Nudists FAQ
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Why be nude?
Many naturists would answer this with 'why
not be nude? Why would you wear clothing while swimming? You don't wear clothing
in the bath or shower.'
Naturists are not against clothing. Rather, we
believe that you should dress only when appropriate.
Being nude feels good.
It makes you feel free. It takes away artificial inhibitions that many societies
forced upon us when we were born. Naturists believe in body acceptance. As such,
most report feeling less self-conscious on a nude beach than they are on a
traditional clothed beach.
If you think about it, the parts which we cover are
arbitrary. It has been suggested that we cover the genital area because of its
sexual nature. However, a quick survey of your day would show that those areas
are used for non-sexual purposes the vast majority of the time. In fact, an
equally sexual body part is your lips. Yet we do not have any problems with
walking around with our lips exposed!
Is being nude
illegal?
This vary greatly by
jurisdiction. In Germany, you will find people legally sunbathing nude in city
parks. In Denmark, all beaches are clothing optional unless posted otherwise. At
last count, there were only two clothed beaches.
In almost all jurisdictions
(including Canada) it is legal to be nude on private property as long as you
can't be seen by others outside the property. As such, all naturist clubs ARE
LEGAL.
It is the many public, clothing-optional beaches which are more
questionable. There are many traditionally clothing-optional beaches in Canada
which are not being challenged by the authorities.
In Canada, the courts have
determined that "mere nude sunbathing is not of sufficient moral turpitude to
support a charge for doing an indecent act." (Beaupre(1971) British Columbia
Supreme Court). General public nudity is also illegal based on section 174 of
the criminal code but the courts have found that "This offence is not aimed at
conduct such as swimming nude at an isolated beach, even where the accused
misjudges the loneliness of the beach." (R.v.Benolkin et al. 1977)
More recently (Dec. 1996), a former Guelph university
student was acquitted of a 1991 charge of indecency for walking top-free in
public. The Ontario court of appeal overturned her conviction because "There was
nothing degrading or dehumanizing in what the appellant did. The scope of her
activity was limited and was entirely non-commercial. No one who was offended
was forced to continue looking at her. I cannot conclude that what the appellant
did exceeded the community standard of tolerance when all of the relevant
circumstances are taken into account." (Osborne and Austin, JJ.A)
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Isn't nudity offensive?
Naturists are obviously not offended by nudity. What about others? There is no question that some people find nudity offensive. However, whether they should be offended is debatable; their reaction is often closer to confusion or embarrassment. One could just as easily be offended by the colour of one person's clothing. In a free society, people should be free to do what they want as long as their freedom doesn't impede the freedom of others, endanger them, or remove their fundamental rights. It is difficult to understand how looking at the human body may harm anyone.
One intent of naturism
nonetheless is not to offend. Most naturist organizations are working to
identify areas where naturists may enjoy being nude without bothering
anyone.
Doesn't nudity violate religious beliefs?
Many naturists are religious people and find no contradiction between their beliefs and nudity. There are groups of Christian nudists who worship in the nude. Some naturists feel closer to god when they are nude in nature.
Directives against nudity are generally not part of the basic philosophy
of a religion. Rather, they are added to the religion out of fear that nudity
will lead to indiscriminate sexual activity. Naturism shows that this is not
true .
The Old
Testament tells us that God created man and woman in His own image and they were
nude. It is difficult to see how God's image is shameful or obscene. God does
not command Adam & Eve to cover up. They do so because they are ashamed of
their sin, which is not lust but disobedience.
What is the difference between a nudist and a naturist?
Depending on whom you ask, there could be no difference. In Europe, the term
naturist is the most common, with nudist being the older term.
In North
America, some people use the two words interchangeably. Others define two
different philosophies which have nudity in common. Those who find a difference
define "naturists" as closer to nature and more interested in free beaches. They
tend to define "nudists" as people who practice nudity but more in an urban club
setting.
Not
all people who practice naturism/nudism like the labels. They don't like to see
themselves as any different from anyone else. As well, not all nude people on a
free beach or club espouse the naturist/nudist philosophy.
Isn't nudity sexual?
Most of the people who visit a naturist club/beach for the first time are
surprised by the lack of sexuality. Most seem to expect a sexually charged
atmosphere. This is to be expected since in North America, the only time we see
others nude is in sexual situations such as love scenes in movies and in sexual
magazines/videos.
However, that link is artificial. In Victorian times, to
see a woman's knee was very sexual because they were supposed to be hidden all
the time. We expose some parts of our bodies which are as sexual as those which
we hide. Our lips, for example, are probably as involved in sexuality as our
genital areas. Yet people walk around exposing their lips without causing mass
arousal.
