En-FAQ

Is it advisable for people with less-then-perfect figures to become naturists?
Yes - that's the whole point. Every body is different, but naturists will like you just as you are. It isn't in the least important what your body is like because people accept you in your entirety. That's all there is to you! .

back

Am I being judged?
You'll naturally feel a little self-conscious at first. After all, we live in a society that frowns upon displays of nudity on television, in films and in magazines - usually because of the equation of nudity with sex. So it can take a short while to get used to being in a community where nudity is not only not frowned upon, but positively encouraged!
Remember, though, that people aren't going to be judging you. They may be naturally curious at the arrival of newcomers, just as you'd expect, but the likelihood is that the welcome will be warm and your nudity unnoticed.
You might think that your eyes will betray you nd you'll be staring at people's dangly bits all the time - but you won't. In fact, at first you might be trying so hard not to, that you daren't move your head! In a very short time, though, you'll adjust to look at people normally - just the same as you'd be used to if they were dressed.
Naturist resorts are also private places. You won't be subjected to any publicity, and people won't take photographs of you, unless you allow it. In fact, certain places only permit photography in particular designated areas. Your membership of any naturist organisation will be kept strictly confidential.

back

What's the best way to get used to naturism?
To be at a nudist beach or resort for the very first time takes a little time to get used to all those naked bodies. Just look for a quite place, with few people, to get undressed. To get used doesn't last longer then about five to ten minutes. The first seconds to be naked cannot suppres a sensational feeling and will give you a totally natural and free feeling. These are the great moments to experience again and again. People who are on a nudist beach for the very first time soemtimes will wear a boxer short or even a bikini or bathing suit, pretending 'to get used to naturism'. Reality is that you're used to being naked much faster when you get undressed immediatly. The longer you'll wait with taking of that last piece of cloth, the harder it gets.
If you don't want to be naked (even not after a period to get used), ask yourself if you really want to be at a nudist beach. Think about others to get used to undress when you're wearing clothes. This can 'degrade'the nudist beach to a 'textile' beach again. In taht case local officials can consider to prohibit nude bathing.

back

I love to sunbath and swim nude and I do respect others. Am I a naturist now?
No, not according to the traditonal definition. Naturism is more then just getting undressed and showing respect to others. Respect for the body by living a healthy way, nature and other people are very important aspects within naturism, which are sometimes missing at nudistsdie bij nudisten. They just prefer to be undressed, e.g. to sunbath or swim.

Naturist or nudist?
Depending on whom you ask, there could be no difference. In Europe, the term naturist is the most common, with nudist being the older term. In North America, some people use the two words interchangeably. Others define two different philosophies which have nudity in common. Those who find a difference define naturists as closer to nature and more interested in free beaches, and nudists as people who practice nudity more in an urban club setting. Not all people who practice naturism/nudism like the labels. They don't see themselves as different from anyone else. As well, not all nude people at a free beach or club espouse the naturist/nudist philosophy.

back

I love to be naked. Can I do that at home as well?
Of course it can, why not? Why to reduce naturism to nudist eaches, naturist clubs and resorts? There are many naturists who live naked at home, watch tv, do the garden, cook, eat, clean the house etc. Escpecially in Summer it's great to take off all your clothes, because clothing has no function then. I myself live in an aprtment building, 12th floor (top), lookin gover the river. Thus it is great to take of my clothes without thinking of anybody to see you. My neighbours know I'm a naturist and they are used to it. In Winter naturists sometimes raise the central heating a little to be naked in the home, but not all do. Of course there are rules to being naked. When seated on a piece of furniture or other public surface, sit on a towel (your own). This is good hygiene and is also courtesy toward the property of others. At nudist clubs and resorts, you will see many, if not most, people carrying a towel with them for this reason. (One place this rule is relaxed somewhat is sitting on the sand at a sandy beach.)

back

Is naturism accepted all over the country?
Although naturism is commonly accepted, there are still people/ areas where naturism is condemned. Often church has got a great influnce in those areas (in the Netherlands, concentrated at the Veluwe or in the very southern part. For these people being nude is still out of mind, while just they say whe're created to the likeness of God, and being nude in Bible context ís accepted.

