to Skinny Dip

Bathing naked isn’t just for babies.

While the brave might whip off their underwear for an impromptu dip whenever the chance arises, some of us need more reassurance.

1. Jerolim beach, Croatia

Croatia is famed for its FKK (free body culture or “freikörperkultur”) beaches and Jerolim island, the closest of the Pakleni islands to the town of Hvar, is renowned for its unspoilt, rocky shoreline and crystal waters.

It’s popular with naturists (as well as non-naturists), who can be found sunning themselves on the white rocky outcrops.

For more privacy, get away from the main tourist area, hike through the forest and find a secluded cove. You can also explore the island’s coast by boat.

2. Praia de Galheta, Santa Caterina, Brazil

Praia de Galheta, Santa Caterina, This nature reserve has no restaurants or bars, so pack a lunch.

About 20 kilometers south of Florianopolis in the Brazilian state of Santa Caterina, this white sand beach attracts die-hard naturists and the nude-curious alike.

It’s fine to turn up for a skinny-dip even if you don’t want to then spend all day getting your white bits burnt. Praia de Galheta is a naturally preserved area, with no restaurants or other buildings nearby — so take a packed lunch.

There is also an archaeological site and the surf is good. The Association of the Friends of Galheta lobbies and looks out for the interests of nature and naturism on the beach.

20 kilometers south of Florianopolis, north of Praia Mole.

3. The New Naturist Beach at Marinadi Camerota, Campania, Italy

Despite Italy’s showgirl culture, when it comes to nudity the Italians are not quite as free as their French neighbors. Naturist beaches are thin on the ground compared to the Côte d’Azur, but that’s not to say there isn’t a thriving naturist culture.

While Rome’s Capocotta (just south of Ostia) has been a haven for naked bathers (and posers) for several decades, a 300-meter strip (excuse the pun) of shingle beach near Marina di Camerota, in the Campania region, has recently been designated naturist-friendly.

On the southern side of the Cilento national park, the clear waters of this quiet coast will feel like a breath of fresh air, just where it’s needed.

Marina di Camerota is 90 kilometers south of Salerno and the naturist-designated beach (known as ‘del Troncone’) is south of Cala Finocchiaro.

4. Anantara Phuket Villas, Thailand

These luxurious villas — 83 of them in total — all come equipped with a private courtyard featuring a sunken pool and complete seclusion, which means you can take a naked dip to your heart’s content without fear of offending other guests or staff.

While this kind of skinny dipping lacks the excitement and back-to-nature feel of taking a dip in the wild, there are benefits — including a hot tub for two, an outdoor shower and a fully-stocked mini-bar within arm’s reach.

A pool villa starts from 13,500 baht (US$429) per night but check their website for discounts and deals.

Anantara Phuket Villas, 888 Moo 3 ,Tumbon Mai Khao, Amphur Thalang, Phuket 83110, Thailand; +66 (0) 7633 6100.

5. Naked cruising, Côte d’Azur

For something completely different, take a naked swim in the Mediterranean at any time of the day or night on a naturist cruise along the Côte d’Azur.

Cruises set off from Marseille and can be planned to suit your interests — if you’ve always wanted to sail around the Calanques au naturel, this is the holiday for you. All you need to do is persuade a group of family or friends to share the experience.

6. Black’s Beach, La Jolla, California, United States

Black’s Beach is reckoned to be the best by the American Association for Nude Recreation (AANR). It’s a spectacular location below Torrey Pines golf course where a long stretch of sand is protected by steep cliffs.

The beach attracts naturists and surfers and is a well-established haven where San Diego’s anti-nudity law is not enforced. The beach has a regular group of fans, known as Black’s Beach Bares — check their website for useful tips on how to enjoy your day on the beach.

Park for free at the glider port on Torrey Pines Scenic Drive, then walk down the steep trail to the beach.

7. Racquet and Tennis Club, New York, United States

This private members club in the heart of New York City is a strange mixture combining the epitome of pro-establishment-conservatism with near-Nordic enlightenment.

