This weekend I will celebrate my five-year nude-a-versary! For me, it’s a reminder that those early experiences in social nudism can be transformative and memorable. It’s no wonder “first time” stories are so commonly shared. So, in this #UndressedThread, let's reflect on those initial moments that introduced us to the nudist community. Whether it was a beach, a resort, or a private gathering, sharing your story can help new naturists feel more confident and excited about their own journeys.
Where was your first social nudist experience, and what was it like?
What advice would you give to someone nervous about their first social nudist event?
My wife and I are 54 and 52. The first time we did was in Maui. She was very nervous. When we sat down I was just looking at the scenery. I look over at her and she’s already taken her top off and she’s training her bottoms off. She first said she was only going topless. I said, I thought you were nervous. She said well I figured I’ll just rip that bandaid off. She loved it. We even stayed the weekend at a nude resort which happens to be just 29 minutes away. That was extremely liberating. Every one is nude everywhere you go. Played darts in the nude, eat dinner in the nude. Play sports in the nude. We can’t wait to get back
Was it Skinny-dipping with friends in the 60's, streaking in the 70's, the Rainbow Gathering in the 80's, naturist resorts in the 90's, clothing optional hot springs of the 2000's, WNBR of the 2010's, or Burner events of the 2020's? It was simply a natural evolution.
I was 13 and travelled to visit my mother's cousin and her family in Sweden on the Baltic. No sooner did I get there, that the girls (about my age) said, "Let's go swimming." I went to my room, put on my swimsuit and ran out to meet them -- they were naked. They giggled and we ran out to the beach. When we got there, I met a couple boys that I knew from visiting before in City -- they looked perplexed at me in a swimsuit, as they too were naked. It took about an hour and, yep, I was naked and stayed thar way as much as I could that Summer on the beach and the following Summers too.
The first beach experience was climbing down the cliff and emerging into hundreds of nude people at Black's Beach many years ago. The beach was gorgeous, the nudity - my own and others - was pure freedom, along with a healthy dose of sensuality. Then a few years later, I went to my first nudist campground with my neighbor, a tiny mom-and-pop, junkyard-fenced 5 acres outside of Lake City, FL called Chin-ka-pin, run by a scary guy named Newt and his wife Ramona. Just a camping area, a sand volleyball court, a pool, and dozens of naked, friendly people, in the steamy woods of North Florida. Totally different vibe than Black's Beach, but just as liberating, exciting and fun. I met a couple there that I am still in touch with nearly 50 years later. And I'm still hanging out naked in Southern California and finding it just as much fun as ever!
My first social nudist experience was a massage course given by the Communiversity, part of the Geneses Coop in Rochester NY in about 1973. It was given in the nude and we learned basic massage techniques. It was my first time being nude with strangers of the opposite sex and touching them as well. I was pretty terrified going in but happy with it by the end. I later went to conventional massage school and still do some massages.
We fondly recall some of the hands on massage classes we did on Bare-Necessities cruises. I remember one that started with the guys above, gals below for the first 1/2 hour. When the guys went down the instructor laughed over all the poles sticking up. Sadly in recent years BN cut out most of the hands on, just demo.
It was wonderful. We went to a beach in New Jersey near NYC. There were a lot of people there all enjoying themselves. The water was warm and it was great swimming in the ocean nude. I noticed at one end were all men, which I assume was a more male gay area, and at the other end were mostly women. I fit in the middle. What a great day. I have to visit the one in Florida sometime.
I went to the Red, White and Blue beach near Santa Cruz, CA.
My wife took me. I was excited and nervous that I might have an erection so took 2 towels just in case. It was an exhilarating experience and very enjoyable. I felt very free and especially enjoyed being naked in the ocean! And no problems with my earlier concerns.
My wife and I first experienced it 3 years ago when I was 38. I learned there was a nudist resort nearby and had wanted to try it out and was able to convince my wife to give it a try because I saw they were doing a bingo night and she loves bingo. I got naked but sat at the back of the room and was terrified to go up and get new bingo cards. When I finally did I was so worried people would be looking at my body and as I'm standing in line I realized they were because I got some compliments on my chest and arm tattoos which really made me feel at ease. It was like the most liberating thing I ever experienced, like destroying a wall in my brain which society had built telling me nudity was sexual and not appropriate. We applied for a membership to the resort the very next day!
Walking to Center Camp at Burning Man 2008. I had hung out with a camp of nudists one afternoon and they invited me to the naked group walk. I remember stopping along the way at an ice ream stand. The servers were non-judgemental and friendly. When we arrived at Center Camp, the giant tent was bustling with performance artists. It was exhilarating and my "lightness of being" felt so heavenly! I joined a nudist club the following year and haven't looked back!
I enjoyed nudity at home, finally I met a wonderful woman and went to Play-a-linda beach 🏖️ in Brevard County Florida and had a wonderful time enjoying it for a few hours and it was wonderful playing in the ocean together and walking hand in hand on the beach just talking and a few times after that enjoying nude Resorts as well in Tampa area
I moved to San Diego in 1975 and one day at work a fellow employee said, "Let's go to Black's Beach this weekend". I unknowingly asked, "What's Black's Beach"? "The nude beach"! he replied. Of course as a newbie I was nervous with the normal fears and misconceptions, but when we finally made it down to the sand there were hundreds, if not thousands, of people enjoying a beautiful day on California's first legal nude beach at the time. Families, UCSD students, people of all ages and body types having a great time playing volleyball, body painting, swimming in the surf, sunbathing and relaxing all nude.
About 10 minutes after finding our stretch of sand to lay our towels down, I decided to go for it, dropped my bathing suit and ran into the refreshing Pacific surf. It was then that I had my lightbulb moment, that epiphany that made me realize that this was so natural, that it felt so good, so right, I was hooked for life! After that I was on the beach any chance I could get, and eventually joined a local non-landed club, The Camping Bares, who still have one of my favorite mottos (An Anarchist Disorganization Dedicated to the Destruction of the Fabric of Our Society). Since then I've visited many places and been a member of many clubs until now I am President of the Southern California Naturist Association (SCNA) and my wife is President of The Naturist Society Foundation (TNSF).
I drove into a nudist resort and saw a gentleman walking along a road. I knew what was expected, but for some reason the sight was surprising. Once I disrobed, my reaction eased. Sitting at a beach for a while and being among other Naturists made me feel more like one of the group. Several years later, I am at ease.
I lived in Westerly, and family used to have a vacation home in Charlestown. I visited Moonstone three times in my youth. Ashamed to say, not as a participant, but as a "voyeur" (truly kid stuff). Some years later, I came to fully appreciate nudity and naturism, and now am a HAPPY full-fledged member of this community. (my apologies to all those who were victims of my stares)
My first social experience was at Hanlan's Point Beach in Toronto, which is perhaps why it remains a special place for me to this day. It was the summer of 2008. A friend invited me to accompany him to the beach, which he often went to, knowing that I'd been intrigued for awhile. He knew I was a bit nervous, but he led by example - stripping down as soon as we arrived. His boldness gave me permission to join in, so I did. We spent the rest of the afternoon enjoying the sun and the water au naturel and making new friends. After that day, I knew it was for me. But other than a few one-off visits to the beach here and there, it was still several years before I started to identify more fully with the lifestyle and seek out other social experiences. At this point, there's no going back, I suppose. ))
We never had strict rules about clothing around the house as I was growing up. One day while we were on vacation in New Jersey we were scheduled to go to the beach. My parents told us it was a clothing optional beach, and explained what that meant. I started off the day in my swim suit. I got to playing with some other kids my age, they were all nude. After a while, I excused myself, ran over to where my parents had their stuff, ditched the swim suit and went back to playing. The older I got, the more and more I began to dislike clothing except when necessary. AND, to this day, nude in water is the most relaxing thing I can imagine.
My first social nude experience was at Orient Beach, St Martin when I was 24. I had heard about the clothing optional beach and was excited to visit. I almost let my nerves get the best of me and not disrobe but as I was about to leave a little little voice in my head said I would regret it if I didn't give it a shot. So I took off my suit and went in the ocean. The joy I felt swimming and being on the beach that day was wonderful.
It was wonderful. We went to Gunnison in northern NJ. The several hundred people there were friendly, it was great swimming in the ocean nude, and I felt so comfortable. I was among people like me that enjoy nudity.
In the late sixties, during the Hippie movement, a group set out for a local lake that, in that era, was pretty much void of human expansion. It was Friday afternoon, they always made it a weekend getaway, and it was my first time going. As soon as we got settled in the spot which was often frequented by this group, we all shed our clothes and enjoyed the natural beach that laid before us. We did not put clothes on until Sunday afternoon. I knew a few of the people in the group and thanks to them I, not only met many other great people, but was introduced to the idea of social nudity. The idea of social nudity not being sexual was and is a myth. We acted within character of the moment. Skinny dipping, we played in the water and swam. Drying off, we laid on the beach and helped eachother apply sun lotion. Sitting around the fire pit, we ate, drank bear and joked about. At night we slept. And. Yes. Somewhere within the day we managed to be intimate with another. There were no issues, no jealousy only friendship. I definitely miss those summer days.
I don't know if Skinny Dipping with friends counts, but that's what really kind of woke me up to the idea of nudism... But in a full social situation it would be Wreck Beach in 2006. Once I spent a day there... There was no going back.
