10 Things You Can Do to Promote Nudism

10 Things You Can Do to Promote Nudism

1. Join in any naturist organisation.

2. Tell your friends and family you're a naturist. Persuade those who have open minds to join you.
3. Write to your local paper whenever some naturism-related issue comes up in the news.
4. Write to government officials whenever some policy issue affecting naturists is being decided. (Such as the Honokohau Beach issue.)
5. Put up your own Web page about naturism. Tell the world what it means to you.
6. Get involved with local projects like a beach cleanup, efforts to discourage gawkers at the beach you like best, or activities to promote naturism in your community.
7. Network with other naturists over the Internet, using things like mailing lists, the Web, chat rooms, IRC channels.
8. Learn all you can about the history of nudism/naturism and the factors that affect it.
9. Work for responsible standards of personal behavior at any naturist beach, club, or event you visit.
10. Treat fellow naturists with the fullest respect any honest, responsible individual deserves.
OK, that's more than 10. And more could be added. But it seems about right as a place to start.
Remove Your Clothes!

If you've just been waiting for encouragement to get naked from a mainstream source, especially if you are female, now you have it. Nude-o-Phobia, which (very briefly) analyses the common fear of being naked, and offers a 5-step program to overcome it. The "5 steps to a more naked you:"

   1. Expose yourself. (Get comfortable being nude alone.)

   2. Get to know your body. (Pay attention to your body's sensory signals, especially when unclothed.)

   3. Look at yourself. (Become familiar with - and accepting of - how you look without clothes.)

   4. Move on to semi public nudity. (In commonly acceptable circumstances, such as a locker room.)

   5. Graduate to social nudity. (The real thing.)

The feature, of course, is about body acceptance. The message has been repeated often enough, that people, women especially are needlessly unhappy due to fears their bodies are somehow not "right". But this time the way to overcome the problem is stated very clearly. As the magazine's editor-in-chief herself says, "Go find a nude beach. Remove all your clothes."

Social issues in Regards to Nudism

Nudity Shame

Centuries of oppressive thought have convinced many people that the human body is a shameful, worthless object that should be hidden. Nonsense... The human body is one of the most elegant and valuable things on earth. There are few things in existence which compare to it on an artistic, technical, or philosophical level. Celebrate the human body.. It's one of only a handful of truly unique creations.

Embarrassment

Some people are afraid of running into someone they know while nude, or being seen by someone they know (or someone they don't) while nude. Remember that you will be around many other people who will also be nude. You may be momentarily embarrassed at first - this is normal - but as you spend more time nude, you will realize that if everyone is nude, no one has cause for nudity-related embarrassment. As for the possibility that you'll run into someone you know - well, if you like them, you've got something new in common to talk about?  Besides, what is there to be embarrassed about? They are there, too, for the same reasons as you.

Gender-Specific Embarrassment

Naturists know that both erections and menstruation are normal, so don't be afraid that your body's natural occurrences will offend other naturists. An erection is embarrassing, but rare, and easy to hide - just grab a towel, roll over, or jump in the water. Most naturists won't even comment about it. (Don't fear the erection your first time - most men will tell you they were too nervous for it to even be possible!) Women may feel uncomfortable being nude during menstruation. No one will be offended if women choose to wear shorts, tampons, etc. during these times.

Feelings of Inadequacy

Many people refuse to go nude because they feel that their height, weight, build, features, etc. are unacceptable. There is no need to feel that you must conform to a standard of beauty or acceptability, especially one you had no part in creating. Naturists come in all shapes, sizes, colors, ages, and beliefs. Naturists have even undergone surgeries, mastectomies, etc., and have the scars to prove it (many have said that naturism helped them further accept these scars.) In naturism, there is no ideal of the perfect body other than yourself. If you can accept yourself for what you are, you will have no problem overcoming your perceived imperfections.

Vulnerability

By stripping away clothing, you strip away the armor that protects you from an unkind world. Some people fear this. Naturists believe vulnerability is a good thing. Think about this: in a naturist setting, everybody is vulnerable. The shared vulnerability creates respect and caring for your fellow naturists. Besides, most of your vulnerability probably comes from the awareness that you are nude -- an awareness that becomes less important to you as you spend more time nude.

Fear of Sexual Consequences

Many people are afraid that if they go nude, they invite unwanted attention, possibly even rape. Naturists condemn sexual harassment and sexual assault, and are committed to creating an environment where women and men may both feel safe and non-threatened. Don't let this fear prevent you from trying naturism - harassment and assault are very rare, and are not tolerated by naturists. (And, by the way, naturists enjoy healthy sexual lives like most everyone else - but they enjoy them in private, like most everybody else.)