While its members (it’s men-only, women are allowed entry for special events if accompanied by a male member) include the city’s great and ambitious (think bankers, lawyers and senior execs), its after-work men-only naked swimming sessions have become legendary.

Much has been conjectured over what really happens during the bare swims. They certainly provide New York’s businessmen with an opportunity to think outside the box.

370 Park Avenue, between East 52nd and 53rd Streets, New York

8. Lady Falls, Brecon Beacons, Powys, Wales

You have to be brave to go skinny-dipping in Wales, no matter what time of year it is. Nonetheless, author of “Wild Swim” and skinny-dipping connoisseur Kate Rew recommends a remote waterfall in the Brecon Beacons as one of the must-dip places in all of Britain.

Lady Falls, known locally as Sgwd Gwladys, has a slightly mystical feel and is a popular walk for hikers — which means that if you want to feel that cool mountain water on your bare backside, you’d better be quick and circumspect about it.

Set off from the Angel Pub in Pontneddfechan, on the road between Neath and Merthyr Tydfil. It’s a 6.4-kilometer round-walk from the pub to the waterfalls.

9. Capella Pedregal, Cabo San Lucas, Mexico

Skinny-dipping in nature can be laden with unexpected mishaps: someone could steal your clothes or you could get leaves — or even leeches — stuck in untoward places.

Worse still, your friends might photograph your ass and put it on Facebook. Most of these problems can be avoided by hiring your own private plunge pool. The Capella Pedregal in Cabo San Lucas, on the tip of the Baja California peninsular, has 66 rooms with an ocean view and a pool just for you.

The luxury factor is incredible, so you’ll need to shower in the cold water rainforest shower to remind yourself it’s real.

An ocean-view room starts from US$375.

Capella, Camino Del Mar 1, Cabo San Lucas BCS, C.P. 23455 Mexico.

10. Maslin Beach, Adelaide, South Australia

Maslin Beach, south of Adelaide, was declared Australia’s first legal nudist beach in February 1975. But that’s not its only claim to fame.

The beach was also the subject and location of an eponymous film in 1997, telling the story of a group of friends on the beach. In common with other nudist beaches in Australia, Maslin Beach also holds its annual Nude Olympics — events include “best bum” and a three-legged race. Let’s hope there’s no pole vaulting.

The beach also attracts visitors for its surf and sunsets.

Maslin Beach is 35 kilometers south-west of Adelaide.

11. Golden Beach, Northern Cyprus

If you want to feel the sand between your toes and the clear-blue salty Med lapping around your cheeks, then Golden Beach on the north-easterly peninsular of Cyprus could be some of the best skinny dipping you’re likely to encounter.

Clothed beach-goers gravitate to the area around the beach café, leaving a good stretch of sand free for anyone who wants to strip off and soak up the sunshine (it’s not an official nudist beach, so best to check who’s around first).

Loggerhead turtles are said to lay their eggs here in the Karpass National Park.

Take the Karpaz-Anayolu road going north-east to the tip of the peninsular.

12. Little Beach, Maui, Hawaii, United States

While nude sunbathing is not permitted in Hawaii, there are some clothing-optional, nude and topless beaches where it’s accepted and tolerated — if not officially.

Maui has more scope for quiet, secluded bays than Oahu, and Little Beach on Maui is a popular out-of-the-way cove in Makena State Park where you can swim, snorkel and lounge like a lizard in nothing but your sun-protection cream.

It’s recommended by the American Association for Nude Recreation (AANR) and there is a music and fire-dancing festival on Sundays.

Little Beach is west of Makena point in Makena State Park. Travel on the Makena Alanui road, then park inside the State Park and walk to Little Beach.

13. Orient Bay, St. Martin, Caribbean

On the east coast of the island on the French side, a broad sweep of yellow sand attracts a variety of visitors. If you walk along the beach from north to southeast, you’ll gradually notice people wearing fewer and fewer clothes.

By the time you arrive at the Club Orient resort, even the Speedos and thongs will have disappeared. A naked swim in the Atlantic Ocean will be the best cure for anyone feeling awkward at disrobing.

Orient Bay is about six kilometers directly east of Marigot.