On my last day at Burning Man 2008, I "hung out" with a camp of nudists. They invited me to take a nude walk to Central Camp, maybe 5 of us. I remember stopping with the small group to get an ice cream cone at one of the many stands by the path. Everyone was non-judgemental and so friendly. Then we walked through Central Camp, which was bustling with performance artists. It was beyond exhilarating and my lightness of being was such a heavenly feeling! One of those nudists gifted me a handmade Burning Man necklace, which I wear regularly and will always cherish. Soon after, I joined a naturist club.
My first was at age 11 at a small inland lake wher we though nothing a out swimming naked, it was just small town stuff, and we just continued as teens and adults it was normal
I was in my late teens. I was told to "Give it ten minutes." It didn't take more than five minutes to forget clothing. Because of the people surrounding me were at ease with themselves around me.
My very first experience was when I started going swimming alone at 10. I'd never seen anyone naked before.The male changing room was open plan, nobody cared about their nudity, felt so natural and right. I never wrapped myself in a towel afterwards.
My first public nudity was on holiday at 17, I'd been told there was an area of the dunes that were unofficially naturist, and when I ended up spending a few days alone I got there as soon as possible.
Yes, I was nervous at first, whenever I heard anyone approach I was covering up but soon realised they were all men as naked as I was I relaxed.
Almost 50 years later I don't get to the beach often but still love it.
I found Dave Patrick’s book at Barnes & Noble. California’s Nude Beaches. I went to San Onofre the next day. I parked at trail 1 instead of 6 and walked for a long time until finally I saw them in the distance. Surfers, volleyball and frisbee clothes free. Nervous, I sat for a while before I undressed. I had the biggest smile that day.
When you see that new person acting hesitant on the beach, say hello. Let them know the boundaries and etiquette. Introduce them to your friends and a game of frisbee. At the end of the day wave and say hope to see you next time.
My first time was with a buddy at home. He had hung out nude at home and introduced me to it when he stayed overnight. I thought it was a bit strange, different, but he was a good friend and he kept saying it was so relaxing and comfortable. He was definitely right! I've been to a nude beach and a clothing-optional resort. I love the relaxing feeling I have while nude. These days, I enjoy it mostly at home. Also, I have found that it helps me deal with the neurological symptoms of my disability quite a bit.
My first social nudist experience was at a municipally owned and operated spa in a small town in the Black Forest of Germany (Bad Liebenzell). It was the nude sauna and pool area. For the Germans it eas completely normal with grand parents, parents, all children and boyfriends and girlfriends. Changing in the dressing rooms next to grandmothers was a mental stretch for me at first. It took me an hour of going between various saunas and pools before I could really be calm and comfortable. But my mind was still trying to process how all these people thought this was a perfectly normal activity for all sexes and ages to be doing together without a second thought.
Hippy Hollow in Austen, Texas. Was curious about nudism since I was young and finally tried it there. Great to have an official venue for newbies to feel okay about it. Later took my wife there and she had fun. Now she enjoys a nude beach or hot springs, even if most of the time prefers textile places.
I came late to social nudism. I was in my early 60s when I went to the nearest nudist resort. I didn't know what to expect, but now I go there at least once a year.
I visited Cypress Cove Resort in Kissimmee, Fla., in 2014 with a girlfriend. It was my first nudist experience, although she had previously been to a nude beach. I was nervous at first, but in a short while it was the most liberating experience of my life. For the first time, EVERYONE was the same. It was invigorating and a powerful experience. I have since returned several times, sometimes alone, and found the experience the same every time. It feels like I spent the earlier years of my life cloistered in clothing that I never knew that I really didn't need.
My first co-ed nudist expereince was when I was 50 years old. I had experienced social nudity in school where we swam naked and were required to shower naked after gym class. My first mixed sex experience was a weekend Esalen-style massage workshop in Vermont. I was so nervous when I arrived I couldn't write the check to pay the balance I owed because I was shaking so much. Friday night we all remained dressed. Saturday morning after breakfast we all went into the workshop area where three massage tables were set up for the nine students. We were instructed to undress and choose two partners. I was so nervous! But once we began to massage, I immediately relaxed into the techniques we were being taught. At lunch everyone remained naked and I did too, and by then I felt very much at ease as we sat outside on the porch overlooking the river. That was 1991. Since then I have attended the Eastern Naturists Gathering each year where I taught numerous workshops naked. I became a Massage Therapist and still practice part time at age 80. My expereince at the Naturists Gathering prepared me for leading a men's naked stretching class which I now teach via ZOOM, the result of the COVID shut down. Being naked is the most liberating thing I have done in my life.
