Hello everyone this is my first post in these forums, so please be gentle I guess I don't know the difference between a nudist and a naturalist. I am guessing that I am a naturalist. I'm not one for wearing clothes. I don't like the feel of them on my body. When I get home from work I usually instantly take my shirt off and jeans off. I sleep in the nude. A friend of mine and me once took a walk through a secluded trail nude once. I personally believe that people should be able to go to a beach or ride their bike nude, I don't see what the big deal is and why there are laws against this. Anyways I am Married now and at the old age of 33. We bought a beautiful camper last year and had a great summer camping last summer. While looking for places to go camping I accidentally stumbled across nude camping resorts. I then researched a little further and found that there are 2 in my State (NY) and both only a couple of hours away! I mentioned it to my wife and she isn't too keen on the idea. She is very modest and wears a ton of clothing to bed (I have no idea how she can sleep like that). Anyways I researched these nudist resorts/campgrounds and read other forms and literature. Who knows maybe someday my wife will be up to trying it. I would really love to go and try this once in my life. I really wish I personally knew more people who did this and we could all go together. As I said earlier in this post I had a friend that is into this but he lives a completely different life now a days and we speak maybe once a year or so on the phone to catch up on things. While researching I stumbled across something that was shocking to me and I would like clarification and understanding on this subject. I read that nudist really don't accept when guys have erections. I personally don't think I would have a problem at a nudist resort. But I believe in true peace and freedom. If I went to a nudist beach and suddenly had an erection or fell asleep and got an erection I don't feel I should be shunned upon. Occasionally I sit around at home nude, or watch TV nude and I never get an erection but I don't know if I would want to visit a nudist place that was against such a thing. What if my wife went and her nipples got erect from the cold? So am I a nudist a naturalist or what am I? I also don't judge anyone. If someone was on a beach in thongs or had a bunch of tattoos or piercings I wouldn't see a problem with that. And if someone walked around with an erection all day I wouldn't see a problem with that either. As I said I am happily married and I don't want to go to a nudist resort looking for anything, I just want to go and experience what it is like to be around other people like myself. But I will be honest a lot of things can trigger an erection. Sure I can see a super model walk by and suddenly get an erection. But certain scents, temperatures and experiences can cause one too. I have actually gotten wrapped up in exciting conversations and had erections. Then sometimes just like goose bumps, it will just happen out of the blue uncontrollably. So I am looking to first find out what I am considered. Then I want to find a place that believes in complete freedom where I can go and not have to worry about people giving me a cold shoulder when my body does what it does (occasionally get an erection). I was born a male and erections are part of my gender. Just as some people can't control the color of skin they were born with, the size of their feet, size of their breast etc. I am looking for a nudist resort of human kind where peace and freedom are welcome. Thanks for reading my post and I appreciate any help on this.
Hi EWJ First let's clarify a "NATURALIST" is one who studies nature with or without being clothed. The difference between a NUDIST and a NATURIST is very subjective, some would say they are the same and other would say that a NATURIST prefers to be nude outdoors whereas a NUDIST simply likes being naked anywhere. From your post you seem to be obsessed with the sexual aspects of nudity; naturists/nudists recognise that you can simply enjoy being clothes free without any sexual reasons. There is a common misconception amongst "textiles" that only reason for wanting to be nude is to wash or have sex so your perception is not so abnormal. Many naturists start out with that perception and after the first time on a beach or where ever else once you have got over any initial nerves you find the being clothes free feels so utterly relaxing that you want to spend more and more time nude. Consequently you question the need for clothing in other aspects of your life. Most of us do take regard of others though some are totally unabashed about being nude when ever they can get away with it. The majority of naturists are not club naturists or swingers. Many are closet naturists indoors alone or with a partner. Then we have the more typical naturist who sleeps nude, wanders round indoors unconcerned, sunbathes and gardens nude when it seems OK, uses nude (clothing optional) beaches without caring about any nearby textiles. Despite what textiles think beaches are not sexually charged places so in reality you get very few erections. You can't control them as such but they rarely happen and subside soon enough if you don't think about them. So EWJ I'd describe you as a Closet Naturist aspiring to come out. Go for it, encourage your family, and you will really enjoy it. Freecospirit.