14. Carpe Diem, Santorini, Greece

This exclusive boutique hotel, perched on the slopes of Pyrgos village overlooking Thira, the capital of Santorini, prides itself on the privacy of its 10 suites.

With a private terrace and pool in each apartment, guests can feel free to let their hair down and abandon their bathers for an uninhibited swim in the solitude of their own pool. Ideal for honeymooners, the hotel also boasts a Turkish bath, which can be booked for private use.

A junior suite with private pool costs from €240 (US$333) per night.
Carpe Diem, Pyrgos 84701 Santorini, Greece; +30 22860 34090.

15. Traditional onsen, Japan

Tokyo, despite being a massive city, has plenty of natural thermal springs. Try the Toshimaen Garden Spa, with its tranquil setting inside a garden designed by Kenzo Kosugi.

If you want to get even more back to nature try the Seta Onsen Sanga-no-Yu, where you can contemplate views of Mount Fuji while soaking yours aches away.

Toshimaen Garden Spa, 3-25-1 Koyama, Nerima,Tokyo; +81 03 3990 4126; tokyo-tokyo.com/Toshimaen.htm

Seta Onsen Sanga-no-Yu, 4-15-30 Seta, Setagaya,Tokyo; +81 03 3707 8228.
2011.11.26 / no responses / Category: Nudist Information
Nudism in Virginia

When it comes to nudism in Virginia, there is one resort that instantly comes to mind. White Tail Resort is a year round nudist resort in Southampton County that has been in existence since 1984. This family nudist community provides a relaxing and private environment where members and visitors can feel comfortable while being nude.

A broad spectrum of activities are offered at White Tail Resort. These include paddle tennis, shuffleboard, petanque, ping pong, outdoor chess, horseshoes, air hockey, basketball, billiards and volleyball. Free wireless Internet service is also offered.

Indoor and outdoor swimming pools are provided at White Tail Resort, as are a hot tub and sauna. A well equipped fitness room, indoor recreation center, picnic pavilion, snack bar and playground are also provided.

The pavilion area at this facility is clothing optional, but the pool, hot tub and sauna areas are nude-only. Many members of this nudist resort pursue a wide range of activities while naked, including dining.

Daily rates are available at this Virginia nudist resort, with special rates provided for active duty military, young adults, students and AANR-TNS-INF members. Evening visit rates are also available.

Many types of events are held at this clean and well maintained nudist resort. On weekends, events such as darts and billiards tournaments, cook-offs, movies, karaoke, dances and family activities are regularly held.

Room and cabin lodging and Tent and RV camping are provided at White Tail Resort, with reasonable rates offered. Camping rates include daily membership fee and a two night minimum stay is required from May 1 through mid-September. Pets are allowed with campers, but day visitors may not bring pets.

Tent camping sites at White Tail Resort are not provided with hook-ups, but RV sites feature metered electrical power, water in season and free cable television. Weekend, monthly and residency plan RV lot rates are offered here. The discount rates that apply toward daily membership also apply with camping rates.

The clean and comfortable lodging rooms at this Virginia nudist resort feature private baths, while cabins do not include private baths. Rooms are equipped with a refrigerator, microwave oven, coffee maker with free coffee, full bath, linen and cable TV.

Although the cabins at White Tail Resort are not equipped with private baths, they do feature a microwave oven, refrigerator, linen and cable TV.

An excellent on-premises restaurant is situated at this nudist resort. The Trade Winds Restaurant serves breakfast and dinner, with delicious food and reasonable prices consistently offered.

Breakfast items served at the Trade Winds include egg dishes, pancakes, French toast, biscuits and gravy, omelettes, breakfast sandwiches, grits and more.

The dinner menu here features appetizers, soups, salads, seafood dishes, steaks, burgers, chicken, pork and vegetable dishes. Among the dishes that are served are rib eye steak, grilled chicken breast, tuna steak, flounder, grilled chicken salad, pork chop and fried sweet corn bites.

