The simple bare necessities

For some obscure reason, the concept of public nudity brings out the prude in most people. It could have something to do with an infamous incident with a snake, or it could be that we don’t want to see our own physical imperfections mirrored in others. On a more basic level it could be that we just wouldn’t know where to look. Personally, I think that we just aren’t comfortable enough with our bodies to display them so brazenly and expose them to potential ridicule.

Ridicule, however, isn’t part of the nudist culture. Nudists are proud of their bodies, regardless of shape, size and imperfections. They are comfortable with themselves to a degree that most people find baffling. So when new naked bodies appear on beaches or at camps, they don’t scrutinise them in minute detail. They take it for granted that the newbies are comfortable with their bodies too, and applaud them for it.

That being said, it doesn’t mean that there aren’t some guidelines regulating nudist etiquette. If you’re only into cheap thrills and eroticism, stay away from nudist beaches and camps. Nudists don’t appreciate being stared at and you will be asked to leave if you make people feel uncomfortable. It’s not acceptable to go around taking photographs at random. Always get permission before you snap away. Don’t get frisky. Nudists are liberal, open-minded people, but some activities should never be done in public.

Rules that relate specifically to beaches include:

• Leave a swimming costume in plain sight, such as on a rock, when you’re in a secluded area. This alerts others to you presence so they won’t suddenly be confronted with a naked person.
• Get dressed before you leave the beach, there’s no such thing as a nude parking lot, and there are unpleasant penalties for those caught driving in the buff.
• Keep the beach clean. Respect for purity and untouched nature forms part of the nudist philosophy. The rule is: if you carry it in, carry it out.
• Bring a towel because if there are other amenities such as a bar or deck chairs, it’s considered bad etiquette to sit on them with your bare behind.
• And most importantly, bring sunscreen! You don’t want your most delicate areas turning fire engine red and screaming in agony at the touch of a gentle breeze.
For those in search of a more complete nudist experience, some tour companies specialise in organising nudist holiday packages. Cruises are extremely popular as they offer complete privacy, and are totally separated from possible gawkers and public disapproval. Like regular cruises for the nudity challenged, there are several stops at onland tourist hotspots. The difference is that nudist cruises tend to stop where nakedness won’t cause a scene. This means that you can take a tour of prime nudist beaches in Hawaii, or along the Eastern Mediterranean. Clothed activities such as hiking are also offered.

Expecting all people to be comfortable with nudity, theirs and others, is a bit much to ask. Especially when you consider the years during which inhibition has been indoctrinated and embedded in our souls. But for total freedom and unconditional acceptance, I hear that nudism is the way to go.

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