How to Be a First Time Nudist

Being a first time nudist is a challenge to self confidence because most people carry a lot of baggage and insecurity about nudism. However, recreational nudism is a very wholesome activity, often practiced by whole families and the average nudist or naturist resort is a fairly prim and proper place. Once you get beyond the self consciousness it is a very freeing experience and you will feel much more comfortable about your body, no matter what age and shape you're in.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

How to Be a First Time Nudist

1. Bring a friend with you if you are going to a nude beach, resort or European style bath house. Although there is nothing inappropriate about going to places like this on your own, the moral support will be very helpful.

2. Don't be self conscious about your body, even though this is easier said than done. There are no perfect bodies, and people of every age and shape enjoy nudism. The average nudist is probably middle aged with far from "perfect" bodies, and many families with young children enjoy nudism too. There is even a Christian nudist association, based on the belief that God made all of us beautiful in His eyes and it is wrong to be ashamed of how we look.

3. Carry an extra towel. It is polite to use it to sit on whenever you're using communal seating, like lounge chairs or picnic benches. Men may be nervous about getting inappropriate erections (this actually rarely happens and is no big deal if it does) so a towel can be useful insurance for cover up.

4. Use the pool or hot tub if available to start out. It may feel more natural to be submerged in water at first, until you get used to the feeling of being clothing-free in public! When using pools, hot tubs or saunas it is good etiquette to take a quick shower first.

5. Use plenty of sunscreen if you are outside, even on overcast days. Reapply it frequently, especially if you go swimming or shower. Pay particular attention to parts of yourself that have never been exposed to the sun and use a high SPF lotion.

6. Be natural and polite, just as you would in any other outdoor gathering. You will find it is easier than you think. In most places where public nudity is the norm, flirting and trying to pick up people is frowned upon.

7. Don't take photos. In most nudist resorts, photography is prohibited, although there are no such prohibitions on nude beaches. If you must take a photo, make sure there are no other people in the background and be discreet.

Resources

• How to be nude in public

[cheridonna]

on 6/18/2009 We are all nudists to some degree. I would assume everyone bathes or showers without clothes. To see what it's like, the next time you shower or bathe, dry off and grab a dry towel as bare etiquette demands you sit on your own towel. Get in front of the computer, read a magazine, sip a cup of coffee. To me at times it recharges my batteries when I sit outdoors looking at my very private property enjoying a beverage or just relaxing in nature.