This Virginia nudist resort maintains certain standards of behavior, which members and guests are expected to adhere to. A nice and friendly, family atmosphere is present at White Tail Resort and it’s a great place for first time and veteran nudists to visit at any time of the year.
White Tail Resort is located at 39033 White Tail Drive in Ivor, VA 23866.
Their main telephone number is (757) 859-6123 and their toll free number is (800) 987-6833.
2011.11.19 / no responses / Category: Nudist Information
Marine Corps Beach at Center of Fight over Nudism

The Marines say the beach at Camp Pendleton in San Diego is off limits to civilians whether they are wearing clothes or not.

The Los Angeles Times said the Corps has found itself in the middle of a beef between civilian nude sunbathers who say California state park rangers have crossed on to federal land to order them to cover up.

Gold Beach at the San Diego-area base is used for amphibious training purposes, but it has become a haven for nudists who use the unpopulated stretch of sand to soak up rays au naturel. But sunbathers say rangers from neighboring San Onofre State Beach have intruded on Gold Beach to write tickets.

Base officials have posted a sign telling civilians to keep out. A spokesman told the Times non-Marines aren’t allowed on their side of the beach “regardless of their beach use intentions.”

The Times noted the sunbathers plan to fight their citations in court.
2011.08.06 / no responses / Category: Nudist Beaches
Nudism Helped Me To Love My Body At Last

When friends told me about Britain’s first naturist spa hotel in Birmingham — Clover Spa, which opened in March — I couldn’t help but giggle as they expressed their horror at the very idea of holidaying naked.

They pondered the discomfort of sunburned bits and shuddered at the thought of baring all for the world to see. Little did they know that I’d already been to a naturist spa, and loved it.

I have always been insecure about my body. In fact, for the first year of our relationship, my husband never saw me naked in daylight.
Secret nudist: Kerry’s confidence soared after a visit to a ‘clothing optional’ hotel

In the morning, when I was having a shower, I would pull the blinds in the bathroom to keep it in semi- darkness. In the bedroom, I favoured candlelight.

Though it may sound silly to some, back then, my body felt like the stuff of nightmares — I have stretch marks, dimples and lots of flabby bits.

On a good day, seeing myself naked would prompt me to go to the gym on my way to work. On a bad day, it would cause me to spiral into depression.

A year into our relationship, Joe and I got married at his father’s home in Florida. Surely, now that we were wed, I’d feel more at ease?

I wasn’t. In fact, being in Florida made the situation worse.

While the family frolicked on the beach in tiny bikinis and swimming trunks, I watched from a sun lounger, sweating under a long black skirt and T-shirt.

Joe was concerned by my insecurities, but was nevertheless full of compliments — even when I felt I was at my worst — and told me how beautiful he found me. I believed him, yet I couldn’t quite overcome my phobia. Until I tried nudism.

Seven months later, we were back in Florida and drove past a ‘clothing optional’ hotel. I couldn’t help but wonder what went on inside.

‘I saw stretch marks and flabby bits, just like mine. The difference was that these people didn’t care’

‘Have you ever been in there?’ I asked Joe. ‘No,’ he grinned. ‘Do you want to have a look?’

Of course, he expected me to dismiss his suggestion. Yet my interest was piqued. Perhaps it would help me to see other people at ease with their bodies.

I wouldn’t have to strip completely, I decided before making a decision. ‘Let’s do it,’ I agreed.

As we pulled up and I opened the car door, I saw three older gentlemen walking towards me swinging tennis rackets, clad only in sparkly, white gym shoes.

They looked as though they hadn’t a care in the world. Then, two ladies in their 30s whizzed by on a golf cart in nothing but their sunhats.

The reception area looked like that of any other well-appointed hotel and the staff were friendly. I explained I was interested in visiting, but was fearful of the concept.
Sense of freedom: Kerry found being naked in public exhilarating (posed by model)

The receptionist smiled and told me that people could be as clothed, or as naked, as they wished. Pushing two free day passes towards us, she asked us to try it out for ourselves and explained a few house rules.

No sexual conduct was tolerated and towels had to be placed beneath you while sitting.

Before I knew it, we were buying two towels and heading out into the main resort area.