If you think about it, you will find that suggestively-clothed
people are more arousing than completely nude people. It can be more sexual to
wear a bathing suit which subtly hides and emphasizes certain parts of the
body.
The link between nudity and sexuality is the biggest
misconception that naturists have to fight. As a result, you may find them to be
over-sensitive to it. This is not to say that naturists are against sexuality.
They just believe, like the most of society, that there is an appropriate time
and place for it. It also means that there is nothing wrong with finding a
person attractive, whether he or she are nude or not.
Aren't all naturists/nudists
exhibitionists?
Exhibitionists expose themselves for the sexual
thrill and to shock others. Neither is true in Naturism. Exhibitionists find no
thrill in naturist environments because of the lack of overt sexuality and their
inability to shock anyone.
Naturists just want to BE nude. They like to be with others
because humans are social animals.
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First Time Questions
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How do I find a club/beach?
There are many sources of information. Most naturist organizations, like the FCN, sell guides which list beaches and clubs. Different locations are often reviewed in the organization's magazine. There are travel agents which specialize in naturist travel. You could always call or write one of the organizations. As well, the Internet has become a large resource of information for naturists.
FCN list of Canadian Clubs
FCN list of Canadian Beaches
Naturist Travel Agent
What is the difference between a club and a CO beach?
CO (Clothing-Optional) beaches are public areas which have become nude through use by naturists. Clubs are private grounds which are either owned by individuals or by the members. They are private businesses.
Do I have to be naked all the time?
No. Naturists prefer to be nude but dress when appropriate. Clothes do serve
a very important function. They keep us warm in cold weather and protect us when
doing dangerous work. We just don't believe that clothes exist to hide our
bodies.
In private clubs,
the rules vary on when dressing is appropriate. In some clubs, people are nude
all the time. In others, you may find that people dress for dinner.
Will I have to undress right away?
No. Naturists understand that you cannot shed years of socialization as soon
as you arrive. Most clubs allow visitors to remain dressed at first. You may
feel pressure to undress. That feeling is probably self-induced by the fact that
you are the only fully-dressed person within sight. Funny isn't it, to be
uncomfortable because your ARE dressed?
On naturist (CO) beaches, there is no expectation that you
need to undress since they are Clothing-Optional. The only time you may be
confronted is when you appear to be there to gawk. In most clubs, it is not
appropriate to swim with a bathing suit.
Do I have to join to visit?
CO beaches are public and thus do not require membership. Most clubs will allow you 2-3 visits before you must decide whether to join or not. Members of one club are usually allowed to visit other clubs as many times as they want without joining, for an extra daily fee.
What should I take with
me?
The same thing you would take
when going to the beach. A hat, sunscreen, sunglasses, 2 towels (one to sit on),
a chair or mattress, something to read, and something to play with (volleyball,
Frisbee, etc...)
When visiting a club, you will probably need some
money. On a CO beach, you may need water and food since there may not be any
places to buy anything.
What if I meet someone I
know?
They are there too, just as nude as you
are. They are probably very comfortable with naturism since they have probably
been there before. They will probably be happy to see you.
How do I act when talking to others?
It is often difficult for new people to know where to look. Just remember that to a naturist, there is no difference between being dressed and nude. Just try to act like you normally would. It is OK to look. We look over people when we meet them in the clothed world. It is the same in the nude world. Just don't stare.
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Are
single people welcome?
All CO beaches and most clubs welcome singles. However, many clubs try to maintain a balance between the sexes.
Etiquette
Generally, the same common-sense guidelines for behaviour apply in the naturist world as in the clothed world. Be polite and respect the rights of others and others will do the same for you. When visiting a private club, make sure you understand the rules specific to that club.
Gawking is impolite. It is OK to look but it is always rude to stare at
others (particularly with binoculars or through a camera).
For sanitary
reasons, sit on a towel when using public seats or benches.
Respect the
environment. Stay out of dunes or other environmentally sensitive areas. We can
lose access to CO areas by damaging the environment.
Help keep the area
clean. In clubs, use the trash cans. On CO beaches, bring your own trash bag.
Always try to carry out more trash than you carried in. Leave nothing but
footprints, take only memories.
Don't go out of established nude areas. Get
dressed when leaving them. Naturists are not out to offend anyone.
Follow
all parking regulations and other posted rules.
Do not engage in overt
sexual activity.
Respect the property of others.
