More About Naturism

Frequently Asked Questions

Many common questions have been answered on the National Be Naked Day website

First Timer Questions

Is one obliged to always be naked on a naturist site?

A naturist site is a place of liberty and a place where you can relax. Your decision to come to a naturist site implies that you have chosen to enjoy your holiday naked and to respect the nakedness of all other persons present on the site. In order to really experience naturism, without having the feeling that you are observed or judged, it is important that you are naked and that the people around you are naked as well. Naturists do prefer to be naked, but they dress themselves if this is necessary. Clothes do give warmth and they protect us in certain working conditions, against sunburn, or for other medical reasons.

How do I act when talking to others?

It is often difficult for new people to know where to look. To a naturist, there is no difference between being dressed or nude. Try to act as you normally would. It is OK to look. Out of curiosity you may initially look longer at others' genitals and breasts. Just don't stare. In time, you'll be less curious about these areas and concentrate again on the face and eyes.

What if I meet someone I know?

They are there too, just as nude as you are. They are probably very comfortable with naturism, since they have probably been there before. They will probably be happy to see you. Just think, you have discovered a mutual interest!

Are single people welcome?

All CO beaches and most clubs welcome singles. However, many clubs try to maintain a balance between the sexes. Check ahead for a club's policy.

What should I take with me?

The same things you would take when going to the beach (except a bathing suit!): a hat, sunscreen, sunglasses, two towels (one to sit on), a chair or mattress, something to read, and something to play with (volleyball, Frisbee, etc.). When visiting a club, you will probably need some money. On a CO beach, you may need water and food, since there may not be places to buy anything

Concerns about being nude

What if I get an erection?

This is the most common concern among men. However, we do not know of anyone who actually had an erection on the first visit. The combination of the non-sexual environment and the unfamiliarity of a first-time visit serves to minimize the issue. An erection is a natural part of life. Naturists realize this and will not take offence as long as it is not being flaunted. If an erection does occur, a strategically placed towel, a dip in a cool pool, or rolling over on your stomach will take care of it.

What do I do if I am menstruating?

Generally, women do the same thing in the naturist world as they do in the clothed world. Many use a tampon. If they prefer, they wear shorts or bikini bottoms. Menstruation is a normal part of being a woman and one which naturists understand.

I don't have a good body, I don't want others to see me nude.

The concept of the perfect body is a myth. We believe that the stress caused by the unrealistic expectations of society is very damaging. Naturists practice body acceptance. When you visit a naturist environment, you will find all types of bodies. All shapes, sizes, ages, colours&emdash;many of them with the signs of a full life.

Isn't it dangerous to expose myself to so much sun?

The removal of a skimpy bathing suit does little to increase your exposure to the sun, but people exposed to the sun should be careful when they enjoy the outdoors.

Won't nudity take away intimacy with my partner and desensitize us to sexuality?

Sexuality is in the mind. It is an artificial form of sexuality that causes a person to be aroused merely by seeing a body part which one does not normally see. Attraction does not depend on whether people are nude or not. In fact, you will probably find them more attractive if they are wearing suggestive clothing.

We believe that naturists have healthier sexuality, since they are more comfortable with themselves and their bodies. Naturists can enjoy the sexual act with their partner without feeling self-conscious about their nudity.

What are the advantages of naturism?

Because of the direct contact with the natural elements, especially that of the air on the skin, naturism gives an undeniable sense of well-being. But above all, the spirit of tolerance brought about by practising collective nudity re-establishes moral values. As the naturist feels good about himself, he can have healthier and more authentic relations. Naturism, through the values it transmits, corresponds to those people who seek themselves, by becoming aware of social problems. Naturism is about an inner sense of well-being, enabling better relations with others, in Nature that is preserved and respected.

Do teenagers have problems to being naked?

One can experience naturism on his own, as a couple or with a family, but it is for sure more difficult for teenagers to be naturist. Living naked becomes less spontaneous and more embarrassing and very often - despite the requests of their parents to be naked - teenagers are hiding their body with a towel. It's important to be tolerant but also clear about the rule to be naked in a naturist area.