Naturism is not a radical new idea. The philosophy is thousands of years old. In ancient cultures as diverse as the Japanese, Roman, Hawaiian, and Greek, non-sexual social nudism was common. Skinny-dipping, or swimming without suits, was also common in many parts of the United States until the early 20th century.

Among those who practice this way of life, the consensus of opinion says just doing housework alone in the nude, doesn’t really qualify as being a nudist. Changing and showering in a locker room probably does not qualify either. What all practitioners agree is that exposure to other unclothed persons outside the home is usually seen as the defining moment that causes one to be able to declare he/she is a social nudist or naturist.

Many non-nudists believe that being naked with other people is necessarily always sexual, or that nudism is morally wrong or pornographic. Nudists/Naturists generally reject these views. Objections against being nude are often religiously motivated, even when they start out as a cultural taboo. Some peoples have started wearing clothes only after missionaries argued that that is more civilized. However, there are many devout nudists who attend services regularly and argue that they do not need to shed their morals with their clothes. Also there is a Christian sect that practiced religious nudism, the Adamites. There also are several Christian-based nudist resorts and travel clubs scattered across America.

At one end of the spectrum is unorganized naturism in which there is nothing to join, no one to pay, and only civil, common and criminal law to serve as rules of etiquette. Many people get their first exposure to the naturist movement through this kind of informal nudism (e.g. a clothing optional beach, a friend’s place in the woods, a party on the shore; skinny dipping).

Among organized nudists, the need to exist in as crime-free an environment as possible is taken very seriously, and potential members often go through strict screening procedures before being allowed inside. Persons who think of nudity as foreplay are more correctly defined as swingers and not nudists. These people are warned that solicitation for sex is strictly taboo and will get you tossed out of a club or resort very quickly. As a result nudists claim that their children (and spouses) are far safer from potential sex predators in a nudist environment than they are in the textiled world. Nudist organizations maintain and try to enforce a no sex in public policy. The common mantra is Nude is Not Lewd It is rare to see obvious signs of sexual behavior (including staring or gawking) at most sites. When sexual or drug misbehavior occurs it is usually done by non-nudists in unorganized environments, such as by people (usually men) up on the cliffs looking down on the nude beach-goers.

Some nudist organizations do not allow people with body jewelry below their neck on their premises, as these often have sexual connotations. The same applies to certain tattoos, although both these rules seems to be less and less enforced since body piercings and tattoos are now becoming more commonplace in the general public. Almost all clubs accept people of all sizes, shapes, ages, and types including those with surgical scars, or interestingly trimmed (or absence of) hair. Some nudist organizations do not allow unaccompanied men, or have established quotas in order to better achieve gender balance at their venues. The same policy does not usually apply to single women, and some see this as hypocritical in a subculture which promotes acceptance. This topic is often debated within naturist circles.

Remember, the terms colony and camp are now considered arcane and are no longer used except by the uneducated public press. Read some additional nudist terminology.

Both terms refer to persons who believe in the inherent dignity of the human form, whether or not it is covered with clothing, and who reject the notion that all nudity is sexual. Naturism is the term more commonly used outside the U.S. to describe family-friendly, clothes-free recreation at appropriate times and places; "nudism" is an American term and usually refers to nude recreation that occurs within the confines of private clubs or resorts organized for that purpose. Although the terms are used interchangeably in this article, some draw a distinction between the terms by defining a naturist as one who embraces a philosophy that includes more than occasional nudity, often environmentalism, vegetarianism or simply more of a closeness to nature. A visit to a nude beach may entitle someone to be called a nudist but does not make one a naturist.

The nudist or naturist label is really a state of mind of the practitioner, instead of a strictly defined classification imposed by others. The majority of those who enjoy skinny-dipping and other clothes-free activities, though, reject attaching any particular label to it at all.

Naturists reject clothes when possible for the same reason most people avoid wearing a three-piece suit to the beach: It’s more comfortable to be free of them. Nudists/Naturists are people who believe the human body is inherently dignified and is nothing to be ashamed of.