Men and women of all shapes and sizes lounged by the pool sipping cocktails, while others played team sports or chatted. I saw stretch marks, dimples, tan lines and lots of flabby bits, just like mine. The difference was that these people didn’t care.

As the sun beat down on us — me dressed head-to-toe in black — Joe eyed me. ‘What do you think?’ he asked.

I pondered for a moment before heading towards two sun loungers by the pool, then said: ‘I think we should take our clothes off.’

Though nervous, I didn’t feel uncomfortable. Slowly, I slipped out of my clothes, and for one nerve-racking minute while I stood nude, I looked at others’ faces to see if they were laughing at my wobbly bits.

To my surprise, not a soul even so much as glanced my way.

‘Your turn,’ I said to Joe. His eyebrows raised, a grin crossed his face as he stripped off, too.

We arranged our towels before laying down and enjoying the sun. I felt an intoxicating rush of freedom. The sunshine on my bare skin was too delicious for words.

For so many years, I’d worried about what others thought of me. I suddenly realised what a huge waste of time that had been.

As the day grew hotter, Joe and I ventured into the bar to order some drinks and food.

Though it felt strange to be unclothed in such a formal setting, it was also exhilarating.

After lunch we were asked to join in with a game of volleyball in the pool. As we slipped into the water, I couldn’t help smiling at finding myself living out the true nudist cliche. Volleyball? Naked?

Rather than being nervous, I found the situation impossibly funny. It took a while to get into the game — jumping to hit the ball without a bra was pretty uncomfortable — but the camaraderie made me feel instantly welcome. And when the time came to leave, I was dismayed at the prospect of having to put my clothes back on. They felt uncomfortable and hot.

‘Do you love me less now that you’ve seen me naked in daylight?’ I asked Joe as we were driving away. ‘I love you more,’ was his response.

I’ve since become addicted to the lifestyle. When we left Britain in favour of a Spanish cottage on a remote mountain, I rarely wore clothes during our six-month stay, relishing the sun on my exposed skin.

And now we’re back in Greenwich, I intend to visit as many naturist places as possible.

I would never have believed a single visit to a nudist resort could cure my insecurities about my body, but it did.

Even better, it has transformed me into a more confident person, which Joe loves. And it has helped to strengthen our bond.

So, listening to my friends’ horror at the very idea of trying nudism, I decided it was time to tell them about my various naked adventures.

I was met with a resounding silence before I was bombarded with a flurry of questions.

Did anyone try to pick you up? Did the men become aroused? What about sunburn? Would you go again?

‘Girls,’ I said. ‘I’ve been looking at the Clover Spa website. Who’s in favour of a weekend away? You never know, you might just find you’re a secret nudist, too.’
2011.07.15 / no responses / Category: Nudist Information
Nudism in West Virginia

Located in the scenic town of Paw Paw, West Virginia, is Avalon Resort. Widely regarded as the preeminent clothing optional, or nudist resort in West Virginia, Avalon Resort offers a family oriented atmosphere in a peaceful, secluded setting. This wonderful nudist resort is open year – round and offers a range of nude activities and events, even during the winter.

First time visitors to this West Virginia nudist resort are encouraged to embrace nudism at their own pace. There is no pressure to disrobe immediately, although nudity is required when using the sauna, hot tubs and pools. At the various social functions held here, such as dances and parties, attendees may wear clothing or attend nude.

A family friendly, nondiscriminatory atmosphere is offered at Avalon Resort and children are welcome to attend with their parents. Decent and appropriate behavior is expected at all times and inappropriate behavior will not be tolerated.

Among the amenities and activities that are offered at this nudist resort in West Virginia are hiking trails, petanque, volleyball and two tennis courts. There are many expanses of peaceful land where sunning and a multitude of other activities are regularly practiced.

Several forms of overnight accommodations are available at Avalon Resort. These include renting rooms in the resort lodge, tent camping at their campground, RV camping and the rental of onsite condos. The heated and air conditioned lodge rooms here are well -furnished and feature private baths.

