Grin and Bare It: Your First Trip to a Nudist Club

 

There are a lot of misconceptions about what a nudist club is really like, especially for someone going there for the first time. It’s not a colony. Those are for ants and bees. It’s not the Friday night, swinging singles bar scene either. It’s not a “meet” market. It’s not where people go to show off their naked body in front of others or where people go to check out and stare at naked people.  Honestly, a nudist camp or club is a place where people go to be naked. They go there to enjoy everyday camp activities naked. It’s that simple.

As you know, this blog is about answering questions couples have about social nudity and about what to expect in a nude or clothing optional setting. Often that first happens on vacation at a beach or resort in the Caribbean or some other warm vacation spot.  A nudist club (although community is probably a better term) is a great place to try the nude experience too.

I believe one reason most people try nude recreation on vacation is because no one knows them. For that reason, I’m assuming most couples don’t try a nudist club first because they are worried they will see someone they know. Believe it or not, privacy is a big part of the experience. My wife and I have been to five nudist clubs throughout the Midwest in the past 20 years and we have never seen someone we knew. We’ll talk more about that later, but first let’s talk about what happens at a nudist club.

Think back to when you were younger and went away to summer camp. You went camping and had campfires. You went swimming and boating. You had picnics and bar-b-q’s. You played games like basketball, tennis and volleyball. You probably took walks in the woods or went fishing.

Now imagine everything I just said, except this time, you’re not wearing any clothing and neither is anyone else around you. That’s the nudist camp experience. Everyone is have fun outdoor and not wearing anything. No one is embarrassed. The people here are nudists and they are doing this because they want to live part of their lives without clothes on, without people gawking or staring; without people making unwanted sexual advances; and without being judged by other who are not accepting of this decision.

So why is a nudist club a good first experience for a couple considering recreational nudity? It’s about as safe an environment as you will ever be. It’s social but it’s private too. The first time my wife and I went to a nudist club, we were surprised about how relaxing it was. Yes, we were anxious because everyone was naked and that did take a little getting used to, but our nudity didn’t stand out. We looked like everyone else. Think about it. Warm all over. No worries about offending anyone. No need to explain yourself to someone who doesn’t approve, and no fear of anyone taking pictures or hitting on you or your spouse.

You’ve seen your spouse naked probably thousands of times.  Now how often have you both been completely naked outside without a fear of being seen? Have you ever been naked with them outside while hiking in the woods, swimming, playing a sport or eating dinner? It’s different and while yes, it sounds odd at first, it’s very natural and not a sexual experience.

Here are some tips that you must know to make sure it’s a good experience for you and your spouse. First of all, you need to have this conversation before you ever go to a nudist club.  Nudist clubs are nude. They are usually coops owned by members who in some cases, live there. They are not clothing optional. They are nude unless the weather calls for clothing to stay warm or dry.  This isn’t like a clothing optional beach or resort where you bear as much as you dare.  Talk to your spouse prior to going to make sure you’re comfortable with the fact you will have to take off your clothing. Wear a swimsuit. Wear a thong. No entry.

Call the club you would like to visit. Let them know you are coming out for the first time. Many camps offer a free visit for first timers. Ask them about what you should bring and get specific directions.  Many have privacy gates where you will need to be buzzed in. Know before you go. Also ask about any fees and expectations.

Bring your driver’s license or state issued ID. They will perform a background check on you when you enter. This is for their protection and for you when you arrive. Most nudist camps are family oriented. There are children there and privacy and protection for minors is the most important. No exceptions.

Most clubs do not accept single men. Couples and single woman only. There is a lot of debate about this but it seems to be important to keep the balance of men and women equal. One more reason why this is a great activity for you and your spouse. You really can’t do it alone if you’re a guy.

Bring a towel to sit on. Cleanliness is very important so bring a towel at all times so you have something to sit on.  Also, bring sun protection. When parts of your body are exposed to the sun for the first time, it can leave an awful burn if you’re not protected.

Absolutely no cameras or cell phones because they all have cameras now. While you might want to take a picture of your spouse to remember the occasion, most clubs do not allow photography of any kind, unless you’re a member. Remember, you’re there for privacy too.

Remember you are being watched while you’re there. Privacy is very important and each club watches to make sure visitors are acting as adults. Often you will have to wear a special sticker or arm band. Nudist clubs are there to enjoy being nude. Not for staring at nude men and women. Go there for you and your spouse. Not to meet anyone or to find a date. It is not a sexual experience and absolutely no inappropriate comments or sexual touching is accepted.  This is one more reason why this is a positive and safe environment to try social nudity with your spouse.

 

Don’t get too personal. No one talks about where they live, work or even gives their last name. Please introduce yourself and be ready for others to say hello too. We have met many wonderful people at nudist clubs but there is always a level of privacy that is respected and maintained.

Perhaps the most difficult part of the experience is where to look when you’re talking to another naked person.  Don’t laugh but one of my funniest memories was on our honeymoon in Tahiti. Another couple from Italy had sat down beside my wife and I on the beach. While our spouses fell asleep next to us in the sun, this woman and I talked about the US and Italy. We were having a great conversation. During our discussion and while I had my eyes closed, she took off her bikini top.  My wife’s bikini top was still on at that point. When I opened my eyes and realized she was topless, I didn’t know what to do. Should I look away? Look around her? I finally made a point of talking right at her and staring right at her eyes. My eyes were glued to her eyes. To this day, I can’t tell you anything about her breast because I never once looked straight at them. I was incredibly nervous.

When you’re talking to another naked person (man or woman) look them straight in the eyes and talk. Don’t stare. Don’t point and certainly don’t say anything about their private parts. That’s rude. Before long, you won’t even notice they’re naked.

My wife and I visit a local nudist club several times each summer. It’s a great getaway from our kids and jobs where we can enjoy time together to sit by the pool, swim and enjoy a picnic lunch together. As much as we’d like to go to some super, all-inclusive in Mexico or the Caribbean, we simply don’t have the time or money. Our trips to the nudist camp are special because it’s only 30 minutes away and it’s just us.

For the right couple, a nudist camp or club can be a great first step into social nudity. In the heat of the summer, I can’t think of a better place to cool off and enjoy the weather. Interested in trying it out? Better do it quickly. Many clubs in the Eastern US only allow guests between Memorial Day and Labor Day. After that, clubs are often closed and available just for members.

Before you go, do some research online. Today there is a lot of information about each club, what to expect, fees and rules. I even found a review site for Nudist clubs and resorts.

Do you have any questions or concerns? Let us know. We’re here to answer your questions and share with you our experiences so you and your spouse have a better experience.  Enjoy.