The idea of body acceptance is also a large part of the philosophy. The stripping away of clothing removes the materialistic and class status symbols that act to separate individuals from each other, allowing them to experience, at the same time, both the freedom and also the vulnerability of who they really are with others. They believe people should have the right to be nude at appropriate times and places, public and private. Consequently, nudists participate in various social and group activities without clothes whenever the weather or public circumstances allows it. The benefits naturists claim from clothes-free recreation are as varied as the individuals who participate, but may include relaxation and stress relief; improved body image and self-esteem; the chance to form social relationships based on character rather than appearance; a deeper feeling of connection to the earth and other naked creatures; and the satisfaction of a more natural, rational approach to the body.

Many naturists are convinced that increased exposure to the natural environment, made easier through nudity, can result in numerous health benefits. Sunlight has been shown to be beneficial in some skin conditions, and is required by the body to make vitamin D. However, with the increased awareness of skin cancer, wearing of sunblock/sun protection lotions is now part of the nudist culture and is one of their frequently discussed topics. Whereas nudist parents don't require their children to put on clothes before going outside at a nudist club or beach, most do require them to put on sunscreen lotion. Overall, naturists often claim that they are more relaxed and in a better state of mind when they shed their clothes.

In their day to day lives, naturists are not very different at all from the people you know. There are naturists in every profession and socio-economic level. Some are married, some are single, and some are parents with children. Naturists tend to be well-educated. They are often politically minded and vote across the spectrum. Many are religious; virtually every major denomination is represented.

Chances are, you already are acquainted with some naturists. In fact, you are talking to one now. Some of your friends, neighbors and co-workers probably enjoy skinny-dipping from time to time. Perhaps you yourself have visited a nude beach or resort, either close to home or while traveling in Europe or the Caribbean.

Naturist gatherings bring together people from all walks of life but with a fundamental similarity. Naturists say this diversity of background combined with a shared belief in body acceptance provides an atmosphere of tolerance and openness unmatched by other social groups and settings.

The activities you might enjoy at a clothing-optional beach or resort are the same ones you'd enjoy at any beach or resort: swimming, running, walking, Frisbee, bicycling, picnicking or just reading and relaxing. Many resorts have volleyball, tennis, petanque and other sports facilities, along with swimming pools, hot tubs, saunas and spas.

If you're an outdoors type, you might enjoy backcountry hiking, camping, sailing, canoeing (sometimes called "canuding"), hot springs soaking, or backpacking. If you live in a climate where the weather turns cold, look for a local naturist group to provide pool parties, bowling, roller skating or other indoor nude activities in winter.

Very! Millions of people have experienced the freedom of nude recreation. Long accepted in European countries like France, Germany and the Netherlands, today clothing-optional beaches and resorts may be found across the globe and are increasingly popular in the U.S., Canada, the Caribbean, Mexico, Australia, Britain, Spain, South Africa, Brazil, New Zealand even Russia! The latest World Guide to Nude Beaches and Resorts lists 1,365 such destinations worldwide.

Roper Polls. In the U.S., poll after poll demonstrates public acceptance of naturism. In 1983, a Roper poll found that over two-thirds of the American public (72%) agreed with the statement: people who enjoy nude sunbathing should be able to do so without interference from officials as long as they do so at a beach that is accepted for that purpose (24% were opposed). In 2000, Roper did another survey using the exact same questions. This time the approval number had risen to 80%, while the opposition had decreased to 17%. In other words, the public is far more accepting of the idea of free beaches than the politicians think or that the volume level of the few remaining vocal opponents would indicate.

Comparing results of a second question, also asked seventeen years apart, yielded even more positive results. When asked of local and state governments should set aside secluded areas of public land for people who enjoy nude sunbathing, the numbers now showed opponents and supporters to be evenly divided (48% each). In 1983, the poll showed only 39% in support and 54% opposed. Clearly there has been a positive shift between generations. A third question asked if the person being polled had ever personally ever gone "skinny dipping" or nude sunbathing in a mixed group of men and women at a beach, at a pool, or somewhere else? In 1983 only 15% admitted to having done so, but in 2000 the survey revealed that number had grown to 25%. This extrapolates into an extraordinary 51 million Americans who have participated at one time or another in nude recreation. A total of 18% said they would consider visiting a clothing-optional resort or nude beach.