Campsites are available for short term, weekend rentals and / or full season camping. The wooded camping area also features two bathhouses with indoor showers, an outdoor shower and laundry facilities.

Some of the campsites here offer full hookups, while others are more basic, without many amenities. A range of RV campsites are available at Avalon Resort and an RV dumping station is featured.

The full – service restaurant at this West Virginia nudist resort regularly serves breakfast, lunch and dinner. During the summer months, lunch is served at the resort’s poolside
snack bar. A breakfast buffet is normally served here and buffet – style and family – style dinners are held weekly.

Water recreation is an important part of this nudism experience at Avalon Resort. An indoor swimming pool and an outdoor swimming pool are situated on the grounds of this West Virginia nudist facility, as are hot tubs and a sauna.

Located in a solar building, the large indoor swimming pool here is used year – round. A deck and exercise room are also nearby. For those who enjoy fishing, the large, tranquil lake at this West Virginia nudist resort is stocked with several types of fish, including largemouth bass, for catch and release fishing.

A special feature at Avalon Resort is their ‘Nudsino’. This indoor area features a bar, pool table, television, jukebox and more. The Nudsino is the only indoor area at this West Virginia nudism facility where smoking is allowed.

Rates at Avalon Resort are reasonable and discounts are offered for Students, AANR and TNS members and members of the military.

A yearly music, arts and crafts festival is held each summer at this West Virginia nudist resort, with a host of performers and vendors attending. Avalon Resort is also a member of the AANR.

It should be noted that reception for cell phones and pagers is not optimal at Avalon Resort, but free WiFi Internet service is offered at this West Virginia nudist facility.

Link: avalon-resort.info
2011.02.24 / no responses / Category: Nudist Resorts & Clubs
Nudism (Kindle Edition)
2010.12.25 / no responses / Category: Nudist Books & DVD's
Hardfire Exposes the Naked Truth about Nudism (DVD)

Click the DVD cover for more information about this nudist production.
2010.12.19 / no responses / Category: Nudist Books & DVD's
Nudists in Bernards Say Wholesome Activities Give Them Nothing to Hide

As a 17-year-old visiting a friend in Florida, he spied a man in the neighborhood where he was staying head for a local waterway, peel off his clothes and venture into the water with a bar of soap. He later learned she was taking a bath. “I said, “I’m going to try that that.’ I was hooked.”

That was 40 years ago. Thiboutot, now 57 and married, is one of thousands of Americans regularly taking part in nude recreation. The Ringoes resident and his wife, Cindy, are members of Sky Farm, a club for nudists tucked in a wooded section of Basking Ridge in Bernards, where they’ve gone regularly for several years to, as they tell it, relax and enjoy an experience free of clothes and the pressures of life.

“It’s stress-relieving,” said Cindy Thiboutot, 53, as she, her husband and about a dozen other nudists sat poolside on a warm late-October afternoon. At the time, temperatures were barely escaping the mid ’60s, under a mostly cloudy sky with brisk winds, and all either clothed or wearing bathrobes.

“We’re nudists, were not stupid,” Cindy Thiboutot said, laughing.

ALL WALKS OF LIFE

According to the American Association for Nude Recreation (AANR), a national organization for nude activities and clubs, the activity — long popular throughout Europe — is as drawing as many people across the United States as it ever has. AANR claims more than 50,000 members at about 240 clubs, but it’s believed that the number of nudists is much larger when nonmembers are factored in. Sky Farm, which opened in 1932, serves 261 members, said membership coordinator Kathy Gourley.

Nudists come from virtually every walk of life, said AANR President Susan Weaver.

“People involved are everything from bankers to bus drivers,” Weaver explained. Rich Thiboutot is a railroad engineer. His wife works in an office. Other club members include a police officer and a judge, though club members declined to identify them, citing the nature of their work. Weaver is a former long-time federal government employee, whose resume includes work at both the departments of Commerce and Interior. “We have members who are in public life in major ways; elected representatives, business, all clusters of American society.”

Yet, one of the attractions to nudism cited by Sky Farm members is that nakedness is the great equalizer; that a person’s vocation is irrelevant. “It doesn’t matter what your job is. Everybody’s equal,” said Gourley, 58, of Beachwood.

CODE OF CONDUCT

They’re not only equal in terms of occupation but in body, too.

The club’s moral code includes a provision barring members from disparaging comments about another member’s body or physical appearance, Cindy Thiboutot said.

“People who do that can get kicked out,” she noted.

Another mandate is that members look one another in the eye, rather than engage in roving gazes upon one another’s anatomy. In fact, Sky Farm has a list of rules prospective members must agree to follow before being accepted, including no drugs, alcohol abuse or weapons.

The club also has a rule against sexually explicit behavior or comments — a mandate that members said goes to the heart of what nudism and nude recreation is really all about.

“It’s definitely not a swinger’s club,” said Rich Thiboutot, responding to what club members and Weaver said is perhaps the biggest misconception about nudists.

“This is about social family experience,” Weaver added. “Adult entertainment? That could not be further from the truth.”

For example, at Sky Farm those interviewed said that anyone — visitor, guest or even member — who engages in promiscuity can be quickly shown the door. “That’s just not what we’re about,” said Ed Sepko, 58, of Clifton.

AN OPPOSING VIEW

Yet some groups take issue with the nudists’ claim to the moral high ground, particularly when it comes to the matter of promoting a “family atmosphere.”

Nudism in America, which is younger in its development than on a global scale, has reached something of a generational crossroads. As the nudist population has aged here, AANR and its member clubs have turned in recent years to promoting more involvement by younger individuals. Part of that effort includes encourages whole families to join, although the organization has said that family involvement has always been part of its membership framework.

“Acceptance is growing,” said Rich Thiboutot.

“We encourage families to come,” echoed Gourley. She and her fellow Sky Farm members contended that allowing a child, especially a young one to spend time in the nude is perfectly natural, explaining that many little ones have done so in private settings, such as their own homes.

Others disagree.

Len Deo, president of the New Jersey Family Policy Council, a Parsippany-based organization that advocates for the preservation of the traditional family unit, questions whether a child in his preadolescent years can appreciate the implications of going without clothes in a setting where some people are adults they don’t know well. Deo also questioned whether youngsters of that age group would even choose on their own to be nude or feel an unspoken pressure from their parents.

“When they reach the age of reason, 6, 7, 8 years old, they would be in a situation where they might question what they’re doing or be uncomfortable with it. From a strictly biological standpoint, nudity has strong physical effects on the body. For even a child, there’s an external stimuli, so any person would experience a release of certain chemicals and the first stage of a sexual-response cycle. This impacts the child’s ability to control his or her behavior. We would be concerned about that,”

In a 1998 article, “Normative Sexual Behavior in Children: A Contemporary Sample,” cited by Deo in the medical journal Pediatrics, a research team from the Mayo Clinic wrote that “Parents who reported a more relaxed approach to co-sleeping, co-bathing, family nudity. . .also reported higher levels of sexual behavior in their 2- to 12-year-old child, even after controlling for the effects of several other family variables.”

“We believe that basically if it’s being done by the family in front of the kids, it’s putting them in front of an uncomfortable situation,” Deo said.

Sky Farm members restated that the club is not a gathering area for sex or other illicit activites. The whole family doesn’t sleep in one bed and watch the parents have sex. That’s not what it’s about. It’s just like the town pool, only people don’t wear bathing suits,” said Cindy Thibotout. Mike Dilger, 58, of Green Village, and another Sky Farm member, said no child is forced at the club to engage in something he doesn’t feel comfortable with. “I think that children in general as they reach that age get self-conscious about their environment,” he said. Furthermore, Cindy Thibotout said youngsters take to nudism as if it’s natural. “The only reason they think it’s wrong is if you tell them that it is. It’s not until someone with hang-ups tells them it’s not good that they become ashamed of their bodies.”

AANR’s president said that as long as the clubs are following the law, they’re protected by it. This includes a right to responsibly practice nudity, as stated in the organization’s bylaws. “We have the right to practice social nudity in the appropriate settings provided we do not infringe on the rights of others.”

