Quite frankly, you don’t have to do anything you don’t want to do, and no one should ever force you to do anything against your will. But, if you are specifically and intentionally visiting a ‘naturist’ venue, it would be assumed that you’re going there with the intention to get naked, right? Otherwise if you do not have the intention to get naked, you should be going elsewhere. If you’re new to the lifestyle or are a first-timer, perhaps try out a ‘clothing-optional’ venue. Clothing-optional venues are a great option if you’re feeling a little apprehensive or nervous. Whereas naturist venues expect nudity for the most part (unless unsafe or impractical), clothing-optional environments are a little more lax with this rule, so it’s a great option if you need to warm up to it and go at your own pace. 

Hell yes! Totally normal! And I know you’re not the first to feel this way either. This is more common than not, so you’re not alone. Most of us seasoned nudies have been there. For many ‘first-timers’ or newbies, the feelings of anxiety tend to dissipate pretty quickly when they realise that EVERYONE else around them is naked, and that there is such a diversity of bodies. And, a little realness here…but no one is paying as much attention to you as you might think! Sorry to burst your bubble. But, hopefully this can provide a little reassurance for your nerves. If you’re feeling nervous, acknowledge these emotions of anxiety, fear and whatever else you’re presented with, process them and let them go. Breathe through it. Do not judge yourself for having these feelings; be even kinder to yourself during the process. But remember, you are not your emotions and nor do you need to be defined or limited by them. So whilst it can feel a little overwhelming at the time, I definitely recommend giving it a go. This process, in itself, is invaluable. The nervousness you may be experiencing can be a great indicator as to where there is resistance. Learn to go inward and understand why there is resistance. Remember that doing things that challenge us helps us to grow and evolve.

No. In my opinion, there is no such thing as a ‘good’ body. Every body type, shape, colour, ability and age is beautiful and welcome. You do not have to have a certain body type to get involved; and this is why the naturist movement is so fundamental to cultivating a more body-positive culture. The naturist lifestyle is a great representation of a diversity of real bodies. So whilst there is the image that the media pushes as a ‘good body’, you do not need to fit this mould to participate. We’re here to stand up against this agenda that the media pushes to capitalise on peoples’ insecurities and vulnerabilities. We’re here to embrace and celebrate the diversity of the human body.

You do not have to be confident to get involved. If you struggle with body confidence, hopefully getting involved in the naturist lifestyle will help to improve this by assisting you to become more comfortable in your skin by exposing you to a diversity of real bodies…bodies of all different shapes and sizes. All you need is a little courage to start, and the confidence will follow. The more time we spend naked, especially in a social setting, the more opportunity we give ourselves to work through whatever it is that is potentially hindering us from feeling confident. I find that being naked and sitting with your vulnerabilities helps you to more easily unmask what it is that is stopping you from feeling confident. The more layers we have on, the more digging we have to do. Baring it all cuts out a lot of the noise. Start with courage, and the confidence will follow. You’ve got this and you deserve to feel confident in your body. 

This comes down to context, discernment and intention. Remember, nudity in and of itself, is not inherently sexual. That nudity implies sexuality is the biggest misconception that naturists have to fight. Nudity has only become hyper-sexualised due to cultural, social and/or religious conditioning. The only time many of us are exposed to nudity is in a sexual context; whether it be during intimacy or watching a Hollywood movie or pornography. But, there are many instances where the context of nudity is not sexual…such as a life drawing session where it is considered more artistic, for example. And the naturist lifestyle is another environment where the nudity involved is not sexually charged or motivated. It is a healthy example showcasing that nudity can be practiced and enjoyed in a non-sexual environment and/or context. So, when we refer to ‘non-sexual’ nudity, we are referring to the fact that the intention for the space and gathering is one which is not sexually-charged…meaning there is no sexual motive. It is a space that is created with the intention of allowing people the safety and security to experience and rediscover their own nudity separate from sex and away from a sexualised gaze; understanding and respecting that those around us, too, are here for the same reason and with the same intent. This, in turn, creates safety and security. It sets the tone so that we’re all on the same page. 

Take as many photos of yourself and your friends as you like, but never take photos of others, unless you have their consent. If you want to get a photo of yourself enjoying your surroundings, ensure that no one is in the background and/or that you have their consent. Don’t be indiscriminately swinging your camera around. Simple! Different venues, clubs and establishments will have different rules regarding photography; so be sure to get informed and respect the rules. 

Many naturist venues and clubs are family-friendly indeed, and the naturist lifestyle, in general, is very family-friendly. Some venues and establishments operate as ‘adults-only’…and this is mainly because some people want to be able to have places that they can go to and relax without screaming children running around (including parents!)…and this is totally fair enough! I know that I can appreciate an ‘adults-only’ venue from time to time! But I think that it is great that the naturist lifestyle is a family-friendly one, as I believe that children benefit greatly from a more relaxed attitude toward nudity from an early age. If they are taught that the naked body is something ‘dirty’ or something ‘inappropriate’ that you must hide from others, this can lead to severe body shame and poor body image down the track. So I think that the earlier and the more that we can have children in a body-positive environment, the better for their self-esteem and body image.  

