Nude Beach Etiquette
The DO’s and DON’Ts at a nude beachReading time: 5 minutes
A nude beach might conjure visions of unclad people dotting a stretch of paradisical beach, dipping in and out of the water, air drying in the light breeze, under the sun, as they meander along the shoreline, free and at one with the elements…
And as appealing and alluring as this scenario might be…making it a reality by organising your first trip to the nude beach might stir confusion, anxiety and overwhelm as to how one should carry oneself in this ‘not-so-conventional’ situation. So whilst the thought of sheer freedom and liberation might be pulling at you…a million questions are popping into your head and filling you with apprehension, doubt and hesitation.
Don’t worry, you’re not the only one. It can, most definitely, be a rather intimidating thought; but, this blog on ‘nude beach etiquette’ is here to break things down for you by outlining what is and isn’t acceptable behaviour at our precious nude beaches; hopefully making it nice and simple for you.
Whether you’re a beginner nudist or a closet nudist who is planning your first trip to the nude beach (or even if you’re just merely curious), or whether you’re a seasoned nudist or veteran nudist who regularly visits a nude beach…it’s always a good idea to brush up on some nude beach etiquette. This just ensures that, as a community, we are better able to support one another and those who are looking to join our growing community, movement and lifestyle.
Staying informed and educated on the matter ensures that you can continue to lead by example and share the knowledge with those who are starting out or passing by.
Getting informed also, especially, provides the nudies who are starting out with a little more confidence, as there can be a lot of confusion about how to carry oneself, naked, in a more social setting…which is fair enough!
So, the more clarity, the less ambiguity. The less ambiguity, the less misunderstandings and mishaps. The less misunderstandings and mishaps, the happier everyone will be!
And making our beaches a safer place is a matter of education and community solidarity. So, let’s get into it!
DON’T WANDER FROM DESIGNATED NUDE AREAS.
…unless you’re clothed! Respecting the boundaries of the designated area shows good faith and reinforces that we respect textile areas the way we’d hope that they respect our clothing-optional areas.
Most ‘official’ (legal) clothing-optional/nude beaches have a designated area where people are allowed to be naked. This area may be sign-posted, meaning that there may well be a physical sign at both ends of the designated area. Or, alternatively, there may be a ‘map’ of sorts displayed on some signage at the entrance to the beach outlining the designated ‘clothing-optional’ area.
It can get a little more ambiguous when it’s an ‘unofficial’ beach…so, simply observe where the nude people tend to be congregating and stick to that general vicinity. Also, you can always ask someone too!
BE NUDE NOT LEWD.
Don’t engage in overt sexual activity (whether it be touching yourself, masturbating or engaging in sex). Nude beaches are not a ‘free-for-all’ or a place to have a perv. Nude beaches are simply a place for people to relax and enjoy the beach in the nude in a non-sexual environment.
Always remember that nudity is NOT consent. It is NOT a green light for inappropriate behaviour. Nudity is NOT an invitation for unsolicited sexual advances. Respect the people that enjoy these spaces for what they are designed for…non-sexual outdoor nudity at the beach.
STAY OUT OF THE DUNES.
Depending on the site, dunes can contain significant native vegetation that is fragile. Sometimes, they may also hold indigenous significance.
So whilst you may be tempted to seek a little more privacy, the dunes may not be an appropriate place. Perhaps bring a cabana or beach tent if it’s privacy you desire.
Given we, naturists, already have such limited coastline/beaches, it’s important that we respect the environment around us in order to protect and sustain our spaces so that we may continue to advocate for even more clothing-optional spaces.
RESPECT THE ENVIRONMENT.
Don’t take from the beach…unless it’s rubbish. Always take your rubbish with you!
One of the principles of being a ‘naturist’ means to ‘live in harmony with nature’…so don’t pollute and do your part to pick up rubbish if you come across it. Perhaps bring a rubbish liner with you (and gloves if that makes it easier too) and leave the beach better off than when you arrived.
DON’T TAKE UNAUTHORISED PHOTOS.
Never take photos of others, unless you have their consent. If you want to get a photo of yourself enjoying your surroundings, ensure no one is in the background and/or that you have their consent. Simple!
RESPECT THE PRIVACY OF OTHERS.
Allow others their space and do not stare. Oftentimes we have more than enough space to leave others to their privacy, so don’t go setting up your umbrella right next to someone else if you’ve not been invited and/or if it’s avoidable.
DON’T STARE AT OTHERS.
Everyone has a right to feel comfortable at the beach. There is a difference between admiration or appreciation and staring. It’s completely natural to have a look, but gawking is just downright creepy!
ENGAGE WITH OTHERS RESPECTFULLY.
The nudie community is a friendly one, so if you meet some fellow nudies or find yourself in conversation, respectfully conduct yourself like you would if you were clothed. It truly is that simple. Yes, you might all be naked and you might feel a little awkward at first, but other than that…nothing else about social etiquette needs to change. Keep it simple and don’t overthink it. Seriously, naturists engage with one another as if they were clothed…they just happen to not be!
BE SUN SMART.
Does your nude beach have natural shading? If so, is there much of it? If not, bring your own shade (tent, umbrella, cabana etc). And slip, slop, slap! And remember to bring drinking water to stay hydrated.
FOLLOW PROTOCOLS YOU’D NORMALLY FOLLOW AT A TEXTILE (CLOTHED) BEACH.
Swim between the flags (if applicable - or get informed about rips and how to spot and avoid them or get out of one if you get caught in it), be sun smart, come prepared with water, supplies, shade etc.
ONLY VISIT IF YOU HAVE THE INTENTION TO GO NUDE.
Even if it’s partially. Yes, some beaches are ‘clothing-optional’, which is great for first-timers or partners/friends who are merely there as somebody else’s moral support. But if you are alone and have no intention to get naked, go to a textile beach. Otherwise you’re just making nudists (who already have such a limited number of clothing-optional options and a very tiny percentage of coastline) uncomfortable. People can sense your intentions, and there is plenty of textile beach to go round if you merely want to enjoy some time, clothed, on the beach. Don’t be that creep.
SPEAK UP FOR STANDARDS.
As a community, we must remember that is it up to us to reinforce these principles by embodying them and sharing them with others. Lead by example and share this information.
ADVISE LOVED ONES OF YOUR WHEREABOUTS BEFORE YOU GO.
Especially if the nude beach is more secluded and/or has little to no phone reception.
IN CASE OF EMERGENCY, DIAL 000 (OR KNOW THE EMERGENCY NUMBER OF THE COUNTRY YOU’RE IN).
So, hopefully this helps to clarify any confusion about what happens at a nude beach and what standards are expected to be upheld by those within our community and those visiting and/or just passing by.
I believe that having these kinds of ‘standards’ stated clearly, on a sign, at the entrance to our nude beaches here in Australia would help to make our nude beaches a safer place for us, and for those visiting. Education is of utmost importance, and we know that knowledge is power.
Unspoken rules/standards create ambiguity and unrealistic expectations…so the more we can make these clear and obvious, the better for everybody. Enough with the discretion that, in actuality, creates more secrecy, ambiguity and confusion.
And, now that we’ve gone over that, hopefully you’re feeling a little more confident to go and visit that nude beach you’ve been eyeing for the past few weeks, months, or (maybe even) years! And for those of us seasoned nudies, let’s share this with our community so that we can continue to make our beaches and clothing-optional spaces a safer and more welcoming place.
Remember, you can always come back to this article if you’re needing a refresher.
Hope to see you on a nude beach somewhere in the world!
Jessa
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