A WHOLESOME ATMOSPHERE

AANR remains committed to a wholesome atmosphere, not just in terms of keeping sex out of the mix, but environmentally and socially, Weaver said. “We have a very strong green ethic. Most resorts pay close attention to use of the environment. Most are heavily into recycling.”

The organization also has become more involved in fund-raising for breast-cancer awareness, recently hosting a group of eight tribute bands in an event dubbed Nude-a-palooza, noted the AANR president, herself a breast-cancer survivor. The event raised $12,000, Weaver said.

Both Weaver and Sky Farm members said they believe public acceptance of nude recreation is on the upswing, largely because of efforts to educate others on the topic.

In addition to its 240 nationwide clubs, Weaver said the organization hosts cruises and operates resorts. There are web pages where singles and adults can find nude-recreation activities.

In New Jersey, in addition to Sky Farm, there are about a dozen clubs or resorts that bill themselves as nude or clothing-optional facilities. The Courier News attempted unsuccessfully to reach three of these: Goodland Country Club and Spa in Hackettstown, Rock Lodge Club in Stockholm, an incorporated area of Hardyston Township in Sussex County, and Friends of Gunnison, based in Sayreville, which is billed on the Internet as a travel club. Most are affiliated with AANR.

And while the weather in many parts of the country isn’t conducive to outdoor nude activities, that doesn’t limit these clubs. For example, Sky Farm offers a year-round array of activities including a sauna, clubhouse with a large recreation hall and huge fireplace, entertainment center, pool table, table tennis and a fully-equipped kitchen.

“Acceptance is growing,” said Rich Thiboutot.

“We encourage families to come,” echoed Gourley. She and her fellow Sky Farm members contended that allowing a child, especially a young one to spend time in the nude is perfectly natural, explaining that many little ones have done so in private settings, such as their own homes.

Others disagree.

Len Deo, president of the New Jersey Family Policy Council, a Parsippany-based organization that advocates for the preservation of the traditional family unit, questions whether a child in his preadolescent years can appreciate the implications of going without clothes in a setting where some people are adults they don’t know well. Deo also questioned whether youngsters of that age group would even choose on their own to be nude or feel an unspoken pressure from their parents.

“When they reach the age of reason, 6, 7, 8 years old, they would be in a situation where they might question what they’re doing or be uncomfortable with it. From a strictly biological standpoint, nudity has strong physical effects on the body. For even a child, there’s an external stimuli, so any person would experience a release of certain chemicals and the first stage of a sexual-response cycle. This impacts the child’s ability to control his or her behavior. We would be concerned about that,”

In a 1998 article, “Normative Sexual Behavior in Children: A Contemporary Sample,” cited by Deo in the medical journal Pediatrics, a research team from the Mayo Clinic wrote that “Parents who reported a more relaxed approach to co-sleeping, co-bathing, family nudity. . .also reported higher levels of sexual behavior in their 2- to 12-year-old child, even after controlling for the effects of several other family variables.”

“We believe that basically if it’s being done by the family in front of the kids, it’s putting them in front of an uncomfortable situation,” Deo said.

Sky Farm members restated that the club is not a gathering area for sex or other illicit activites. The whole family doesn’t sleep in one bed and watch the parents have sex. That’s not what it’s about. It’s just like the town pool, only people don’t wear bathing suits,” said Cindy Thibotout. Mike Dilger, 58, of Green Village, and another Sky Farm member, said no child is forced at the club to engage in something he doesn’t feel comfortable with. “I think that children in general as they reach that age get self-conscious about their environment,” he said. Furthermore, Cindy Thibotout said youngsters take to nudism as if it’s natural. “The only reason they think it’s wrong is if you tell them that it is. It’s not until someone with hang-ups tells them it’s not good that they become ashamed of their bodies.”

AANR’s president said that as long as the clubs are following the law, they’re protected by it. This includes a right to responsibly practice nudity, as stated in the organization’s bylaws. “We have the right to practice social nudity in the appropriate settings provided we do not infringe on the rights of others.”
2010.12.15 / no responses / Category: Nudist News