back

Fear of gawkers?
By "gawkers" we mean the people who hang around naturist areas solely for the thrill of seeing naked people. Gawkers are not a problem in most areas, but you may encounter them from time to time. Don't let them make you feel uncomfortable. Instead, you should make them feel uncomfortable and out of place. Either they'll leave, or come around to our way of thinking.

back

I would like to visit a nude beach, but I am afraid I will get an erection. Has this happened to other people? What should I do if it happens to me?
Many newcomers have this fear, but rest assured nude beaches are not sexual! The great thing is that after a few minutes, you forget that everyone around you is nude. It is unlikely you will end up getting one, because you will be enjoying the sunshine and comfort of the beach. If you do get an erection, you should lay on your stomach or sit with a towel over your lap until the erection goes away.

back

I am a single man. What's the change to be refused?
All clothing optional beaches and most clubs welcome singles. However, many clubs try to maintain a balance between the sexes. Check ahead for a club's policy.

back

What do I do when I'm menstruating?
Generally, women do the same thing in the naturist world as they do in the clothed world. Many use a tampon. If they prefer, they wear shorts or bikini bottoms.Menstruation is a normal part of being a woman and one which naturists understand.

back

Naturisme and religion: do they interfere?
Many naturists are religious people and find no contradiction between their beliefs and nudity. Some Christian naturists worship in the nude. Some naturists feel closer to God when they are nude in nature. Directives against nudity are generally not part of the basic philosophy of a religion. Rather, they are added to the religion out of fear that nudity will lead to indiscriminate sexual activity. Naturism shows that this fear is groundless. The Old Testament tells us that God created man and woman in His own image and they were naked. It is difficult to see how God's image is shameful or obscene. Indeed, the Bible does not condemn nudity itself.
Lots of information can be found at Gan Eden.

back

What has naturism to do with sex and eroticism?
Most of the people who visit a naturist club/beach for the first time are surprised by the lack of sexuality. Some expect a sexually charged atmosphere, since in North America, we see others nude in sexual situations such as love scenes in movies, in magazines and in videos. However, the link between nudity and sexuality is arbitrary. In Victorian times, to see a woman's knees was very sexual because they were supposed to be hidden all the time. We expose some parts of our bodies which are as sexual as those which we hide. Our lips, for example, are probably as involved in sexuality as our genital areas. Yet people walk around exposing their lips without causing mass arousal. You will probably find that suggestively clothed people are more arousing than completely nude people. It can be more sexual to wear a bathing suit which subtly hides and emphasizes certain parts of the body. That nudity implies sexuality is the biggest misconception that naturists have to fight. As a result, you may find them to be over-sensitive to it. This is not to say that naturists are against sexuality. They just believe, like most of society, that there is an appropriate time and place for it. It also means that there is nothing wrong with finding a person attractive, whether he or she is nude or not.

What about sex?
As on every 'textile camping', sex is on naturist as common, but people guard against misuse or disturbing others. On 'normal'campings or beaches, it often leads to irritation, because they disregard the feelings or complaints of others. Especially alcohol abuse is often source of this kind of excesses. On a naturist site / camping, sex doesn't get that exaggerated attention as on textile campsites'. ("Every funny idea I've ever had about sex, including several that led to my own divorce", Monty Python)

back

What about photography?
Photography is not prohibited at public beaches, but sometimes clothes-free people worry about their picture possibly being exploited on the Internet, so it is polite to ask others around you if they mind before taking snapshots. In particular, do not take pictures of other people's children without the parents' permission! Many private nudist clubs and resorts do not allow photography at all without prior permission from the management, so check first. If in doubt, leave the camera at home.

back

Is physical contact allowed within naturism?
Yes. Just like in "dressed" life, it's no problem: a touch, a caress, a hug or a kiss are all normal manners and is allowed everywhere.