My first experience was at the late, lamented Lighthouse Beach on Long Island. I was anxious, at first, until I realized the other nude people were paying no attention to me. I was hooked and have greatly expanded my participation in social nudity. Art Vernon barebbee
To someone or someone s' about their first nudist event, I would tell them about how family friendly our club is. That there is no judgement about body sizes, shapes, ethnicity, social orientation. We like to hear about various professions, skills, etc. but do not judge that about them. Our point is body freedom in a safe, secure environment. If they need time to "get comfortable" we totally understand and accept that. Letting them join us when they are ready or not join us.
I was 19 years of age and working in a northern Canadian bush camp. We all needed a bath and so we went to a (cold) lake and jumped in. As cold as it was, the experience was exhilarating and liberating - the first of several that summer and the beginning of a way of life.
First time in 1997 and never looked back. Introduced many women to the lifestyle as well. Been to beaches in Europe and clubs and beaches all over the United Stares. Joined my local landed club 24 years ago....
Having gone nude at various places in Florida since 1962 and southern Spain beaches in the 80's, my first social nudist community/club was at Sequoians in Castro Valley, California. in 1999. Due to that community, I have been there ever since, 25 years.
I was 11 and skinny-dipped at a friend's, with two other friends and the host's friend's younger sister, in his pool. He was German, and his family was in The States for a few years as his dad got transferred to a US host office. Being 11 it felt a bit different than the options listed as we (or I at least) still didn't see nudity as a bad thing. It was also the 90s, and changing in the locker rooms for swim listens or summer camp was still common. The hesitation really came from being naked in front of his mom, but it quickly went away. Same with being naked front of his sister, who was about 7 or 8, and seeing her nude too.
My first experience was a nude beach when I was 16, over 30 years ago. I took to it from the first moment and quickly started making friends immediately. It felt so normal that from that day on, I never wore clothes at home or in the backyard ever again. I didn’t even care if my if family or friends saw me naked. Funny thing was, nobody seemed to care or thought there was anything wrong with it.
Unfortunately, I have NEVER experienced social nudism and probably never will, however, I applaud those that have. I am very much in favor of total freedom to be nude in public.
If I were aware of places near me where it could be practiced, I would most definitely go. The state, Alaska, and area that I am in has a very anti-nude attitude.
3 mile beach near Penticton BC in 2010 . Then I drove to Vancouver and spent a few days at Wreck Beach. I found it to be liberating and also people were easy to talk to, unlike a Textile Beach
My fist experience was soo liberating as if I was finally doing what must. I dreamt about it. It happened in an abandoned rock quary ( lac vert, near Quebec city, Can... doesn't exist anymore).
I was 21 when I had my first experience in social naturism ( I am 45 now ).
I was in college and I met a fellow naturist guy on an online chat group that was interested in going to the same resort I had been wanting to visit for a long time to have my first experience at.
He was a cool Belgian dude and had been a nudist his whole life.
So, we arranged to go on a perfect weather Sunday. We arrived very early in the morning, checked in, undressed, took tour, then enjoyed the day.
I quickly got used to it and had an amazing adventure of a day.
I knew from that day on I was a nudist heart and soul.
I went to a nudist sunning area, and also attended various events, such as CFNM parties and other play parties; also spent time at a nudist resort, and attended other nudist events, and social gatherings -- I thoroughly enjoy all such scenarios. nakedRob a1ablvd@gmail.com
After living in a marriage that mentally and emotionally stripped me of my confidence and mental wellbeing I found Naturism. It’s was through naturism where I learned that I was OK for just being me, no pretense, no judgment just good people enjoying good fellowship and supporting one another!
Cheri and I joined ASA about when it became AANR in 1993. We would have been around 50. Because I was rather recognizable where we lived in Oregon we chose to join at Cypress Cove. Loved naked recreation from the get go. We have visited many of the AANR clubs over the years as well as nude beaches, B&B's, cruises and travel club excursions. That included the Oregon facilities before long.
I was aware of social nudism since childhood. The farm country Service Station, Bar, Barber Shop where I got my ice cream cones and hair cuts had magazine racks including Nudist Magazines, the covers featured fit looking people having fun outdoors and looking happy naked. I was impressed! And the Barber had the Marilyn Monroe calendar on his wall, looking fit too!
Cher and I married in our 20's and when we traveled without the kids we got some personal naked patio time in and sometimes on long hot freeway drives the passenger would strip off, kept us from speeding! Nudity in public was not a big deal when we finally joined ASA/AANR.
My wife and I are 54 and 52. The first time we did was in Maui. She was very nervous. When we sat down I was just looking at the scenery. I look over at her and she’s already taken her top off and she’s training her bottoms off. She first said she was only going topless. I said, I thought you were nervous. She said well I figured I’ll just rip that bandaid off. She loved it. We even stayed the weekend at a nude resort which happens to be just 29 minutes away. That was extremely liberating. Every one is nude everywhere you go. Played darts in the nude, eat dinner in the nude. Play sports in the nude. We can’t wait to get back
When was my first social nudist experience?