In 2006, a third Roper poll found similar results. In the scientific sampling of 1009 U.S. adults conducted recently by Roper, 74 percent of those polled said they believed people who enjoy nude sunbathing should be able to do so without interference from local officials as long as they do so at a beach that is accepted for that purpose. Responses to other questions in the poll suggest that more than 55 million Americans have, at one time or another skinny-dipped or sunbathed nude in mixed-gender groups. Approval for government designation of clothing-optional areas has reached 54 percent in the 2006 survey, up from 39% in 1983 to 48% in 2000.

While the majority clearly accepts the naturist way of life, it seems our lawmakers and politicians in North America have yet to catch up with the times. Although there are a number of traditionally recognized clothes-optional beaches in the U.S., only a few are officially designated.

All 50 states have laws addressing public nudity, and there are Canadian and territorial laws addressing the topic, too. But laws are not uniform across North America. In some places, nudity is only restricted under certain circumstances, such as being reckless in your disregard for the presence of someone who would be offended. Definitions of nudity vary wildly among jurisdictions, too. In many places (New York state and Austin, Texas, for example), a top-free woman is not considered nude. One Florida county started a legal trend a few years ago with a bizarre 250-word mathematical definition of the human buttocks!

Enlightened jurisdictions are making a distinction between lewd activity and simple non-sexual nudity (e.g., skinny-dipping or nude sunbathing). Even those retaining relatively harsh penalties for nudity are beginning to see the benefit of having public places set aside for clothing-optional use.

For questions involving legal interpretations, we recommend that you consult an attorney. For a discussion of various laws regarding nudity in California, read more information here.

Most of us are so accustomed to viewing idealized versions of the human body in movies, in magazines and on television that we've developed an unrealistic idea of what the average body is like. Consequently, as a first-time naturist you may fear that everyone else will have a thin, fit, perfectly proportioned body, and that you will not. This is not the case. At clothes-optional beaches and resorts you will be greeted by body types of all kinds: young and old, tall and short, fat and thin, tanned and pale, and everything in between. Some people will have physical disabilities; others will carry scars from past injuries or surgeries. Few will conform to an artificial "Hollywood standard" of perfection, a standard that’s all but impossible to achieve for most people. What’s more, you will find that all types of bodies are accepted just as they are.

Absolutely not. To the contrary, naturists believe it is our cultural heritage of body shame that leads to an unhealthy obsession with sex. Naturists believe sex is a normal, healthy part of life, but one that should be enjoyed by consenting adults in private. They believe clothes-optional beaches, resorts, or social gatherings are inappropriate places for sexual activity. They recognize that while nude is not lewd, public sex is offensive to many people, and almost always illegal. Naturists are not exhibitionists. They do not wish to offend those who fear nakedness, and therefore work for designated public and private areas at which people have the option to wear clothes or not. They prefer such areas to be well-marked so people who may be offended can easily avoid them. As in all social situations, there is an etiquette to clothes-free gatherings that’s based on common sense and respect for others.

It’s common in cultures that link nudity and sexuality for people to believe that anyone who is nude is somehow motivated by sexual desire. Women may worry that men will ogle them or come on to them. Men might fear that they will embarrass themselves by becoming aroused at the sight of so many naked bodies. The truth is that neither happens very often. Desmond Morris, social anthropologist and author of The Naked Ape, writes that If you perform nudity in public you destroy its value as an erotic action. Nudists know this to be true in practice.

Women concerned about gawkers should be encouraged to learn that it is socially unacceptable at the places where naturists gather for people to stare, harass, or intimidate others. If someone is making you feel uncomfortable with their comments or behavior, it is right to speak up against it, and to notify the resort manager, activity leader or beach user group volunteer. Unacceptable behavior need not be tolerated.

Men who fear they will get an erection should know that it is rare in naturist settings. Some say it’s because the initial nervousness of the new situation inhibits a physical sexual response. But the most important reason is that a naturist environment is not sexually charged.

If a man should experience an involuntary erection, the appropriate response would be to casually cover up with a towel, roll over onto his stomach, jump in the water or otherwise excuse himself until the moment passes. Naturists know that erections are natural and often involuntary, but it’s considered impolite to flaunt it.