back

How do children react to naturism?
Children usually are very matter of fact and accept nudism for what it is -- something perfectly natural. They show no particular curiosity in seeing adults nude. However, they like going without clothing themselves, and they do like sharing this with their parents -- it somehow brings parents and children closer
together. Surprisingly for many parents, children generally do not talk about their Naturist life to playmates at home and school. They perhaps do not want to be thought different. Even Naturist oriented children may become more self-conscious during the years of body changes and peer pressure. These children often resume Naturist activity later in life, usually in their mid 20's.
Anyone who has observed children knows that they are enthusiastic Naturists. I have never seen young children who are self-conscious when nude. In fact, you may observe them squeal with delight when they are allowed to run around nude. It is only in their later years that they are pressured into being self-conscious and adopt older people's phobias about the body.
I believe that it is healthier for children to grow up comfortable with their own bodies. I don't think there is any advantage in teaching them to be ashamed and embarrassed by certain parts of their bodies.

Is naturism safe for children?
It is clear being dressed has not kept children safe. The best thing we can do is teach our children the confidence to speak up when people do things which make them uncomfortable. If they are not ashamed of their bodies, they are much more likely to tell their parents when someone does things to them that they don't like. Whether nude or clothed, children should know that being touched in certain ways is wrong.
Although good parenting is by far the most important factor in raising children, Naturism helps to promote their confidence and understanding about their bodies.

Don't children get confused as to when and where they can be nude?
Everyone has to teach children when and where it is acceptable to be nude. Naturists simply have more places where it is acceptable. Unlike non-Naturists, we don't teach our children that nudity is wrong. We teach them that some people aren't comfortable with nudity and that sometimes we need to dress for practical reasons (e.g. weather).