Get the permission of
subjects before taking pictures. In clubs, check out club rules on photography
before bringing out your camera.
Respect the privacy of others. Many people
come to enjoy nature and don't want to be disturbed. It is good to be friendly
but take your cues from their response and body language.
Speak up for
standards. If you see someone who is violating the accepted standards, please
explain to them clearly and politely just how they are violating the rules and
what the proper behaviour is.
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Concerns about being nude
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I'm afraid I'll get an erection.
This is the most common concern among men. However, we do not know of anyone
who actually had an erection on the first visit. The combination of the
non-sexual environment and the nervousness of first-time visitors serve to
'minimize' the issue.
An erection is a
natural part of life. Naturists realize this and will not take offence as long
as it is not being flaunted. If it does happen, a strategically placed towel, a
dip in the cool pool, or rolling over on your stomach will take care of the
issue.
What do I do if I am menstruating?
Generally, women do the same thing in the naturist world as they do in the
clothed world. Many wear a tampon. If they prefer an external method, they wear
shorts or bikini bottoms.
Menstruation
is a normal part of being a woman and one which naturists understand.
I don't have a good body, I don't want others to see me nude.
The concept of the perfect body is a myth. Naturists practice body acceptance. We believe that the stress caused by the unrealistic expectations of society is very damaging. When you visit a naturist environment, you will find all types of bodies. All shapes, sizes, ages, colours - many of them with the scars of life.
Isn't it dangerous to expose myself to so much sun?
The removal of a skimpy bathing suit does little to increase your exposure to
the sun, but anyone who is exposed to the sun should be concerned about skin
cancer.
Naturists like everyone
else are careful when they enjoy the outdoors. Some use a high SPF sunscreen and
others try to stay in the shade when the sun is strong.
Some evidence is suggesting that moderate sun exposure is good for you.
Doesn't nudity attract perverts, paedophiles, exhibitionists, etc...
If such behaviour is illegal in the clothed world, it is illegal in the
naturist world.
It is an unfortunate reality that sexual predators have been
found as teachers, ministers, priests, police officers, hockey coaches, boy
scout leaders, etc... It would be unrealistic to expect them not to exist in the
naturist world as well.
However, it is our experience that many of those
sexual deviants are disappointed by the lack of sexuality in a naturist
environment. As well, we find that it is easier to spot those individuals when
they are nude. Their behaviour becomes more obvious when they aren't able to
hide behind clothing.
In a club setting, inappropriate behaviour
usually results in the removal of that individual. In a free beach environment,
inappropriate behaviour should be reported to the authorities.
Won't nudity take away intimacy with my partner and desensitize us to sexuality?
Sexuality is in the mind. It is an artificial form of sexuality which causes
a person to be only aroused by seeing a body part which one does not normally
see. Attraction does not depend on whether a person is nude or not. In fact, you
will probably find them more attractive if they are wearing suggestive
clothing.
We believe that naturists
have healthier sexuality since they are more comfortable with themselves and
their bodies. Naturists can enjoy the sexual act with their partner without
feeling self-conscious about their nudity.
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Children in naturism?
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Is naturism safe for children?
Anyone who has observed children knows that they are enthusiastic naturists.
We have never seen young children who are self-conscious when nude. In fact, you
may observe children squeal with delight when they are allowed to run around
nude. It is only in their later years that they are pressured into being
self-conscious when nude and adopt older people's phobias about bodies.
We believe that it is healthier for
children to grow up comfortable with their own bodies. We don't think there is
any advantage to teach them to be ashamed and embarrassed of certain parts of
their bodies.
Don't
children get confused as to when and where they can be nude?
Everyone has to teach children when and where it is acceptable to be nude. Naturists simply have more places where it is acceptable. Unlike non-naturists, we don't teach our children that nudity is wrong. We teach them when and where it is appropriate -- that some people aren't comfortable with nudity and that sometimes, we need to dress for practical reason (e.g. weather)
Doesn't naturism make children more vulnerable to sexual predators?
It is clear that being dressed has not kept children safe from sexual
predators. The best thing that we can do is teach our children the confidence to
speak up when people do things which make them uncomfortable. If they are not
ashamed of their bodies, they are much more likely to tell their parents when
someone does things which they don't like. Whether nude or clothed, children
should know that being touched in certain ways is wrong.
Although good parenting is by far the most important factor
in raising children, naturism helps to promote their confidence and health..
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WARNING ! This site features Nudity,Peoples at Nude Beaches and Nudism.Enter ONLY if you're older than 18, and watching Nudity is legal, where you live. |