The premiere nakation novel and the naturist experience

Since I seem to have written the premiere nakation novels click here for more info, I decided to post an essay on the clothing-optional experience for the curious and interested. There are a lot of misconceptions that go with the idea, and I will attempt to assuage any issues or fears associated with a first-time naturist experience.

Recent research suggests many folks out there are intrigued by the notion of baring it all at a clothing optional beach, resort, or campsite. However, there is a lot of trepidation that goes along with this concept. A recording engineer instructor once told me: “Fear is not knowing”, so I will address a variety of qualms one may have about taking the skinny dipping plunge.

First of all, nakationers are not weirdos. They are generally in their mid-thirties to mid-seventies, and come from all walks of life. People in the public eye tend to be discrete, and can usually afford to visit places where the chance of being photographed is near zilch.

While on the subject of photography; Taking pictures of nudists is a Cardinal sin, and perpetrators of such an act without permission can expect anything from a verbal drubbing to a physical confrontation. One resort in particular has a security staff that will throw your camera into the ocean. Problem solved. We used to become upset when we ventured into areas mixed with nudists and camera-wielding “textiles”, but have reached an age where we no longer care. Neither one of us plans to run for office or star in a movie. The latter would probably be beneficial promotionally anyway.

Perhaps the number one concern among women in particular is body image. They may fear being surrounded by magnificent specimens of womanhood; perfect bodies, toned in a gym and entirely deserving of display in an unencumbered state. Although you may see one or two that meet this description in a clothing optional setting, most nakationers are quite ordinary, regular folks who share an affinity for sunning and swimming au naturale . In fact, people that visit these places simply to look for perfect bodies are inevitably disappointed. A common phrase is that most of the people they see would look better with their clothes on. These people (usually gawkers) are completely missing the point. Nudists do not frequent c/o places to see nude; they are there to be nude. That is a big difference.

Women usually feel much better about themselves after visiting a nakation spot because they are in the company of other women much like themselves from a physical standpoint.

Men are generally less concerned with body image, and are more likely to encourage visiting a clothing optional environment than discourage it. But they too have qualms they are unlikely to talk about. These reservations generally fall into two areas:

Number one is that they won’t “measure up”.  Although it is true that a man will garner appreciative glances if he is particularly gifted, nakationers are by and large non-judgmental (pun intended). And it is true that well-endowed individuals will frequent nakation spots to flaunt this attribute, but they are commonly regarded as poseurs, and are also usually disappointed to harvest no more than a passing glance.

The other innate fear is what movie stars call “adult embarrassment” during bedroom scenes. Although this may be a problem on a first or second visit to a clothing optional setting, once you get used to those around you being nude, the atmosphere becomes as common as any other “textile” beach you might be visiting. In the meantime, you have the option of covering up, lying on your stomach, or hitting the pool, lake, or ocean until the animation passes. The time frame for acclimation varies from one individual to another.

To parade around in a state of excitement is a no-no! Your fellow sun-worshippers will let you know in no uncertain terms via non-verbal communication that you do not belong there if that is your intent.

Another concern shared by both men and women is being surrounded by swingers. Although there is always an element of singles and couples looking to hook up in these settings, they are a small minority and tend to gravitate to certain areas of the resort. If someone happens to ask in conversation if you are into the “lifestyle”, the answer would be a friendly no…unless of course you are there to swing. Nakationers are all about acceptance, so the sexual orientation and proclivities of their neighbors are much less inflammatory than say, their political beliefs.

The number of lifestylers also varies with the location. The proportion will be far greater at Hedonism in Negril, Jamaica than Club Orient on the Island of St. Martin. We are not swingers, but have no problem being in that environment. A simple no is all that is required when queried, and off they go to find another more willing couple. No one is going to waste time trying to convert you.

So, let us say you are both willing to take the clothing-optional plunge, but are reticent to drop four grand, only to find it is not for you. There is a way to ease into the scene affordably. Just about every state in the union has at least one clothing optional campsite or resort. AANR has complete listings of naturist resorts…you will be surprised how close one may be in relation to your doorstep. Fifty bucks is the average for a couple wanting to spend the day lounging by the pool or playing tennis or volleyball (I have never participated in the latter for fear of spikes). Another twenty dollars and you can pitch your tent and spend the night, or rent a mobile home for a few dollars more (highly recommended). Many of these resorts have nighttime activities such as theme dance parties. They are not to be missed. It pays to plan ahead if you like to party, but if you just need a day to experiment with the concept, any day will do.

If you like the experience on a local level, you might want to spend a little more and plan a trip to a stateside clothing-optional park such as Haulover Park in Florida. There are several hotels within a short drive, and the beach is quite large, and the clientele friendly. Haulover is just an example however. There may be a c/o state park much closer to your home.

If you decide to experience a 24/7 unencumbered experience, Club Orient in St. Martin is one of the premier naturist destinations. They have a variety of beachfront rooms, a restaurant, bar, and boutique/grocery store, all on site and all clothing optional. We have spoken with guests there that don’t even bother to pack a suitcase. Room prices vary with the season, and all rooms have kitchens completely stocked with cookware. This feature, along with free beach chairs and umbrellas makes the resort pretty affordable when compared to others that don’t offer these two amenities.

We have found that a diet and exercise program in anticipation of a trip always makes us feel better when we do get there. It is a great motivational tool, and makes us feel we have done our best to look our best when we hit the beach. This is not really necessary though; most are as accepting of your physical condition as they are of their own.

But I am not here to convince you to try something that does not sound the least bit appealing. This is simply a vignette for those that may be intrigued, or have ever wondered what it might be like to sun and swim au natural. When friends are confounded by our marked preference to clothing-optional vacation destinations, we simply explain that we want our vacation experience to be completely different than our ordinary day to day existence. For some, that is shaking hands with a giant mouse.

That just doesn’t do it for us.

Here is a short video from our last visit to Happy Bay: