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:
