Nudism is about being the way we were born and the way human kind was for most of our history: nude except when the weather dictated otherwise. It brings everyone down to the same level. You never know if the person you are talking to is a janitor, a doctor, or the CEO of a Fortune 100 company. Nudists are extremely accepting of everyone no matter the gender, race, sex, size, etc. Whether you shop at Wal-Mart or Brooks Brothers, no one knows and no one cares. It allows us to relax and just enjoy good company.
What are the resorts people talk about?
There are numerous resorts around the world that are for nudists only, and others that are clothing optional. Some are little more than campgrounds while others are large resorts with indoor pools and hotel rooms. There's even an entire city, Cap d'Agde, France, that is nudist!
How will we feel on the first visit to a club?
At most clubs you will find friendly people of all ages enjoying nude recreation in a secure atmosphere. You are accepted for who you are inside, not how you look on the outside. People who enjoy nude recreation develop a healthy body image which builds self-esteem. You may participate in social activities, or just relax around the pool until you feel comfortable.
What is a landed club versus a non-landed club?
Landed clubs are resorts or campgrounds. Non-landed is an organization that meets somewhere on a regular basis, usually for nude swims, cookouts, or hiking.
How will we feel on the first visit to a club?
At AANR clubs you will find friendly people of all ages enjoying nude recreation in a secure atmosphere. You are accepted for who you are inside, not how you look on the outside. People who enjoy nude recreation develop a healthy body image which builds self-esteem. You may participate in social activities, or just relax around the pool until you feel comfortable.
From a Woman's Perspective
Imagine, being free to be yourself. Free to relax, Free to accept yourself just as you are, Free to accept others as they are. Free to experience who you are inside more than what you show outside. Free to just be! Undisplayed Graphic Remember running naked through the house or going skinny dipping as a youngster? Remember how free and exhilarated you felt? There was a sense of comfort, a sense of total acceptance, a feeling of total freedom, and a innocent disregard of the fears and inhibitions that develop with adulthood. You can recapture those feelings of freedom and that sense of self esteem and acceptance again. With the growing acceptance of social nudism and nude recreation, more and more women are discovering what it is like to experience the spiritually liberating effect of social nudism. To be accepted as a person without regard to size, shape, scars, age, physical condition, and fashion. To be able to enjoy the fresh feeling of a gentle breeze against their skin. To bathe in the comforting rays of the sun as it warms their entire body. Today, single women and women in relationships are joining naturist organizations in record numbers. Women of all ages and walks of life are enjoying clothes-free recreation. Women who feel at home with their bodies and enjoy sharing the experience with others. Young children, adolescents, young adults, middle aged women, and grandmothers alike are experiencing outdoor social nudism together. Professional women are finding solace, relaxation, and in general, a stress free escape from the day to day pressures of their careers. Newcomers to nude recreation may have difficulty imagining how wonderful it feels. But once they take the plunge, they quickly discover it is a natural, life enhancing experience. It is the most normal thing in the world. Besides, imagine just how light your suit case can be when you visit a nudist facility for a weekend, or a vacation. Undisplayed Graphic By joining a Naturist Club in your area, women can enjoy social nudism in a family oriented, non-sexual environment. They can participate in relaxing recreation, in discussion groups and experience personal growth workshops in a safe, non-threatening environment with like minded people. Undisplayed Graphic By contacting a club or organization in your area, you can speak with female members to learn about their point of view and experiences. Most will tell you that when you are accepting of others just as they are, you’ll be more accepting of yourself.
Well, you can't just run around all the time with no clothes on!
This is common sense. There are times when it is appropriate and times when it isn't to be nude. If you are out in public where it is not considered acceptable, then you have to live by the rules of society, no matter how absurd.
Are nudist resorts and clubs safe for families?
Absolutely. In fact, I personally consider nudist resorts one of the safest places for my kids. Why? People who come to nudist resorts are screened and because there is a potential for inappropriate conduct, people are more aware of what is going on and tend to be alert for someone who might be there for the wrong reasons.
Aren't you encouraging teens to be sexually active by them being nude together?
Actually, it's just the opposite. Because nudists see each other for what they are, there is less curiosity about the other gender.
What about our kids?
Children are natural nudists and take to it like ducks to water. Wherever you visit you'll find clean, wholesome facilities and will quickly feel at home. Whether you're looking for a family vacation -- or a couples getaway -- AANR has something for you. I invite you to check the AANR Club Locator. Chances are you'll find a location that's right for you.
Can I find out about a club on the Internet?
AANR includes a complete directory of affiliated clubs. Many clubs have their own Web sites linked from the AANR directory. Since clubs offer a wide variety of amenities from campgrounds to full service resorts, I always recommend that you call ahead, ask questions about the facility, and make an appointment for your first visit.
Don't people stare at you?
Not really. Gawking and staring at others are not tolerated at Nudist facilities. This is something else that will get you quickly escorted to the door. It is important to keep in mind that everyone else is usually nude too. They don't want to be stared at any more than you do.
What is the difference between a nudist and clothing optional resort?
A nudist resort such as Glen Eden Sun Club requires you to be nude. Some resorts like Olive Dell Ranch allow clothing in areas except for the pool and are therefore clothing optional.
I am interested in nudism / naturist but my significant other isn't. What should I do?
This is always a tough situation and one I am in. My wife has been to a nudist club a couple of times and to a nude swim once, but just isn't really interested. This is something you have to deal with based on your particular situation, but I suggest reading "So your partner is interested in nudism" on the website of Cheri from the Travelites.
Aren't nudists just people looking for sex?
No more than anyone else. Most resorts are extremely intolerant of blatant sexual behavior that is not conducted in private.
I've heard of people having open sex all over the place in Nudist Colonies .... Is that what you guys do?
Not at all. To start, the term "Nudist Colony" is a rather obsolete term. We're not exactly colonial type people :) In all seriousness, the open display of sexual activity, masturbation, etc. within the confines of nudist facilities will undoubtedly get you escorted to the door, or possibly arrested depending upon the severity. Most Nudist facilities are family-oriented. The other members and participants as well as the owners simply will not tolerate such behaviors.
What happens if you get an erection?
To be honest, I've never had it happen. If it ever does happen, I would simply cover myself with my towel until there was no need for it anymore. Nudist clubs are far less sexually charged than places where bikinis, thongs, or other provocative clothing, are worn. On the rare occasion where this occurs, simply don a towel, turn over, or take a quick dip in the pool.
...being naked in front of others is naturally suppressive. The fear of calling attention to oneself inappropriately keeps Mr. happy in check. Natural social instinct works, as I'm sure it did long before "modern" civilization started to think it knew better. I know it's hard to believe, but it's no trick.
I'm overweight (or insert your own self-consciousness issue here). Do you see other overweight people at Nudist facilities?
Yes... Every time I go. I see people who are overweight, those with scars and skin-grafts, people in wheel-chairs, women who have had mastectomies, women with implanted breasts, senior citizens, and teenagers. Nobody is judged by their appearance or age, rather they are judged by their character.
What can I expect as a single male or female at a nudist resort or park?
Unfortunately, some parks and resorts use "ratios" to insure that there are an equal number of men and women. You may not even be able to get in at all if you are single. This, however, seems to be changing throughout the parks in the U.S.A. Our first suggestion is to call the resort that you wish to visit. Explain to them that you are single and ask about their policies.
It has been my experience that you get treated no differently as a single male OR female once inside a park or resort. If you ever experience any unwanted attention from another person there, a simple "No thanks, I'm not really interested." will generally remedy the problem immediately.
How do I get started?
First, take off your clothes! Relax! Look at resources on the web and come to the AANR club / resorts and talk to people who are already nudists and would love to answer questions. You'll quickly find people are very friendly and eager to answer your questions.
Why do people choose nude recreation?
Nude recreation embraces the joy of living and experiencing nature in the most natural way possible. To relax and be nude is to let yourself be totally free. Although we enjoy clothing-free activities in appropriate settings, we also choose to wear clothes when practical. Nudists respect each other's individuality. Our own self-esteem is enhanced by our ability to accept ourselves as we really are. We find it easy to accept others regardless of physical size, shape, or body condition. Moreover, social class distinctions, often indicated by clothing, disappear.
Relaxation, stress relief, positive body image, and increasing self-esteem are just a few of the reasons people choose the nudist lifestyle.