Bernards Nudists Attempt To Set Skinny-Dipping Record
by: Jeff
In a bid to bring new exposure to the nude-recreation movement, nudists across the continent jumped into their club swimming pools, lakes and other bodies of water Saturday afternoon at 3 p.m. in what was billed as the "largest skinny-dip across North America."
The event drew 134 nudists who hopped into the pool at Sky Farm, a club that includes a collection of cabins among a secluded wooded setting in the hills of Bernards Township within a few miles of Interstate 78.
"The idea is to bring the nudist lifestyle into the mainstream," said Cindy Thiboutout, 51, who along with her husband, Rich, 56, took part in the mass plunge and talked about the enjoyment behind being in the buff, which Cindy said helps promote an atmosphere in which participants not only shed their clothes, but also judgments based on physical appearance.
"It's a great equalizer to be nude, and people tend to be a lot more friendly," she said.
Other nudists point to physical and mental benefits.
"It's a proven fact that vitamin D from sunshine is one of the healthiest ways to get vitamin D and recharge your batteries," said Ed Sepko, 56.
Joe Biondo, 60, and retired, says there are misconceptions about nude recreation.
"There's always a very strong link to sexual behavior," said Biondo, "which just isn't the case."
As the big moment neared, nudists gathered in the pool. Each had to be in water up to his or her shoulders in order to be considered skinny dipping, according to the guidelines set forth by the Guinness Book of World Records, which recently added largest group skinny dip as a new event, according to Sepko.
Four members of the Liberty Corner First Aid Squad — fully clothed — were on hand to act as the Guinness-required witnesses. And a club member would photograph the gathering.
"Four, three, two, one — Now!" barked an organizer into a microphone, and the nudists in the pool raised their arms and shouted or smiled for the camera.
"Thank you, everybody, for being part of nudist history," called out Cindy Thiboutout, who served as event coordinator, handing out free T-shirts and encouragement to participants.
"We loved it," said Les Lerman, 68, who with his life Lois, 61, came as a visitor from another nudist club.
"It's the way to go," said Lerman, describing the clothes-free lifestyle.
Cindy Thiboutout said 134 nudists participated in the Sky Farm skinny dip, just a fraction of those involved across the continent, according to Carolyn Hawkins, a spokeswoman for the American Association for Nude Recreation, based in Kissimmee, Fla. Hawkins estimated total turnout for the event would wind up between 15,000 and 20,000, noting that a similar skinny dips took place in New Jersey at Gunnison's Beach in Sandy Hook.
But even without the record, Sepko said the event was a success for Sky Farm.
"We have a lot of people that are visiting the club today just for the purposes of participating in the event."