Breaking the link between nudity and sexuality often opens an entirely new dimension of body- and self-acceptance. For most people it’s an exhilarating realization of physical and spiritual freedom.

Some people fear they will be embarrassed to undress in front of others for the first time. Many of the traditional nudist resorts do require those visiting for the first time to disrobe and to take a tour of the facilities. This acts as a filter to separate out those serious about participating in the club’s activities from those who just want to get a sneak peek. It’s best to ask the management when you call to arrange your visit, if this is important to you.

The good news is that all public lands naturist areas, and many of the resorts today, are clothing-optional, not nudity required. That means it is entirely up to the individual whether, when and how to disrobe. At nude beaches especially, you will find it easy to go at your own pace. In fact, you will probably find that you are eager to undress, since you might feel strange when you are the only one in clothing!

Most clubs will not allow clothing of any kind in their spas or swimming pools, for example, whether or not clothes are optional elsewhere on the grounds. Most naturists will dress at some times (like when the sun goes down and it’s chilly) or for some activities (like barbecuing). Women who are menstruating sometimes will wear shorts, a pareo, or other wrap-around (though others simply wear tampons and tuck in or cut off the string). For the most part, naturists prefer to be naked and will be whenever the opportunity is there.

Naturism is for all ages, and naturist beaches and resorts in general are family-friendly places (though some parents may find those out-of-the-way beaches difficult to reach with the little ones). Parents may wonder whether their children will want to participate in nude activities, and the answer depends a great deal upon the child and what messages he or she has received about the body while growing up. Young children are natural nudists, but it’s not unusual for older ones to become less interested in nude recreation at the onset of puberty. How parents react to these differing developmental stages varies, but a child’s fears and feelings should be respected. Discretion is the watchword here.

Another hot topic these days concerns the effect of nudism on children. Freud and his more contemporary disciples (Benjamin Spock and Joyce Brothers) often warned that children, especially during the years from nine to thirteen, should not be allowed to see their parents nude walking around the house because it would over-stimulate the youngsters. This unsupported belief was repeated often during the past 75 years.

While introducing one’s children to naturism is a matter of parental choice, Alayne Yates, professor of psychiatry at the University of Arizona, has shown that in cultures where nudity in common, children grow up to be less critical of their bodies. Other studies have shown similar, positive benefits for children who are raised in a nudity-friendly environment. In 1985 and again in 1995, Dennis Craig Smith did a Kinsey-style survey of real naturist families to see how growing up in a nudist environment had affected children in both the short-term and long term. His study was published as a book, Growing Up Without Shame, and its conclusions reaffirmed what nudists always knew: that families practicing social nudism at home or at clubs/resorts were more stable and exhibited far fewer psychological problems than occurs in the public at large. Smith sampled nearly a five hundred nudists twice, ten years apart, once as children, and then as adults. He also sampled 500 college-age students who were not nudists so the results could be compared. Of the social nudists surveyed, 90% said nudity at home was a common practice, and 43.3% said it was common to dine in the nude. Some 28.3% of the social nudist group indicated that they had lived permanently with their parents in a nudist camp at some time during their childhood. The results of the ten-year comparison showed that 66.7% of the social nudists labeled their adolescence as stable and/or happy. Less than 18% of them report an emotionally troubled adolescence. These numbers were roughly the same for the college student group.

The degree of marital satisfaction for both the nudists and the college groups did not indicate any differences between the two groups. To the charge that nudity leads to increased anti-social behavior later, only three of the 500 social nudists (less than 1%) indicated having been jailed for more than two days, while 21.7% stated that they had ever been arrested. This is slightly better than the national average for non-nudists. The study found few (only 4%) of the nudist respondents indicated any regrets or negative effects about being raised as nudists. And, most telling, 73.3% of them said plan to raise their children as nudists. Involvement in naturism has not been shown to be harmful and may even be beneficial to childhood psychological development. Some parents worry whether their children will be safe in a nude setting. Nude beaches and resorts tend to be very safe places, and naturists do tend to look out for each other. But as in all situations involving children, especially near water, parental vigilance is recommended.