back

	FAQ, or: everything you always wanted to know, but were afraid to ask (Monty Python, 1972)
	What is naturism? Why be nude? It looks great to me to be undressed, but I daren't. How would I get over my inhibitions? Will I have to go around naked all the time? What about naturism and the law? Is it advisable for people with less-then-perfect figures to become naturists? Am I being judged? What's the best way to get used to naturism? I love to sunbath and swim nude and I do respect others. Am I a naturist now? Naturist or nudist? I love to be naked. Can I do that at home as well? Are naturists accepted all over the country? Fear of gawkers? I would like to visit a nude beach, but I am afraid I will get an erection. Has this happened to other people? What should I do if it happens to me? I'm a single man. What's the chance to be refused? What do I do if I am menstruating? Naturism en religion: do they interfere? What has naturism to do with sex and eroticism? What about sex? What about photography? Is physical contact allowed within naturism? How do children react ot naturism? Is naturism safe for children? Don't children get confusewd as to when and where they can be nude?
	What is naturism? Naturism, or nudism as it is sometimes called, is generally defined as the practice of going nude, especially in a mixed social setting. While accurate as far as it goes, the standard definition fails to grasp the "why" of naturism -- why do people choose to be naturists? Individual responses to that question vary greatly. For some, naturism is a carefully considered lifestyle; for others, it is no more complicated than a day at the nearest nude beach. What connects these two extremes is the sense of freedom naturist activities provide. It may be a matter of simple comfort—first-time skinny-dippers frequently marvel at how good it feels to be clothes-free—or there may be something more profound. For many, the social nudity that helps define naturism is personally liberating; through it, we come not only to accept ourselves but others. "Body Acceptance is the Idea, Nude Recreation is the Way." back Why bathing and tanning/ sunbathing naked? Many naturists would answer, "Why not be nude?" Why would you wear clothing while swimming? You don't wear clothing in the bath or shower. Naturists are not against clothing. Rather, we believe that you should dress only when appropriate. Being nude feels good. It makes people feel free. It takes away artificial inhibitions that were forced upon us after we were born. Naturists believe in body acceptance. Most report feeling less self-conscious on a nude beach than on a traditional clothed beach. The body parts which we cover are arbitrary. It has been suggested that we cover the genital area because of its sexual nature. However, a quick survey of your day would show that that area is used for non-sexual purposes the most of the time. In fact, an equally sexual body part is your lips. Yet we do not have any problems walking around with our lips exposed! back It looks great to me to be undressed, but I daren't. How would I get over my inhibitions? If you visit a naturist beach, you will soon feel that it is you who are out of step among all those naked people - men, women and children! Similarly, nobody expects you to undress the minute you enter the grounds of a naturist club on your initial visit, but in most cases you will quickly feel the relaxed atmosphere and see how comfortable nude people are with one another. Once you feel at home, which often takes only a few minutes, you will feel free. But if you realise that naturism is not for you, your clothes will stay on and you will leave. In all honesty, few can resist the call of naturism once they have experienced it. back Will I have to go around naked all the time? Well, nudity is largely the point of naturism. However, in most naturist places you may, rather than must, take all your clothes off. Women may wish to wear a bikini bottom during periods; when the weather cools off, everyone will cover up. back What about naturism and the law? Isn't "social nudity" illegal? This gets a bit complicated, but the short answer is "no." As indicated above, there are public beaches where nudity is perfectly legal. So too are there are resorts that are either clothing-optional, or where nudity is actually required. Legality is seldom an issue at these places. Nonetheless, while laws that specifically prohibit nudity and equate it with "indecent exposure" are rare, that shouldn’t be taken as an invitation to get naked "anytime, anyplace." If you undress in the village square, you’re likely to get arrested for something—be it indecent exposure, disturbing the peace, or creating a public nuisance. Even if the law is on your side, public nudity is problematic in many jurisdictions. An arrest sometimes depends not on what the law says, but on what police or prosecutors think it says or want it to say. In the Netherlands naturism is regulated by law. Dutch law quoted: Artikel 430a, Wetboek van Strafrecht: "Hij die zich buiten een door de gemeenteraad als geschikt voor ongeklede openbare recreatie aangewezen plaats ongekleed bevindt, op of aan een voor het openbaar verkeer bestemde plaats die voor ongeklede recreatie niet geschikt is, wordt gestraft met een geldboete van de eerste categorie." This means that naturism and nude recreation are allowed on every place suitable to it. This is also for all quite parts of the coast and areas where nude recreation is common through its position. Unfortunally not all law enforcement officers or wardens are known to article 430a, thus wrongful fining you. To prevent getting a fine, always have a copy of this article with you to show the officer. In case you still get a fine, do not pay and immediately contact the NFN to help with councelling. Subject to not being seen from public road, you're allowed to recreate nude in your back garden. back Is it advisable for people with less-then-perfect figures to become naturists? Yes - that's the whole point. Every body is different, but naturists will like you just as you are. It isn't in the