Fear of Gawkers

By "gawkers" we mean the people who hang around naturist areas solely for the thrill of seeing naked people. Gawkers are not a problem in most areas, but you may encounter them from time to time. Don't let them make you feel uncomfortable. Instead, you should make them feel uncomfortable and out of place. Either they'll leave, or come around to our way of thinking.

Top 15 Reasons to Be Naked

(The following was written by a young member of the Federation of Canadian Naturists)

Top 15 Reasons to Be Naked
1. It's fun, Of course, it's not for everyone, but then, neither is Madonna nor the Red Hot Chili Peppers, NBA basketball nor Batman. But once most young couples and boyfriends/girlfriends try it, they come back. Why? Because it's fun. You probably know people who have vacationed at nude beaches, who skinny-dip in their backyard pool or who lounge around the house nude. Why not?

2. It's healthy, Besides improved self-esteem, the sun relieves stress, provides you with Vitamin D, a tan with SPF 4 protection and helps clear acne. Naturists don't overdo their time in the sun; they tan safely with a sunscreen.

3. It feels good! You know how gross those jeans and bra straps feel on a hot sticky day? Or that wet swimsuit when you come out of the water! No more! Trade it in for the feeling of wind on your back and the sun on your body! Cool!

4. Self-esteem! You'll feel great about yourself! Nudity helps you become more open and accept yourself for whom you are, not whether you measure up to the supermodels you see in ads. Welcome to a place that does not measure value as a human being by body size! It makes you a stronger, more confident person.

5. Be yourself! You can express your individuality! Everyone accepts you as you are, whether you have a disability, are overweight, dyed your hair purple, or have a great tattoo that your friends hate. People are attracted by your personality! Everybody's different, and that is respected!

6. So much to do! Volleyball, swimming, basketball, suntanning, golf, tennis, and all sorts of other activities. There is just about anything youd do at any campground or beach. Only more.

7. You are in full control! You decide when you arrive and leave. You decide what to do when you are there! Just like if you went to the beach. But better! If its your first visit, you decide when or even if you want to disrobe! Its normal to feel apprehensive on your first visit, but since you're in control, you have nothing to lose by checking it out!

8. You can be you! It's so refreshing to be someplace where nudity is not sex, unlike ads, movies or TV. You don't have to look like an actor or actress from Baywatch! Nobody's staring to see if you have a great body or if you're overweight or too thin! Nobody is checking you out at all! It doesn't matter if your belly button is an inny or an outy! It's OK!

9. No sex! Everyone in a nudist park is having an orgy? NOT! That is Myth # 1! (People who think nudity is about sex find it a lot more convenient to go to strip bars. Besides, the naturist resort owners don't let those people in anyways.) Lewd behaviour is NOT allowed. Ever!

10. Safety! You're in a no-jerks zone! People treat you the way you want to be treated. Problems are taken care of right away, especially for women, so they don't feel vulnerable. You won't run into problems like at public beaches where people stare at bathing suits, giving their imaginations free reign.

11. Popularity and confidentiality! You'll be part of the group! Already, thousands of Canadians are nudists. But nudism is totally confidential, so nobody knows. Naturist parks are in discreet, strictly private areas, well back from roads. Those who go accept newcomers anonymity. All naturists respect confidentiality. The only people who know you enjoy nudism are those you tell. And if you meet someone at a resort you know, don't worry about it. They're there for the same reasons as you, to have fun.

12. Skinny-dipping! All those University of British Columbia students can't be wrong! You've heard about all those great topless and nude beaches elsewhere in the world, Europe, the Caribbean, Florida. But North America's second-largest nude beach is Vancouver's Wreck Beach, just at the base of a cliff on the edge of the University of British Columbia. On a hot summer day you'll find 12,000 nude people (UBC students wouldn't cut class, would they?)! There are smaller nude beaches in every province in Canada.

13. It doesn't cost a lot! You don't put out the big bucks for a fun time.

14. It's Natural! If people were meant to go naked, they would have been born that way!!!

15. No tan lines... ..

FAQ by WOMEN for WOMEN

Q: What if I'm not in the best of shape? Do I have to have a perfect body to go to a nude swim?

A: The perfect body does not exist. 99.9% of us don't have that "perfect" body. We are all of different shapes and sizes and the shape of our bodies is not important. Your imperfections are normal and should not be a source of anxiety. Nudists feel comfortable about their body and forget about their imperfections because it's not something that matters a great deal to us.

Q: Why do people like to swim without a bathing suit? What's the big deal anyway?