Recently, to avoid any possible litigation, some privately-owned resorts and clubs in the USA forbid bringing any minor children from other families without written permission in advance. A few even exclude children of divorced parents without the written consent of the other ex-spouse (unless they can prove full custody). Of course, this does not apply to public beaches.

This is one of our Most Frequently Asked Questions. The answer is simple, due to the non-sexual nature of naturist clubs and resorts, erections rarely occur. If they do occur, in the absence of deliberate stimulation, they quickly subside.

Our parks and resorts are about as un-sexual as you can get… and deliberately so. Think of a beach, only without clothes (and without the boom-boxes, as radios and other such devices are almost universally banned at most parks.) And then notice that the average age in this scene is about 45, in all shapes and sizes, with a definite under-representation of people between 12 and 30. You will see families and couples sitting on beach blankets or lawn chairs, quietly talking among themselves or peacefully sunning themselves. Also, you will see groups of people sitting together alongside the swimming pool or in the Jacuzzi catching up on the latest gossip or sharing views on other subjects. In other words, it looks like any place else in America where people might gather — all races, religions, occupations, and philosophies — and the only thing all these people have in common is they like to do it without the encumbrance of clothes.

How could anyone unintentionally get an erection in such an environment? The answer is you can’t… really! Over the years we have introduced dozens of first-time guests to such parks and resorts, and the almost universal response upon first looking out upon the scene described above is, Oh… NOW I understand!

Nevertheless, although very rare, sometimes natural body functions such as erections can occur so the policy at most clubs and resorts is universally the same: Erections rarely last but a few minutes if unassisted, so just cover your affected area with a towel (or get into the pool or Jacuzzi) and remember what goes up always goes down. Most people understand this is a normal body function and will ignore you if you do not draw attention to yourself (and be especially careful to avoid being near children under 18.)

However, if you are discovered masturbating or otherwise helping to prolong the erection, or flagrantly and deliberately displaying your assets (erect or not), you likely will be asked to leave the resort at once, and probably will never be allowed to return. Many resorts share the names of people they have removed so you will also be banned from other local resorts as well. This one-strike policy acts as a powerful deterrent, and keeps out the looky-loos and others who may have a different agenda rather than just enjoying a tranquil day in the sun.

In truth, you only will really get into trouble at a nudist resort if you are overtly sexual or overly solicitous to someone else who would prefer to be left alone. Almost every resort (and beach, for that matter) have groups of unofficial volunteers who watch over the herd to be sure there is no such inappropriate behavior going on. Because the percentage of problems is far lower than what occurs at your average textiled public beach, nudist resorts are a far safer environment for families and women.

Along with the erection question, SCNA also receives occasional questions about genital sizes. Men and also women confide they are afraid of being too small or too large while others are concerned about being too thin or too overweight. Women are especially self-conscious about scars and marks.

To all those with such questions, be assured that the Nudist Philosophy is about body acceptance and physical attributes are not considered important. Everyone is different, everyone has marks from life experience, everyone is fine, and since there is nothing to hide, it is only what is inside that counts.

We encourage everyone to give it a try at least once, to understand that the wholesome, peaceful atmosphere can be just what a person needs to escape, at least for awhile, from the hectic pace of the outside world.

Menstruation is looked upon as a normal, healthy function. The wearing of shorts or the use of tampons enables women to enjoy most of their nudist activities. It is not a subject of notice or comment.

During this time of the month for women, many nudist women will wear bathing suit bottoms. What they all wear to prevent leakage is a matter of personal preference, but many wear tampons. Some avoid nudist venues during the first couple of days, feeling more comfortable to stay at home until able to control the flow with a tampon.

Going without precautions to capture menstrual flow in the nudist setting is not recommended. One wouldn’t do it in a textile setting so you shouldn’t do it in a nudist setting either. There are thousands of women nudists that are still full time nudists while menstruating. They all take the usual precautions. Doing this doesn't make them any less a nudist, full or part-time.