least important what your body is like because people accept you in your entirety. That's all there is to you! . back Am I being judged? You'll naturally feel a little self-conscious at first. After all, we live in a society that frowns upon displays of nudity on television, in films and in magazines - usually because of the equation of nudity with sex. So it can take a short while to get used to being in a community where nudity is not only not frowned upon, but positively encouraged! Remember, though, that people aren't going to be judging you. They may be naturally curious at the arrival of newcomers, just as you'd expect, but the likelihood is that the welcome will be warm and your nudity unnoticed. You might think that your eyes will betray you nd you'll be staring at people's dangly bits all the time - but you won't. In fact, at first you might be trying so hard not to, that you daren't move your head! In a very short time, though, you'll adjust to look at people normally - just the same as you'd be used to if they were dressed. Naturist resorts are also private places. You won't be subjected to any publicity, and people won't take photographs of you, unless you allow it. In fact, certain places only permit photography in particular designated areas. Your membership of any naturist organisation will be kept strictly confidential. back What's the best way to get used to naturism? To be at a nudist beach or resort for the very first time takes a little time to get used to all those naked bodies. Just look for a quite place, with few people, to get undressed. To get used doesn't last longer then about five to ten minutes. The first seconds to be naked cannot suppres a sensational feeling and will give you a totally natural and free feeling. These are the great moments to experience again and again. People who are on a nudist beach for the very first time soemtimes will wear a boxer short or even a bikini or bathing suit, pretending 'to get used to naturism'. Reality is that you're used to being naked much faster when you get undressed immediatly. The longer you'll wait with taking of that last piece of cloth, the harder it gets. If you don't want to be naked (even not after a period to get used), ask yourself if you really want to be at a nudist beach. Think about others to get used to undress when you're wearing clothes. This can 'degrade'the nudist beach to a 'textile' beach again. In taht case local officials can consider to prohibit nude bathing. back I love to sunbath and swim nude and I do respect others. Am I a naturist now? No, not according to the traditonal definition. Naturism is more then just getting undressed and showing respect to others. Respect for the body by living a healthy way, nature and other people are very important aspects within naturism, which are sometimes missing at nudistsdie bij nudisten. They just prefer to be undressed, e.g. to sunbath or swim. Naturist or nudist? Depending on whom you ask, there could be no difference. In Europe, the term naturist is the most common, with nudist being the older term. In North America, some people use the two words interchangeably. Others define two different philosophies which have nudity in common. Those who find a difference define naturists as closer to nature and more interested in free beaches, and nudists as people who practice nudity more in an urban club setting. Not all people who practice naturism/nudism like the labels. They don't see themselves as different from anyone else. As well, not all nude people at a free beach or club espouse the naturist/nudist philosophy. back I love to be naked. Can I do that at home as well? Of course it can, why not? Why to reduce naturism to nudist eaches, naturist clubs and resorts? There are many naturists who live naked at home, watch tv, do the garden, cook, eat, clean the house etc. Escpecially in Summer it's great to take off all your clothes, because clothing has no function then. I myself live in an aprtment building, 12th floor (top), lookin gover the river. Thus it is great to take of my clothes without thinking of anybody to see you. My neighbours know I'm a naturist and they are used to it. In Winter naturists sometimes raise the central heating a little to be naked in the home, but not all do. Of course there are rules to being naked. When seated on a piece of furniture or other public surface, *sit on a towel* (your own). This is good hygiene and is also courtesy toward the property of others. At nudist clubs and resorts, you will see many, if not most, people carrying a towel with them for this reason. (One place this rule is relaxed somewhat is sitting on the sand at a sandy beach.) back Is naturism accepted all over the country? Although naturism is commonly accepted, there are still people/ areas where naturism is condemned. Often church has got a great influnce in those areas (in the Netherlands, concentrated at the Veluwe or in the very southern part. For these people being nude is still out of mind, while just they say whe're created to the likeness of God, and being nude in Bible context ís accepted. back Fear of gawkers? By "gawkers" we mean the people who hang around naturist areas solely for the thrill of seeing naked people. Gawkers are not a problem in most areas, but you may encounter them from time to time. Don't let them make you feel uncomfortable. Instead, you should make them feel uncomfortable and out of place. Either they'll leave, or come around to our way of thinking. back I would like to visit a nude beach, but I am afraid I will get an erection. Has this happened to other people? What should I do if it happens to me? Many newcomers have this fear, but rest assured nude beaches are not sexual! The great thing is that after a few minutes, you forget that everyone around you is nude. It is unlikely you will end up getting one, because you will be enjoying the sunshine and comfort of the beach. If you do get an erection, you should lay on your stomach or sit with a towel over your lap until the erection goes away. back I am a single man. What's the change to be refused? All clothing