A: The freedom of swimming clothes-free is wonderful. Once you try skinny-dipping, you'll never want to swim with a suit on again.

Q: What can I expect at the swim just for women?

A: You will be greeted at the front desk by the organizers of the swim where you can ask any questions that you may have, find out about other events, clubs and organizations. Once in the pool you can expect to relax and enjoy a nice swim, there will be no men anywhere nearby, a totally private place where you will meet lots of other women of all shapes and sizes who also enjoy skinny dipping.

Q: Are the co-ed swims any different from the women only swims?

A: The only difference is that there are more people that attend, and the swims occur more often than the women only swims.

Q: What are the age groups that attend co-ed swims?

A: You'll see singles, couples and families of all ages attending the swims. People of all ages are welcome.

Q: Is there any sexual activity present at co-ed swims?

A: None whatsoever. Any sexual conduct is unwelcome at any nude swims or other events.

Gender Balance in Naturism

Gender Balance in Naturism
Most people would feel ill at ease if we didn't maintain a reasonable and comfortable balance between the genders. Many nudist club attempts to achieve that balance by actively appealing to single women and couples in a very sensitive manner, but still, we sometimes (infrequently) find it necessary to place single men on a waiting list.

Our North American culture is the basis for this potential imbalance. Here, much more than in some other parts of the world, we rear our children to be self-conscious about their bodies. The unspoken message is that there is something "dirty" or unacceptable about our bodies, and an aura of mystique results. When unclothed bodies are only seen in "girlie" magazines and R-rated movies, boys become excessively curious and girls become defensive.

As a result of this upbringing, North American women often need much more courage to visit a nudist club for their first time than men do.  ( It's interesting to note, though, that women frequently find their first visit so comfortable and relaxing that they are more enthusiastic about returning than their male counterparts!  We've seen this happen many times. )  Women tell us that they find it liberating to learn that they can relax au natural in a safe environment where they aren't looked at or thought of in a sexual way.

There should be rewards for people who bring women and couples to nudist club. This program will encourage single men to bring their female friends. It is observed that it's the couples and single women, bringing more of their female friends, than the single guys.

Why Young Naturist Are Rare?

Despite the  younger generation's apparent lack of participation in naturism, it can't be said that the interest isn't there. The August 1994 Woodstock reunion, for example, bears testimony to a genuine willingness among the younger crowd to indulge in nude recreation. Media reports over the last few years indicate that students on college campuses across the nation have an urge to bare all; but if streaking and skinny-dipping have become part and parcel of the college scene, why aren't the practitioners taking the next step and joining established naturist groups?

The complaint of younger naturists is, of course, that when they do attend established social nude gatherings they find few similarly-aged participants. This can lead a younger person to wonder: "Is this naturism thing just for older people? Am I the only one my age who is interested in naturism?" this measure of doubt can undermine the enthusiasm that brings them to nude events.

The Missing Gen-Xers
By Younger Naturists (18-30 age group) crowd known to the media as "Generation X." Most established naturists go out of their way to be accommodating to the younger set. But often people in their twenties are not accustomed to socializing with people old enough to be their parents. To be a part of nude recreation, one must feel a part of nude recreation.

The number of people under 30 at regional naturist gatherings is generally quite small. Naturist Organisations gets letters each year from disillusioned younger naturists who have attended a gathering and felt left out or out of place. but imagine what could be gained if suddenly 50, 60, or 100 18-to-30-year-olds showed up for a gathering, and had such a good time that naturist gatherings became a "must" for any younger person interested in nude recreation? Imagine these meetings being infused with new life, stemming from new ideas and people with the time, energy and youth to see them through.

The Need for Promotion
It's difficult to know how to appeal to people whose only idea of social nudism may be a titillating stereotype of people "prancing" and "cavorting" and having wild sex orgies around the "nudist colony." What's more, if organized naturism is kept secret, it will not be an option for a younger person. To this end, advertising and promotion of the ideals and benefits of naturism, including a clear message that it is a nonsexual thing, are essential.

It's probably too idealistic at this point to hope for naturist information to be posted on billboards or naturist commercials to be shown on prime time TV. But the younger crowd needs to know that they don't have to wait 25 years for an event like Woodstock to get naked among friends. There are ways of getting the word out without ruffling too many feathers.
In dealing with a younger audience, the term nude recreation may be more suitable than naturism. A small point, but one of powerful significance. Naturism, to the uninitiated, may imply (correctly or incorrectly) an alternate lifestyle--one that is, again, tied to that stereotype of the nudist colony. Most Gen-Xers aren't looking for a change in lifestyle; they just want to cut loose a bit when they have some free time.