Well as a mom with three nudist daughters myself… I really don’t see what the issue is with these kinds of things. I see so many parents discovering nudism when their children are 8,9,10 15 or whatever the case maybe. And wondering how to make their children comfortable. Why are they uncomfortable in the first place? If YOU raised them so far, what have YOU done to give them negative feelings about nudity. I hold firm to the believe that if you MAINTAIN the same attitudes about home nudity ALL ALONG THE WAY, you will have very few issues to deal with in this regard as your children get older.

If YOU as a parent, shy away from making living nude then your children will emulate that behavior. You cannot expect children to be comfortable with nudity, if you yourself, are an on and off nudist.

It amazes me how many people fall into this category. I also don’t understand all of those who say things such as Well, we used to be able to go nude where we lived before, but now we can’t Why not? Did you move into a house made of glass clearly visible from the street?

The simple answer is: Don't overcomplicate it! Lead by example and let the children set the pace. If everyone is comfortable being nude at home, esptablish ground rules about drapes being open or shut, and advanced warnings to give when other neighborhood kids come to visit (NEVER be nude in from of other children without their parent's expressed written permission!)

If you and your wife want to introduce the kids to the lifestyle you already enjoy together, start by having your wife leave the bathroom door ajar, going from the bathroom to the bedroom nude and changing in the open. The kids acclaimate far better when mom does this instead of dad.

Again, don’t over think the nudity. What will she think? Will she get shocked, upset? Will it mess up her personal growth and emotional development?" As a result many people jump in and out, sending the family members a mixed message; one of insecurity. A gradual, yet consistent approach will give you plenty of time and opportunity to gauge the child's response to nudity at home. For example, there should be no outright walking around the house nude until the kids get used to seeing their mom. Once your wife starts doing it more often, one child or the other will eventually bring it up on thier own if they have a problem with it.)

Before long, they may start making those short steps from the bathroom to the bedroom without clothes themselves, or else they will sleep nude or be nude in their own rooms to try it out. Once this basic approach has become a common routine, you can take it up a notch further by being nude more and more frequently and for longer periods of time. After awhile, it may became quite common for them to be casually nude around each other and elsewhere in the house and it will all seem quite normal.

Or not. Just make sure you always leave the option open for your daughter; but don't be deterred if she doesn't follow. A friend of mine took the same path: she started sleeping nude and sunbathing nude in her backyard by herself, when she tought nobody was home. Eventually, her daughter got used to it and mom was able to join her, then the rest of the family. But it took a few years. In another family I know, the two teenage girls grew up as nudists and really enjoyed their summers at a local nudist resort. But come every August, they put back on their bathing suits so they could acquire tan lines in order to avoid suspicion among their friends when they returned to school and had to take gym showers.

Unfortunately, as an age group, American teenagers are about the most prudish (or maybe body self-conscious) group on the planet. About everything. I know one couple who brought their boys up nude but now that the boys are in their mid teens , they really don't want to go with the parents to the naturist beach. But then, they don’t really want to go with their parents anywhere.

Often they will not want to join because it is not the teen IN thing to do. They's rather hang out in the mall, or sit in front of the computer talking to Facebook friends. Perhaps they are also afraid of the Big Secret getting out at school and having to face the cruel and ignorant cat-calls of the other students and non-nudist friends. Others have grown up at nudist parks with friends their own age there whom they enjoy and do not want to lose. Kids are really good about keeping quiet about their nudist lifestyle to outsiders if they choose to do so (as do many of the parents!)

She may come back to it later on her own around age 20 bringing in tow a girl friend or two who are curious and who have told their parents they were going to the beach.) That little white lie happens a lot with adults also.

The most important thing you can do is make social nudity a positive experience for your children, then as they grow just let them choose and respect that choice.

The tween-to-teen years are always hard on kids, especially the girls, who up until now have enjoyed social nudity with their families and friends. The key to survival — kids and parents — is tolerance and understanding. Her responses to just about anything — homework, nudity, boys, phase of the moon — may well be marked by mood swings and so on. The most important thing you can do is to be there for her. Our approach was to make sure that she understands that it’s her choice and that you will love her and support her always. Open and frank discussions about changing bodies are helpful, and we like to think our daughter was much better adjusted by having seen unclad adults routinely and realizing that sex and sexual maturity are separate from nudity.