Was it Skinny-dipping with friends in the 60's, streaking in the 70's, the Rainbow Gathering in the 80's, naturist resorts in the 90's, clothing optional hot springs of the 2000's, WNBR of the 2010's, or Burner events of the 2020's? It was simply a natural evolution.
~Safebare
Sometimes the “first time” gets buried under a mountain of great times!
I was 13 and travelled to visit my mother's cousin and her family in Sweden on the Baltic. No sooner did I get there, that the girls (about my age) said, "Let's go swimming." I went to my room, put on my swimsuit and ran out to meet them -- they were naked. They giggled and we ran out to the beach. When we got there, I met a couple boys that I knew from visiting before in City -- they looked perplexed at me in a swimsuit, as they too were naked. It took about an hour and, yep, I was naked and stayed thar way as much as I could that Summer on the beach and the following Summers too.
The first beach experience was climbing down the cliff and emerging into hundreds of nude people at Black's Beach many years ago. The beach was gorgeous, the nudity - my own and others - was pure freedom, along with a healthy dose of sensuality. Then a few years later, I went to my first nudist campground with my neighbor, a tiny mom-and-pop, junkyard-fenced 5 acres outside of Lake City, FL called Chin-ka-pin, run by a scary guy named Newt and his wife Ramona. Just a camping area, a sand volleyball court, a pool, and dozens of naked, friendly people, in the steamy woods of North Florida. Totally different vibe than Black's Beach, but just as liberating, exciting and fun. I met a couple there that I am still in touch with nearly 50 years later. And I'm still hanging out naked in Southern California and finding it just as much fun as ever!
My first social nudist experience was a massage course given by the Communiversity, part of the Geneses Coop in Rochester NY in about 1973. It was given in the nude and we learned basic massage techniques. It was my first time being nude with strangers of the opposite sex and touching them as well. I was pretty terrified going in but happy with it by the end. I later went to conventional massage school and still do some massages.
We fondly recall some of the hands on massage classes we did on Bare-Necessities cruises. I remember one that started with the guys above, gals below for the first 1/2 hour. When the guys went down the instructor laughed over all the poles sticking up. Sadly in recent years BN cut out most of the hands on, just demo.
It was wonderful. We went to a beach in New Jersey near NYC. There were a lot of people there all enjoying themselves. The water was warm and it was great swimming in the ocean nude. I noticed at one end were all men, which I assume was a more male gay area, and at the other end were mostly women. I fit in the middle. What a great day. I have to visit the one in Florida sometime.
You went to Gunnison Beach in Sandy Hook NJ. Tis a great clothing optional beach that's actually a family beach that's a part of a national park
I went to the Red, White and Blue beach near Santa Cruz, CA.
My wife took me. I was excited and nervous that I might have an erection so took 2 towels just in case. It was an exhilarating experience and very enjoyable. I felt very free and especially enjoyed being naked in the ocean! And no problems with my earlier concerns.
My wife and I first experienced it 3 years ago when I was 38. I learned there was a nudist resort nearby and had wanted to try it out and was able to convince my wife to give it a try because I saw they were doing a bingo night and she loves bingo. I got naked but sat at the back of the room and was terrified to go up and get new bingo cards. When I finally did I was so worried people would be looking at my body and as I'm standing in line I realized they were because I got some compliments on my chest and arm tattoos which really made me feel at ease. It was like the most liberating thing I ever experienced, like destroying a wall in my brain which society had built telling me nudity was sexual and not appropriate. We applied for a membership to the resort the very next day!
WTL?
Walking to Center Camp at Burning Man 2008. I had hung out with a camp of nudists one afternoon and they invited me to the naked group walk. I remember stopping along the way at an ice ream stand. The servers were non-judgemental and friendly. When we arrived at Center Camp, the giant tent was bustling with performance artists. It was exhilarating and my "lightness of being" felt so heavenly! I joined a nudist club the following year and haven't looked back!
I enjoyed nudity at home, finally I met a wonderful woman and went to Play-a-linda beach 🏖️ in Brevard County Florida and had a wonderful time enjoying it for a few hours and it was wonderful playing in the ocean together and walking hand in hand on the beach just talking and a few times after that enjoying nude Resorts as well in Tampa area
I moved to San Diego in 1975 and one day at work a fellow employee said, "Let's go to Black's Beach this weekend". I unknowingly asked, "What's Black's Beach"? "The nude beach"! he replied. Of course as a newbie I was nervous with the normal fears and misconceptions, but when we finally made it down to the sand there were hundreds, if not thousands, of people enjoying a beautiful day on California's first legal nude beach at the time. Families, UCSD students, people of all ages and body types having a great time playing volleyball, body painting, swimming in the surf, sunbathing and relaxing all nude.