A Question of Image
Naturism needs an updated image to appeal to a younger audience. Most readers have probably seen the standard naturist promotional video, featuring lots of families, children playing, and older couples hanging around on the beach. Which of these aspects is going to appeal to a 21-year-old college student, a 25-year-old graduate student, or a young engaged couple? Probably none.

So why not create a naturist promo video specifically tailored to this age group? If people see others their age enjoying themselves sans clothing, they might not feel like they are alone in their enjoyment of being nude. Just letting young people know that this is a valid recreation option may generate interest where there was none before.
With the smattering of student naturist groups, the clientele at some West Coast beaches (especially the ones near colleges), the goings on at Woodstock '94, and the strong European Gen-X support, there is more than enough material for a full-length video targeting the 18-30 year old naturist. So, naturist video producers, there's a challenge for you. Break some new ground. How about a promo video that actually contributes to the growth of nude recreation?
But having a hip, cutting edge Gen-X naturist video must be coupled with a strong, effective marketing scheme. Selling such a video through naturist magazines and mail order catalogs or at a naturist store may make a little money, but will defeat the real purpose of the video--attracting the 18-30-year-old people you'd like see become involved in naturism. To start with, the video could be offered to student naturist groups, who will show it in venues where it's more likely to reach the right audience.

But even before we get that far, first and foremost the video has to be affordable. Some universities sponsor environmental expos during the school year. A booth or exhibit at such a show might be the perfect way to introduce naturism--at least achieving visibility and credibility if nothing else. Simply presenting naturism in a positive light would go a long way toward not only driving away incorrect rumors up front. Other exhibits during the year could focus on the importance of nude recreation to body acceptance (during a health and fitness week, for example), or the role of social nudity as a freedom of expression right (during a civil rights demonstration).

One Final Note
If there truly is a desire to increase the involvement and membership of the 18-30 age group, the national naturist and nudist organizations must start by letting their members and affiliated organizations know this is a national concern that must be kept on the agenda. Sad as it may sound, the very future of naturism depends on having a solid base of young, energetic supporters to carry the momentum of the older generation they will eventually replace.

These ideas are not exhaustive, there are many possibilities to explore, and if we younger naturists put our heads together, we could come up with quite a few. The foundation is already being laid, but a real push needs to be implemented, coordinated, and supported to make this effort successful.

Why Naturism For Women?

Why do women choose nude recreation?

Because it is fun..?  Seriously... most women love it and they find the real joy of actually being a woman once they allow themselves the freedom of experiencing social nudism. Not to mention the relaxation, stress relief, positive body image, body acceptance and self-esteem they quickly learn to feel from nude recreation.  Most women today have fond memories of going skinny dipping or in a spa or hot tub when we where young and innocent, so it's really not all that new. Social nudism is becoming very popular and there are a great many wonderful reasons for women choosing nude recreation in today's world... including the many health benefits it offers. There are nudist facilities where you can recapture that innocence... landed clubs as well as travel clubs... beautiful resorts... spas... hot springs... beaches... retreats... bed and breakfast inns... campgrounds... luxury ocean cruises and even entire nude cities in the World today... where you will meet a wide variety of really wonderful and friendly people... diverse in age as well as profession.

Is nude recreation becoming more accepted by women?

Yes... it absolutely is... I think everyone is starting to understand that less is often more. Social nudism of any sort  is not only more accepted... but is now becoming very popular... especially with women in the United States.  Let's face it... almost all of us today have skinny dipped or gone nude in a hot tub or spa in mixed company at one time or another and that is social nudism. I am also quite sure that most of us women felt the joy and beauty of our womanhood when we did... right..?  Women who want to recapture the joy and excitement of being a woman again... as well as the freedom... innocence... and beauty of those wonderful experiences... will find many clubs all over the world that offer relaxing... down-to-earth... casual... safe and comfortable environments in which a lady can feel free to be nude and even a little devilish at times..!.

How are women nudists different?

Women nudists are not very different than other women ... other than feeling much more like women... having a great deal of self-esteem and confidence... and really enjoying the many joys and benefits of womanhood. Maybe we allow ourselves the freedom to relax... enjoy life... have fun and be a little devilish at times... and maybe we are happier than most other women... but other than that... we are the same..!  In our day to day lives... we are really not different at all.  We are representative of the general public and are from every profession and every age. Some of us are Republicans... some are Democrats... and some vote independent. Some of us are married... some are single... some have strong religious convictions and virtually every denomination is represented. All these diversities come together... sharing a common philosophy... to raise the level of understanding and perception of ourselves through clothing-optional living.