INTRODUCTION
The fact that this document is being read indicates an interest in the naturist lifestyle.
It is suggested that the reader could be facing one or more of the problems outlined above. The aim and purpose of this article is to identify and discuss these problems.
Naturism is a lifestyle in which people simply opt for a clothes.
Free environment when it is practical to do so. This means simply that one wears clothing for protection rather than adornment.
Naturism recognises no gender, age, colour, class, race, religious, or political barriers.
Compare a random group of naturists to a similarly numbered group of `textiles'. The difference is hard to define except possibly that one would find that nudists have a more open view of life and a higher personal moral and healthier standard than others.
Let us now consider each of the problems listed in the first paragraph.
I AM OVERWEIGHT etc.
Does it matter? Let's be honest in western countries most people are overweight. What you look like to other naturists is of little interest to them. The fact that you may have scars or limbs missing is accepted. A fellow naturist will look you in the eyes rather than stare at your body. This you will quickly realise.
MY PARTNER DOES NOT SHARE MY ENTHUSIASM
This will always be an initial problem. You are proposing a radical change in your lifestyle. Your partner may never have thought of becoming a nudist and your suggestion to do so would startle him/her.
He/she may have heard all sorts of rumours and misconceptions about what happens at clubs or on the beaches. It could be that he/she may have had a puritanical upbringing.
Whatever the causes of the lack of enthusiasm extreme care is necessary in supporting your case. From the outset it is important that sincerity, honesty, and respect of your partner's feelings remain the basis of your case.
According to a survey conducted by The Naturist Society, it is usually the male partner who suggests giving naturism a try.
It has been noted however that, once they actually experience social nudity, women become very enthusiastic club members. They quickly realise that the naturist environment is safe to both themselves and, more importantly, the children, and enjoy their new freedom, the friendliness of other nudists.
I MAY SHOW MY EMBARRASSMENT
Men are afraid that they will have an erection in the presence of female company. Women have concerns about menstruation, erect nipples and flushed cheeks.
These are valid and understandable concerns to each individual. They are also over rated. It is in fact unlikely that this will happen. A naturist environment is not a sexual one in spite of the nudity and mixing of genders. I have been a club nudist for many years. During that time I have never seen anything that would cause embarrassment to the individual or others.
Should a man feel roused he can cover his modesty by laying on his stomach, taking a shower or swim, or covering himself with a towel.
If it is 'that time of the month' for a woman, there is no requirement to strip off completely. Clubs have toilets in which steps can be taken to rectify one's appearance.
WE HAVE A YOUNG FAMILY
Fantastic !! How often do you see your own children running about the house or sharing the bath?. Are they concerned about their nudity there?
Young children thrive in the naturist environment. It stirs the heart to see children enjoying themselves in club play area, or in the pool with mum (or dad). Kids mix naturally with other children and, whether at a club or on a beach, will enjoy just being themselves. Nudity does not worry them.
Just as importantly children are safe in a naturist environment. We are all very conscious of the harm that unsupervised children can experience and are constantly vigilant.
DO NOT KNOW HOW TO GO ABOUT DOING SO
This is easy. Take off your clothes and relax in the privacy of your own home. Feel the freedom of being natural, enjoy each other's company, and discuss social nudity between yourselves.
Various countries have their own National Naturist Councils. They are there to help you. Write to or telephone one and ask for an `Information Pack' to be sent to you.
Information Packs are tastefully printed and will give you all the information that will enable you to start learning about the naturist lifestyle. They will answer the questions that have inevitably arisen either in your own mind or whilst discussing the matter with your partner. Additionally they will have contact addresses or telephone numbers of the clubs near to you. Listed below are particulars of various National Naturist Councils.
HOW DO WE JOIN A CLUB?
Find the club of your choice from the `Information Pack'.
Telephone or write to ask if you and your partner may pay an initial visit.
You will then be given directions as to how to find the club, a mutually suitable time and date will be fixed for your first visit.
At most clubs you will be met at the gate by a committee member (dressed) who will welcome you and give you a tour of the grounds and premises. The member will answer all of your questions and help you get through the initial period. Neither you or your partner will be pressured in any way to take your clothes off. If you wish to continue you may then fill in an application form for your membership.
It should be mentioned here that clubs have vetting procedures which vary from club to club. Generally you will find that they involve interviews with several committee members.
The normal procedure for joining will be for the committee to consider and accept your application then admit you and your partner to membership for a probationary period, usually of one year, on payment of your joining fee.
SINGLES :
Many clubs follow a policy of having a `gender balance'. It is felt that a higher proportion of members of one sex is undesirable for existing members. This does not mean that single persons are barred from joining a club although it may mean that he/she will have to go on a waiting list.
COMMENT :
There are many misconceptions and fallacies about the naturist /nudist lifestyle. Most of these are based on ignorance, put aboutby people who equate nudity with sex and have little better to do than look on the down side.
Most naturists who joined the lifestyle, rather than being raised in it by their parents, will have had initial reservations about the lifestyle and would have themselves raised the same objections to becoming naturists. They have learnt otherwise by visiting clubs and seeing for themselves that these fallacies and
misconceptions are without foundation.
Naturism is a relaxing stress-free lifestyle. You will find that other naturists will respect your privacy if you wish to be alone, give you space to breathe and be yourselves, or welcome you to join them in their activities.
NATIONAL ORGANISATIONS :
AUSTRALIA: Australian Nudist Federation (ANF)
P.O. Box 31, Oaklands Park, SA 5046
CANADA: FQN-FCN Union (FQN-FCN)
4545, Avenue Pierre-de-Coubertin
Case Postale 1000,Succursale M
Montreal (Quebec) H1V 3R2
GERMANY: Deutscher Verband fur Freikorperkultur (DFK)
Uhlemeyerstrape 14, 30175 Hanover
FRANCE: Federation Francaise de Naturisme, (FFN)
65 Rue de Tocqueville, 75071 Paris
GREAT BRITAIN: Central Council for British Naturism, (CCBN)
30-32 Wycliffe Road, Northampton NN1 5JF
Telephone : (01604) 20361.
HOLLAND: Nederl.Fed. van Naturistenverenigingen, (NFN)
Postbus 783, 3500 AT Utrecht.
NEW ZEALAND: N.Z. Naturist Federation, (NZNF)
P.O. Box 2925, Auckland
UNITED STATES: The Naturist Society (TNS)
P.O. Box 132, Oshkosh, WI 54902