About 10 minutes after finding our stretch of sand to lay our towels down, I decided to go for it, dropped my bathing suit and ran into the refreshing Pacific surf. It was then that I had my lightbulb moment, that epiphany that made me realize that this was so natural, that it felt so good, so right, I was hooked for life! After that I was on the beach any chance I could get, and eventually joined a local non-landed club, The Camping Bares, who still have one of my favorite mottos (An Anarchist Disorganization Dedicated to the Destruction of the Fabric of Our Society). Since then I've visited many places and been a member of many clubs until now I am President of the Southern California Naturist Association (SCNA) and my wife is President of The Naturist Society Foundation (TNSF).
I drove into a nudist resort and saw a gentleman walking along a road. I knew what was expected, but for some reason the sight was surprising. Once I disrobed, my reaction eased. Sitting at a beach for a while and being among other Naturists made me feel more like one of the group. Several years later, I am at ease.
I was 20 and it was at a nude beach. I took to it immediately.
Cool! Can you say which beach?
Moonstone Beach in Rhode Island, which no longer exists
I lived in Westerly, and family used to have a vacation home in Charlestown. I visited Moonstone three times in my youth. Ashamed to say, not as a participant, but as a "voyeur" (truly kid stuff). Some years later, I came to fully appreciate nudity and naturism, and now am a HAPPY full-fledged member of this community. (my apologies to all those who were victims of my stares)
How does a beach cease to exist?
It was closed down to create a bird sanctuary
Ah
My first social experience was at Hanlan's Point Beach in Toronto, which is perhaps why it remains a special place for me to this day. It was the summer of 2008. A friend invited me to accompany him to the beach, which he often went to, knowing that I'd been intrigued for awhile. He knew I was a bit nervous, but he led by example - stripping down as soon as we arrived. His boldness gave me permission to join in, so I did. We spent the rest of the afternoon enjoying the sun and the water au naturel and making new friends. After that day, I knew it was for me. But other than a few one-off visits to the beach here and there, it was still several years before I started to identify more fully with the lifestyle and seek out other social experiences. At this point, there's no going back, I suppose. ))
We never had strict rules about clothing around the house as I was growing up. One day while we were on vacation in New Jersey we were scheduled to go to the beach. My parents told us it was a clothing optional beach, and explained what that meant. I started off the day in my swim suit. I got to playing with some other kids my age, they were all nude. After a while, I excused myself, ran over to where my parents had their stuff, ditched the swim suit and went back to playing. The older I got, the more and more I began to dislike clothing except when necessary. AND, to this day, nude in water is the most relaxing thing I can imagine.
I love going to Gunnison Beach at Sandy Hook! Tis a great place to spend the day
My first social nude experience was at Orient Beach, St Martin when I was 24. I had heard about the clothing optional beach and was excited to visit. I almost let my nerves get the best of me and not disrobe but as I was about to leave a little little voice in my head said I would regret it if I didn't give it a shot. So I took off my suit and went in the ocean. The joy I felt swimming and being on the beach that day was wonderful.
It was wonderful. We went to Gunnison in northern NJ. The several hundred people there were friendly, it was great swimming in the ocean nude, and I felt so comfortable. I was among people like me that enjoy nudity.
In the late sixties, during the Hippie movement, a group set out for a local lake that, in that era, was pretty much void of human expansion. It was Friday afternoon, they always made it a weekend getaway, and it was my first time going. As soon as we got settled in the spot which was often frequented by this group, we all shed our clothes and enjoyed the natural beach that laid before us. We did not put clothes on until Sunday afternoon. I knew a few of the people in the group and thanks to them I, not only met many other great people, but was introduced to the idea of social nudity. The idea of social nudity not being sexual was and is a myth. We acted within character of the moment. Skinny dipping, we played in the water and swam. Drying off, we laid on the beach and helped eachother apply sun lotion. Sitting around the fire pit, we ate, drank bear and joked about. At night we slept. And. Yes. Somewhere within the day we managed to be intimate with another. There were no issues, no jealousy only friendship. I definitely miss those summer days.
I don't know if Skinny Dipping with friends counts, but that's what really kind of woke me up to the idea of nudism... But in a full social situation it would be Wreck Beach in 2006. Once I spent a day there... There was no going back.