optional beaches and most clubs welcome singles. However, many clubs try to maintain a balance between the sexes. Check ahead for a club's policy. back What do I do when I'm menstruating? Generally, women do the same thing in the naturist world as they do in the clothed world. Many use a tampon. If they prefer, they wear shorts or bikini bottoms.Menstruation is a normal part of being a woman and one which naturists understand. back Naturisme and religion: do they interfere? Many naturists are religious people and find no contradiction between their beliefs and nudity. Some Christian naturists worship in the nude. Some naturists feel closer to God when they are nude in nature. Directives against nudity are generally not part of the basic philosophy of a religion. Rather, they are added to the religion out of fear that nudity will lead to indiscriminate sexual activity. Naturism shows that this fear is groundless. The Old Testament tells us that God created man and woman in His own image and they were naked. It is difficult to see how God's image is shameful or obscene. Indeed, the Bible does not condemn nudity itself. Lots of information can be found at Gan Eden. back What has naturism to do with sex and eroticism? Most of the people who visit a naturist club/beach for the first time are surprised by the lack of sexuality. Some expect a sexually charged atmosphere, since in North America, we see others nude in sexual situations such as love scenes in movies, in magazines and in videos. However, the link between nudity and sexuality is arbitrary. In Victorian times, to see a woman's knees was very sexual because they were supposed to be hidden all the time. We expose some parts of our bodies which are as sexual as those which we hide. Our lips, for example, are probably as involved in sexuality as our genital areas. Yet people walk around exposing their lips without causing mass arousal. You will probably find that suggestively clothed people are more arousing than completely nude people. It can be more sexual to wear a bathing suit which subtly hides and emphasizes certain parts of the body. That nudity implies sexuality is the biggest misconception that naturists have to fight. As a result, you may find them to be over-sensitive to it. This is not to say that naturists are against sexuality. They just believe, like most of society, that there is an appropriate time and place for it. It also means that there is nothing wrong with finding a person attractive, whether he or she is nude or not. What about sex? As on every 'textile camping', sex is on naturist as common, but people guard against misuse or disturbing others. On 'normal'campings or beaches, it often leads to irritation, because they disregard the feelings or complaints of others. Especially alcohol abuse is often source of this kind of excesses. On a naturist site / camping, sex doesn't get that exaggerated attention as on textile campsites'. ("Every funny idea I've ever had about sex, including several that led to my own divorce", Monty Python) back What about photography? Photography is not prohibited at public beaches, but sometimes clothes-free people worry about their picture possibly being exploited on the Internet, so it is polite to ask others around you if they mind before taking snapshots. In particular, do not take pictures of other people's children without the parents' permission! Many private nudist clubs and resorts do not allow photography at all without prior permission from the management, so check first. If in doubt, leave the camera at home. back Is physical contact allowed within naturism? Yes. Just like in "dressed" life, it's no problem: a touch, a caress, a hug or a kiss are all normal manners and is allowed everywhere. back How do children react to naturism? Children usually are very matter of fact and accept nudism for what it is -- something perfectly natural. They show no particular curiosity in seeing adults nude. However, they like going without clothing themselves, and they do like sharing this with their parents -- it somehow brings parents and children closer together. Surprisingly for many parents, children generally do not talk about their Naturist life to playmates at home and school. They perhaps do not want to be thought different. Even Naturist oriented children may become more self-conscious during the years of body changes and peer pressure. These children often resume Naturist activity later in life, usually in their mid 20's. Anyone who has observed children knows that they are enthusiastic Naturists. I have never seen young children who are self-conscious when nude. In fact, you may observe them squeal with delight when they are allowed to run around nude. It is only in their later years that they are pressured into being self-conscious and adopt older people's phobias about the body. I believe that it is healthier for children to grow up comfortable with their own bodies. I don't think there is any advantage in teaching them to be ashamed and embarrassed by certain parts of their bodies. Is naturism safe for children? It is clear being dressed has not kept children safe. The best thing we can do is teach our children the confidence to speak up when people do things which make them uncomfortable. If they are not ashamed of their bodies, they are much more likely to tell their parents when someone does things to them that they don't like. Whether nude or clothed, children should know that being touched in certain ways is wrong. Although good parenting is by far the most important factor in raising children, Naturism helps to promote their confidence and understanding about their bodies. Don't children get confused as to when and where they can be nude? Everyone has to teach children when and where it is acceptable to be nude. Naturists simply have more places where it is acceptable. Unlike non-Naturists, we don't teach our children that nudity is wrong. We teach them that some people aren't comfortable with nudity and that sometimes we need to dress for practical reasons (e.g. weather). back
	Some parts are copied from http://www.fcn.ca