If she does decide to go fully nude, you will need to help her with the delicate aspects of menstruation. You’ll have to help her anyway of course, but the emphasis on normal physiology while nude can be complex. The idea that it is normal and there is nothing to hide is important, but how you manage nudity in the context of normal menses is also important.

The development of pubic hair can also be discomforting to young women and exposure can seem awkward. If you shave, there will be questions from her. One approach is to leave everything natural. Another is to point out that removal of hair can simplify management of the sweat glands and the odors that are associated with sexual maturation. Most important, I think, is that you and your husband have a common position of loving her no matter what she does and a common example of the range of appearances and behaviors that are appropriate in your home. A firm chat with the young men at home — especially the older leader — is also helpful to explain from a mom perspective what your daughter is about to go through. The boy(s) should be cautioned NOT to say anything about their sister’s changing body unless she brings it up, as little unsolicited comments and asides can easily undermine a girls’ self-body image. (Girls should also be cautioned to extend the same courtesy to her brother(s) entering puberty.

Teaching young women to care for their bodies and be proud of their health is extremely important in my view, and comfort with nudity — both yours and hers — can go a long way in this regard.

A Guide to Courtesy & Common Sense Behavior at Beaches and Hiking Trails Supporting Clothing-Optional Use Free beach etiquette is not much different from the same good manners that you should exhibit wherever you go. Be polite and respect the rights of others and others will do the same for you.

GAWKING IS IMPOLITE
Gawking, or staring at nude sunbathers, is impolite. It is always rude to stare at others, but it is especially so when you use binoculars or a camera to look at nude people. If you came to a clothing-optional (CO) beach to see for yourself what the experience is like, please, join in. You will have a great time. If you came to "look at the nudies," do yourself a favor and buy a magazine and read it at home.

OBEY ALL PARKING RULES AND REGULATIONS
Park only in designated areas. In some areas parking is limited and fills up early. If this is true at your beach you can: Arrive Early - before the crowds. Carpool - saving both gas and parking spots. Help others carry their stuff from the parking area to the beach. Someone may do the same for you.

RESPECT THE ENVIRONMENT
Keep out of areas that may be environmentally sensitive. Leave any wild animals (seagulls, sea lions, etc.) alone. We can loose access to CO areas by impairing the environment or preventing the wild animals from roaming free.

HELP KEEP THE AREA CLEAN
Bring and use trash bags. Always try to carry out more trash than you carried in. Leave nothing but footprints, take only memories.

GET DRESSED WHEN LEAVING ESTABLISHED CO AREAS
Many of the clothing optional beaches, while not strictly legal, are accepted by the local population. To avoid offending people, do not go nude into parking lots or textile beaches. Always be dressed if taking a stroll outside the boundary of the CO area.

AVOID ANY SEXUAL ACTIVITY
Avoid any hint of sexual activity in clothing-optional areas. Complaints about sex in public have caused problems at some CO beaches. Please, do not give the prudes an excuse to close down another CO recreation site.

RESPECT PRIVATE PROPERTY
Show respect for the private property of others as you go to and from the beach. Don't litter or park on private property. That means don’t park your blanket directly alongside or below another person if there is plenty of other space left on the beach. Respect the privacy of others. Many folks come to the beach to enjoy nature and do not want to be disturbed. It is OK to be friendly, but if someone doesn't seem to respond, please respect their right to privacy. It is okay to ask someone to apply sunscreen to areas you cannot reach. It is not okay to ask to apply sunscreen to another without them asking you first. Remember: “No” means “No!”

AVOID TAKING PHOTOS OR MOVIES
We recommend you leave the camera at home - including the one in your cell phone. If you insist on taking a picture, confine it to just the people in your party, and that means avoiding having anyone in the background without their verbal (if not written) consent. Also, totally avoid taking photos of nude under-age children at the beach as it just isn't worth the confrontation you will be inviting.

BE PREPARED
Most CO beaches are remote and do not offer the services and amenities found at textile beaches. Therefore you should bring everything you may need including: water/beverages, food, cooler, sunscreen, towel, chair or mattress. Use the bathroom in the parking lot before coming down the ramp to the beach.