On my last day at Burning Man 2008, I "hung out" with a camp of nudists. They invited me to take a nude walk to Central Camp, maybe 5 of us. I remember stopping with the small group to get an ice cream cone at one of the many stands by the path. Everyone was non-judgemental and so friendly. Then we walked through Central Camp, which was bustling with performance artists. It was beyond exhilarating and my lightness of being was such a heavenly feeling! One of those nudists gifted me a handmade Burning Man necklace, which I wear regularly and will always cherish. Soon after, I joined a naturist club.
My first was at age 11 at a small inland lake wher we though nothing a out swimming naked, it was just small town stuff, and we just continued as teens and adults it was normal
I was in my late teens. I was told to "Give it ten minutes." It didn't take more than five minutes to forget clothing. Because of the people surrounding me were at ease with themselves around me.
My very first experience was when I started going swimming alone at 10. I'd never seen anyone naked before.The male changing room was open plan, nobody cared about their nudity, felt so natural and right. I never wrapped myself in a towel afterwards.
My first public nudity was on holiday at 17, I'd been told there was an area of the dunes that were unofficially naturist, and when I ended up spending a few days alone I got there as soon as possible.
Yes, I was nervous at first, whenever I heard anyone approach I was covering up but soon realised they were all men as naked as I was I relaxed.
Almost 50 years later I don't get to the beach often but still love it.
I found Dave Patrick’s book at Barnes & Noble. California’s Nude Beaches. I went to San Onofre the next day. I parked at trail 1 instead of 6 and walked for a long time until finally I saw them in the distance. Surfers, volleyball and frisbee clothes free. Nervous, I sat for a while before I undressed. I had the biggest smile that day.
When you see that new person acting hesitant on the beach, say hello. Let them know the boundaries and etiquette. Introduce them to your friends and a game of frisbee. At the end of the day wave and say hope to see you next time.
My first time was with a buddy at home. He had hung out nude at home and introduced me to it when he stayed overnight. I thought it was a bit strange, different, but he was a good friend and he kept saying it was so relaxing and comfortable. He was definitely right! I've been to a nude beach and a clothing-optional resort. I love the relaxing feeling I have while nude. These days, I enjoy it mostly at home. Also, I have found that it helps me deal with the neurological symptoms of my disability quite a bit.
My first social nudist experience was at a municipally owned and operated spa in a small town in the Black Forest of Germany (Bad Liebenzell). It was the nude sauna and pool area. For the Germans it eas completely normal with grand parents, parents, all children and boyfriends and girlfriends. Changing in the dressing rooms next to grandmothers was a mental stretch for me at first. It took me an hour of going between various saunas and pools before I could really be calm and comfortable. But my mind was still trying to process how all these people thought this was a perfectly normal activity for all sexes and ages to be doing together without a second thought.
Hippy Hollow in Austen, Texas. Was curious about nudism since I was young and finally tried it there. Great to have an official venue for newbies to feel okay about it. Later took my wife there and she had fun. Now she enjoys a nude beach or hot springs, even if most of the time prefers textile places.
I was a nudist from toddlerhood, but didn't know nudism existed until I was about 20.
I came late to social nudism. I was in my early 60s when I went to the nearest nudist resort. I didn't know what to expect, but now I go there at least once a year.
Jimbo
I visited Cypress Cove Resort in Kissimmee, Fla., in 2014 with a girlfriend. It was my first nudist experience, although she had previously been to a nude beach. I was nervous at first, but in a short while it was the most liberating experience of my life. For the first time, EVERYONE was the same. It was invigorating and a powerful experience. I have since returned several times, sometimes alone, and found the experience the same every time. It feels like I spent the earlier years of my life cloistered in clothing that I never knew that I really didn't need.
My first co-ed nudist expereince was when I was 50 years old. I had experienced social nudity in school where we swam naked and were required to shower naked after gym class. My first mixed sex experience was a weekend Esalen-style massage workshop in Vermont. I was so nervous when I arrived I couldn't write the check to pay the balance I owed because I was shaking so much. Friday night we all remained dressed. Saturday morning after breakfast we all went into the workshop area where three massage tables were set up for the nine students. We were instructed to undress and choose two partners. I was so nervous! But once we began to massage, I immediately relaxed into the techniques we were being taught. At lunch everyone remained naked and I did too, and by then I felt very much at ease as we sat outside on the porch overlooking the river. That was 1991. Since then I have attended the Eastern Naturists Gathering each year where I taught numerous workshops naked. I became a Massage Therapist and still practice part time at age 80. My expereince at the Naturists Gathering prepared me for leading a men's naked stretching class which I now teach via ZOOM, the result of the COVID shut down. Being naked is the most liberating thing I have done in my life.
My first experience was at the late, lamented Lighthouse Beach on Long Island. I was anxious, at first, until I realized the other nude people were paying no attention to me. I was hooked and have greatly expanded my participation in social nudity. Art Vernon barebbee
Skinny dipping with my girlfriend and her summer art school classmates, back in 1972.
