Information for Newcomers
Your first experience at social nudity can be both a liberating and slightly unsettling experience. Wanting to join in the fun of social nudity and being ready to do so, are, in fact, two different states of mind. The following list will help you decide if you are ready to join in.
- You should expect to feel some level of anxiety. This is normal. Any new adventure or experience can cause anxiety to increase. If, however, you feel paralyzed by anxiety, you are probably not yet ready. When the thought of the pleasure you expect to get out of being a social nudist overcomes the anxiety, that is when you should consider moving past reading about the experience and trying it out.
- Most people have been brought up to be self-conscious about being nude in front of others. The truth is, being nude in front of people can be very liberating. You will find that most credible research indicates that doing so builds a more positive body image.
- During the first few hours at a nudist resort or other social nudist environment you will likely notice how comfortable you have become. What you thought of as a taboo you will find is now a pleasurable experience.
- Learning how to conduct yourself in the social nudist environment is just like learning how to fit into any other new environment. Just the one really big rule is to respect everyone’s boundaries. Just because people are naked doesn’t give you license intrude on their conversations, flirt with them, touch them, or stare at them.
- Most resorts allow people time to acclimate to the environment of social nudity. That being said, how and when you get undressed in front people is completely up to you. You can get undressed in public, or you might consider undressing at your car, in the restrooms, or if you have booked a room, in your room.
- If your first experience is going to be at nudist resort – READ THEIR WEB PAGE AND THE RULES. Some nude resorts are family-friendly, while others are solely for adults 18 and older.
- Finally, you should remember that everyone you meet in the social nudist world got through that “first visit” and you will too.
FAQs about Nudism
We get frequent calls from people curious about social nudity. Because newbies often ask the same questions, we have compiled the most commonly asked questions on nudism.
A nudist/naturist is someone who enjoys doing the everyday activities of life without the encumberance of clothes.
A Guide to Courtesy & Behavior at AANR Beaches, Resorts, and Clubs
Etiquette at AANR beaches, resorts, and clubs is not much different from the same good manners and behavior that you should exhibit wherever you go. Be polite and respect the rights of others and others will do the same for you.
Each Club or location has its own set of rules. Before you go, it is essential that you familiarize yourself with those rules. All clubs share at least a couple of rules in common.
- Do not put your bare butt on a bare surface. While you are nude, always have a towel with you and do not sit on any surface without placing a towel between your butt and that surface.
- Shower before you enter the pool or hot tub.
- In the past alcohol was not allowed at clubs or parties. That has changed; however, what has not changed is the simple fact that intoxicated behavior will not be tolerated.
- Also in the past, dances were either not allowed or people had to dress for the dance. This too has changed. What is not allowed is overly sexual or lude dancing.
Basic Guidelines for AANR Beaches, Resorts, and Clubs
AANR-West allows each nudist club to establish its own specific set of guidelines appropriate to its own culture, but we do expect these organizations as members of both both AANR and AANR-West, to follow some general principles.
No one has to tell anyone else their name, occupation, or where they live. They have the right to sit by themselves and enjoy the day without having others invade their space.
If someone does decide to interact and enjoy the day with others (most people do!) one of our basic tenants is “No means no,” which means if a person indicates by either words or body language they are not interested in associating with another person, the other person must back off.
If the person does not back off, try to handle the situation yourself by telling the person you are not interested. If that doesn't work, you can talk to the management and ask for them to intercede. Some people may not like to complain and “get the other person in trouble.” Nothing could be further from the truth. Stand up for yourself!
These situations do not happen very often, but we want to be sure all of our members and guests understand they have this right to privacy.
Staring or gawking at another person’s body is a major taboo.
Basic Nudist Terminology
Sometimes newcomers are confused by some of the terminology used at nudist venues and events. The terms below should shed a little light on some commonly used terms and help you feel more comfortable during your first visit to an event:
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.