SPEAK UP FOR STANDARDS
If you see someone who is violating the accepted standards, please explain to them clearly and politely just how they are violating the rules and just what the proper behavior is. You will find most voyeurs will leave immediately after being discovered.

We have heard from many first-timers at our monthly Meetups that they are confused by the correct usage of some of the colloquial terminology used at nudist venues and events. Nudists’ vocabulary, like the language in all areas of culture, morphs over time, and clubs in different regions of the country or members of specific clubs use some terms of these differently than members of other groups. However, the terms below should shed a little light on general definitions and help you navigate your way around the lawn during your first visit to a naturist event:

Clothing-optional – While this may seem pretty selfexplanatory, clothing optional resorts often require visitors who wish to use the swimming pool, Jacuzzi, or sauna to do so naked. People who remain dressed during their entire visit to a clothing-optional facility may be viewed as a voyeur and, appropriately, asked to leave. Check the club’s policies before assuming that the choice is yours throughout the place.

Clothing-free – Most nudists practice “dressing for comfort” – putting on or taking off clothing according to weather conditions, for example. However, clothing-free resorts, cruises, etc. expect members and visitors to remain nude as much as possible.

Naturist vs. Nudist– Although many use these terms interchangeably, especially in the United States, “naturist” is the preferred term in Europe. Naturist also implies a person with a greater appreciation for nature in general. Many naturist sites are campgrounds and beaches, focused less on the high-end amenities than other nudist resorts. Naturists are more active physically (volleyball, hiking, etc.) and practice healthy eating and a minimal impact on the environment. Many (but not all) also are non-smokers and drink very little (or no) alcohol.

Nude vs. Naked – Art historians have been debating the differences between the words "nude" and "naked" for centuries. Traditionally, "nude" is a term used to describe an unclothed person who has a degree of body acceptance and who is comfortable in his/her surroundings. Uninformed people like to use "naked" interchangeably with "nude", which is not the same. We define "naked" as meaning "exposed" or "vulnerable." Example: “She was buck naked on the beach” implies some jeopardy. "She was nude on the beach" does not.

Nakation – A term invented by AANR (the American Association for Nude Recreation) a few years ago as a play on the over-used term "stay-cation" (staying at home during one's vacation). On a "Nakation" the participants are partially or totally nude during all or part of it, usually at some nudist resort or on a cruise with other nudists. Skinny-dipping – Nude swimming.

Topless vs. Top-Free – “Topless” brings images of dancers on poles with dollar bills in their G-strings. The term preferred among nudists is “top-free.” Non-landed – This term refers to clubs or organizations that do not own property on which they gather. Members of non-landed (otherwise known as “travel”) clubs often meet for special events, such as a camping trip, volleyball tournament, or beach outing, or may gather at members’ homes to enjoy each other’s company. SCNA is a "nonlanded" club.

Landed – A clubs or destination resort which owns land on which they may or may not have club houses, swimming pools, or other amenities which members and guests enjoy without clothes. An outdated term from the 1940's to describe landed clubs was "nudist camp" or "nudist colony." We are not lepers. Please do not use these archaic terms as nudists deem them offensive.

Lifestyle – This word is often a “code” for “swinger clubs” in which sexual behavior in front of others is condoned. While people often refer to a nudist’s "lifestyle" when discussing the general attitude of naturists or nudists, talking about a “lifestyle resort” typically refers to one patronized by swingers. Many nudists use the phrase "chosen way of life" instead.

Textiles – Those who wear bathing suits. Nudists use this pejorative term to describe a non-nudist who endlessly speculates as to what is beneath the cloth of others, who peeks whenever possible, who believes on faith without ever having been to a nudist place that nudity equates to sex.

Cotton-Tails – A fun commentary on a newbie's tan lines as opposed to the veteran nudist who has none. It is not meant to be insulting but be careful who you say it to!

Smoothie – A person who shaves much of his/her body hair off. Hairless genitals has become a popular form of self-expression during the past decade, as is body jewelry (placed in various places besides ear lobes) and tattoos. Remember, it’s not polite to stare (or to make a comment).