To someone or someone s' about their first nudist event, I would tell them about how family friendly our club is. That there is no judgement about body sizes, shapes, ethnicity, social orientation. We like to hear about various professions, skills, etc. but do not judge that about them. Our point is body freedom in a safe, secure environment. If they need time to "get comfortable" we totally understand and accept that. Letting them join us when they are ready or not join us.
I was 19 years of age and working in a northern Canadian bush camp. We all needed a bath and so we went to a (cold) lake and jumped in. As cold as it was, the experience was exhilarating and liberating - the first of several that summer and the beginning of a way of life.
First time in 1997 and never looked back. Introduced many women to the lifestyle as well. Been to beaches in Europe and clubs and beaches all over the United Stares. Joined my local landed club 24 years ago....
Having gone nude at various places in Florida since 1962 and southern Spain beaches in the 80's, my first social nudist community/club was at Sequoians in Castro Valley, California. in 1999. Due to that community, I have been there ever since, 25 years.
I was 11 and skinny-dipped at a friend's, with two other friends and the host's friend's younger sister, in his pool. He was German, and his family was in The States for a few years as his dad got transferred to a US host office. Being 11 it felt a bit different than the options listed as we (or I at least) still didn't see nudity as a bad thing. It was also the 90s, and changing in the locker rooms for swim listens or summer camp was still common. The hesitation really came from being naked in front of his mom, but it quickly went away. Same with being naked front of his sister, who was about 7 or 8, and seeing her nude too.
My first experience was a nude beach when I was 16, over 30 years ago. I took to it from the first moment and quickly started making friends immediately. It felt so normal that from that day on, I never wore clothes at home or in the backyard ever again. I didn’t even care if my if family or friends saw me naked. Funny thing was, nobody seemed to care or thought there was anything wrong with it.
i went to our local nudist resort shangri la. in 2000. i was completely comfortable relaxing in the sun at the pool.
Unfortunately, I have NEVER experienced social nudism and probably never will, however, I applaud those that have. I am very much in favor of total freedom to be nude in public.
Why don't you think you could give it a try?
If I were aware of places near me where it could be practiced, I would most definitely go. The state, Alaska, and area that I am in has a very anti-nude attitude.
My first social experience was at a municipal pool in what was then West Germany. It was great and I've not looked back since.
3 mile beach near Penticton BC in 2010 . Then I drove to Vancouver and spent a few days at Wreck Beach. I found it to be liberating and also people were easy to talk to, unlike a Textile Beach
My fist experience was soo liberating as if I was finally doing what must. I dreamt about it. It happened in an abandoned rock quary ( lac vert, near Quebec city, Can... doesn't exist anymore).
I was about 5 years old and thought nothing of it, all of the other kids in the pool were naked too.
I was 21 when I had my first experience in social naturism ( I am 45 now ).
I was in college and I met a fellow naturist guy on an online chat group that was interested in going to the same resort I had been wanting to visit for a long time to have my first experience at.
He was a cool Belgian dude and had been a nudist his whole life.
So, we arranged to go on a perfect weather Sunday. We arrived very early in the morning, checked in, undressed, took tour, then enjoyed the day.
I quickly got used to it and had an amazing adventure of a day.
I knew from that day on I was a nudist heart and soul.
I went to a nudist sunning area, and also attended various events, such as CFNM parties and other play parties; also spent time at a nudist resort, and attended other nudist events, and social gatherings -- I thoroughly enjoy all such scenarios. nakedRob a1ablvd@gmail.com
After living in a marriage that mentally and emotionally stripped me of my confidence and mental wellbeing I found Naturism. It’s was through naturism where I learned that I was OK for just being me, no pretense, no judgment just good people enjoying good fellowship and supporting one another!
Cheri and I joined ASA about when it became AANR in 1993. We would have been around 50. Because I was rather recognizable where we lived in Oregon we chose to join at Cypress Cove. Loved naked recreation from the get go. We have visited many of the AANR clubs over the years as well as nude beaches, B&B's, cruises and travel club excursions. That included the Oregon facilities before long.
I was aware of social nudism since childhood. The farm country Service Station, Bar, Barber Shop where I got my ice cream cones and hair cuts had magazine racks including Nudist Magazines, the covers featured fit looking people having fun outdoors and looking happy naked. I was impressed! And the Barber had the Marilyn Monroe calendar on his wall, looking fit too!
Cher and I married in our 20's and when we traveled without the kids we got some personal naked patio time in and sometimes on long hot freeway drives the passenger would strip off, kept us from speeding! Nudity in public was not a big deal when we finally joined ASA/AANR.
I started by going nude at home when I was a teenager. My first time was at a nudist resort a few years later was so much fun!