Etiquette

[Asia2]

What should you expect at a naturist event/club?
Here are some answers to frequently asked questions which we often get from new/young naturists who are new to the scene. I hope these are helpful. In case it makes any difference, these are from a European point of view, but might be relevant to others.

Q  What can I expect at a nudist resort/club/beach?
A  The experience at each place is unique.  Resorts offer a secure setting where visitors can relax and enjoy being clothes free.  Most resorts welcome people who just want to visit for a day or to those who want to become members and have access to the resort on an annual basis.  Some events may be for couples only, while some resorts are open to families. We often find that clubs or resorts do not accept single males (or strongly discourage it) in order to make women and families feel safer.

Q  What age or type of people are naturists?
A  Any age from tiny babies to old grandparents, any race, creed or colour, size or shape.  You will find people from all backgrounds - rich or poor, educated or very little, artistic or scientific.  You will find shop-workers, bankers, police, programmers, teachers or bus drivers, unemployed - all sorts - just like at any other place. They are normal people who are just more open and enjoy being themselves.
Q  If I visit a club or resort, will I be expected to be nude right away?
A  Some clubs insist on nudity; others are “clothing optional,” allowing you to remain clothed while you adjust to the new freedom around you. Some resorts allow you to choose what to wear, but insist on no clothing in the pool or sauna, for example.After only a short time, you’ll  probably share the option of having no clothes at all.
Q  Won’t everyone know I am a newbie?
A  There are a few things that make it obvious you are new to naturism - the white lines where clothing has been; the nervous way you look around; the way you get undressed - but who cares! They are not looking at you. You are not there for them! Just get on with it. If anything, other experienced naturists will be very happy for you and friendly and supportive (by not bothering you at all) 



Q  I’m fat/skinny/have a surgical scar/etc.  Will people stare at me?
A  When it comes to body variations, nudists are among the most accepting people you’ll find.  Chances are, you’ll encounter those who are fatter or thinner or have more surgical scars than you.  Nudist events, clubs and resorts are not an exhibition, competition or a catwalk. It is just like any other beach, but where the tiny piece of clothing called a swimming costume is optional.

Q  What about tattoos, piercings, and body jewelry?
A  Some clubs and resorts (eg in the USA) have rules addressing these issues but it is not known in Europe. You should generally though not wear jewelry in the water areas.  It is best to call and ask about the policies of a particular club or resort. In Europe, naturism is much more accepted and people are more open to any style of appearance.

Q  What should I bring when visiting a club or resort?
A  Always bring a towel on which to sit.  Nudist etiquette requires that you always  sit on your towel – and only on your own towel.  Since nudist activities often involve swimming and hot-tubbing or saunas,  it’s generally a good idea to bring a second towel.  Don’t forget the sunscreen, sunglasses and a hat can be useful!

Q  Isn’t social nudity really about sex?
A  Absolutely not!  Overt sexual behavior is not tolerated at nudist events/clubs/resorts.  Nudists are not opposed to sex, but they separate sex from mere nudity.  Don’t expect to see anything of a sexual nature at a nudist resort or club that you wouldn’t see at a clothed beach or other clothed setting. A fuller article on this subject will be provided, but tt is non-naturists who do not fully appreciate naturism that can cause problems at some resorts by not respecting the rules.
Q  Is it legal?
A  In Poland, public nudity is legal if no offense is given or taken. While Poland may be a very religious, conservative and traditional country, it still has a number of areas where public nudity is tolerated (see separate document) and police will not interfere unless a criminal act occurs or a complaint is filed. Further, indoor nudity in one’s own property or in a club or resort is entirely legal.
 
Q  I’m a male and new to all this.  What if I have an erection?
A  This is a frequently asked question by newcomers to social nudism.  A male having an erection is very uncommon at nudist events.  Longtime nudists will tell you it’s rarely seen at all.  The reason is that once a man realized that social nudity has no connection to sex, mere nudity no longer stimulates a sexual response.

Q  I’m a female.  What about my time of the month?
A  Menstruation is a natural part of life.  Many women are able to manage their periods by using a tampon with the string snipped short to avoid attracting attention.  Women who prefer external pads typically wear a pair of shorts or bathing suit bottoms during the time.

Q  What about the kids? Are children adversely affected by nudity?
A  No!  In fact, it’s quite the opposite.  Children are natural nudists and don’t understand what the big deal is about wearing clothes!  Children don’t view the body in a sexual way.  Nor are they embarrassed about their own bodies or look down on what adults perceive to be defects in the bodies of other people. The problems adults have with their own bodies and those of other people is ‘learned behaviour’ brainwashed into them by a society which promotes a wrong view of the body, of shame and of ‘ideals’, and of what is right and wrong. Childhood experiences are enhanced by the naturalness and honesty associated with social nudity.  Studies have shown that far from being poorly adjusted, children raised in nudist households are more likely to grow up to have a better education, better jobs, and more stable marriages [Ocami, Abramson, UCLA].  Nudity is a natural state for children; it’s the rejection of nudity that’s a learned response.

Q  Will everybody be looking at me?
A  No!  Why should they? That is not what they came for, and not what naturism is about? Nudists are there to get the sun, fresh air and feel free, not to look at you. Besides, they have seen it all before and separate sex from nudity.  Similarly, you should not be there to look at others. Be there to enjoy the freedom, sun, swim and getting to know people.Studies show that partially-clothed bodies attract more attention than nude (it is the ‘unknown’ and ‘unseen’ we are curious about). You will find more people looking around on a clothed beach than a nudist beach.

Q  Can I take photos? Will others be taking photos?
A  Generally. no. Your privacy is respected and you are expected to respect others. If you do take pictures, try to ensure nobody else is visible - or you might need to at least ask if they mind. Most people will not mind, but if it is a family resort, it is best not to take photos.
 
Q  What if I sit on something sharp!
A  You will find that naturist beaches are usually the cleanest and best-kept places around. Nudists are caring people - caring about one another and their environment. Besides, I don’t a small swimming costume will offer much protection at all.

Q  But if on a sandy beach… doesn’t sand get… everywhere?
A  Not much more than if you wear a costume. Sit/lay on a towel and you will be fine.