All clothing-optional beaches and most clubs welcome singles. However, many clubs try to maintain a ‘gender balance’ of sorts. If you’re visiting a club, I would recommend checking ahead of time for their policy.

Remember, it’s ok to look around and check out your surroundings…you’re only human after all! I mean, it would probably be weirder if you just stared at the ground the entire time! But, there is also a difference between curiosity, admiration or appreciation and staring. It’s completely natural to have a look, but gawking is just downright creepy! 

The same way you would with general society…respectful. 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. 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!

Conduct yourself respectfully, don’t make anyone feel uncomfortable (by staring or flaunting it) and carry on. It really is that simple! Majority of the time, an erection will go away on its own, within a few minutes. If this happens to you and you feel a little awkward or embarrassed about it, I suggest either rolling onto your belly, covering up with a towel or taking a dip in the pool/ocean. Awkwardness avoided! read my blog about erections here

In this case, you may wish to keep a tampon or moon cup in, otherwise you may opt to keep your underwear on if you wear a pad or would just like that little bit of extra support. No one will question you and this is completely normal. Otherwise, maybe opt for that nude beach day, naturist event or campsite visit another time if that’s easier. 

There are no rules around it. Your body, your choice…simple! Pubic hair is completely personal. If you like full bush, great. If you like clean-shaven, fine too. Just go with whatever you’re comfortable with. There is an absolute diversity amongst preference when it comes down to pubic hair choice. I’ve seen it all…landing strips, bald, full bush, landscaped, dyed, decorated. That’s the great thing about social nudity, you’re exposed to DIVERSITY…and it’s incredibly empowering to truly appreciate and understand the ‘your body, your choice’ motto.

Of course you can be! Attraction is still normal in a non-sexual nude setting. We’re human after all! Attraction is human nature…but there is a difference between attraction and objectification and sexualisation. You can be attracted to people without objectifying them. You can appreciate someone’s beauty without sexualising them. You can be attracted to others whether you’re clothed or naked…BUT! Being naked does not mean you have permission to be creepy, perverted or inappropriate. It does not give you permission to make unsolicited remarks or advances. Nudity is not consent. It never is. Just because there is nudity involved does not mean it is of an exhibitionist nature, nor does it mean that people are asking for sex, nor to be sexualised…make the distinction! Just as you would (hopefully) conduct yourself in a respectful manner when approaching attraction in a clothed setting, same goes for a naked setting. Boundaries and consent are still a must. Nudity does not, and should never, disregard or compromise this. read article here

This is super common…so much so that I’ve written an entire article on it. read this article here

Whereas naturist venues expect nudity for the most part (unless unsafe or impractical), clothing-optional environments are a little more lax with this rule. The only time nudity is likely ‘mandatory’ at a clothing-optional venue is in the pool. Overall, there is less pressure to be naked all the time at a clothing-optional venue. And whilst you won’t be forced to be naked at a naturist venue either, it’s expected that you’re there to get naked; and if you’re not, you might just get some strange looks or stares from naked people around you wondering why you’re clothed (especially if it’s not cold).

No. Just like this would be so unlikely at a clothed resort or venue, it is just as unlikely at a naturist venue. So, unless you are visiting a ‘swingers’ establishment or something, you are not likely to see public sex at a naturist establishment.

Some may be, but most are not. And the two are most definitely NOT mutually exclusive. Some naturists might like to swing, and some swingers might enjoy the naturist lifestyle. But there are also swingers who are not involved in the naturist lifestyle and many naturists who have no interest in swinging. Each to their own! But, in my experience, most of the naturists I know are not swingers. And any naturists I’ve met who do enjoy the ‘swinging’ scene are no less of a ‘naturist’ than I am. You can most definitely be a ‘swinger’ and still be a genuine naturist too. Just like naturists understand the importance of context, time and place for practicing social nudity…so, too, do most genuine swingers…and naturism is not the context or environment for it. Just like naturism has many stigmas attached to it, so, too, does the ‘swinging’ scene. I happen to think that many people confuse ‘swinging’ with ‘exhibitionism’ and/or ‘voyeurism’…and being a swinger doesn’t automatically make you an ‘exhibitionist’ or a’ voyeur’…but we digress. All in all, I think that the more we can approach situations and topics with curiosity and the intent to learn, rather than prejudice and judgement, the more understanding, insight and tolerance we cultivate in our society…and we could definitely do with a whole lot more of this. I am, after all, sat here doing up an FAQ about naturism because of this very problem! 

Yes, they do. And whilst some naturists, I’m sure, would spend 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, naked…clothes serve a very functional and practical purpose, like if it’s too cold to be naked, for example. Clothes can also serve as a form of artistic expression. And because most nudists, like myself, are participatory members of society, we are required to wear clothes in order to avoid a fine due to legal constraints regarding public nudity. So, yes, most nudists will wear clothes at some point. It is important to note that naturism is not some dogmatic ideology that dictates that one can never wear clothes again…thank goodness!