Greetings, well, since this is HipForums, and a lot of the people here believe in and live by hippie values, we are gentle by nature. It appears, that you've accidentally mistaken one term here - a naturalist is someone studying natural history, that being the scientific research of plants or animals in the more observational way, therefore it means being out in nature a lot. Or, it can refer to a discipline of philosophy, where one of the key sentences is: "Naturalism is the view that nature is all there is and all basic truths are truths of nature". OK, that might apply to being nude, too... However, when it comes to nudity, the term that has been coined as an alternative to nudism or nudist is naturism or naturist (derived from the French naturiste, where it clearly means the same as nudist). Some people calling themselves naturists believe not only in nudity being the most natural, most beautiful and healthiest state of being, but also in a deep connection when being nude in nature, adding both an ecological and spiritual aspect to it, by treating Mother Nature with love and respect (not littering, leaving places clean and undamaged, etc.). Some people might see those naturists as being wacky and weird, but I, personally, see that naturist approach as the hippie development of being nude into something more than "just" freedom and anti-establishment, counter-culture self-expression. I call myself a naturist, for that reason, since I am one of those wacky people - and I love being me! :sunny: Oh, and you're right - I don't know why laws prohibit it, either. After all, it's just the skin we were born in. Yet, people have defined it as "indecent". Pfeh, I know of plenty of really indecent things happening all around the world, and none of those have to do with nudity, but rather with greed, exploitation, hatred and death. Those things are truly indecent, IMO, and some of them are not incriminated by law. Perhaps you might like to test the waters in the nude not on campgrounds with lots of naked people around, since that might be what terrifies your wife, but take small steps first - camping out in a more private place, skinny-dipping at not too crowded lakes, rivers, etc. We have some threads dealing with erections on nude beaches and other nudist environments. Basically, as long as no one parades around flaunting that flagpole, or his 2 inches of pink steel - whatever it might be - most nudist/naturist people will be quite relaxed about it. Modesty is a key word here, since it is viewed as something natural that can happen, but should not be used for exhibitionist or (so-called) lewd behaviour. So, if you happen to have an erection around other nude people, just act naturally, don't draw attention to it, just keep on talking, for instance, if you were talking to them, and they will most likely ignore it. If it stands up for a longer while, take a swim, since cold water has an effect of shrinking erections, as we men know... or cover it up with a towel, roll onto your belly, sit up cross-legged, Indian-style... there's lots of ways of dealing with it. And if you are outdoors, feeling the need to release some sexual pressure, find a secluded spot away from other nudists/naturists (alone or with your wife, if she like to) and answer that need in private - yet in a very nice surrounding, since nothing beats making love outdoors in the nude, too, but there's times and places for that - and that's not in the middle of a nude beach, for sure. First of all, before trying to find a label, you are yourself. Period. It doesn't matter, if you're clothed or naked. If you wish to find the term befitting you the most, I hope that I could help a little. About finding places with kindred nude spirits, I'm sure they're out there in your vicinity as well. Since I am living in Germany (one of the places, where outdoor nudity is practised in a lot of places like parks, at rivers or lakes and also at the sea), I don't know about nudist/naturist venues in your area, unfortunately. I'm sure that other members here can provide you with more information on that. One final bit of advice: when going out there and being nude, never be afraid of things happening, such as "what will happen if I have an erection??" Most likely, nothing will happen - other than you having an erection, that is. Take things that happen in stride and never with fear or apprehension. Mother Nature has made us the way we are, with all the things our bodies do as they should - and there's nothing to be afraid of. Enjoy being nude as often as possible, if you want to. Wiggling bare toes, being happily nude while I wrote all of this, ~*Ganesha*~
Thank you Freecospirit & Ganesha, this helps me understand better. Ganesha, In New York, USA where I'm at there are strict laws against public "lewdness" and even private under certain conditions. I originally thought that there was no place in NY for nudist and that you would have to travel out of state. I was surprised to find out about the 2 resorts/campgrounds in New York. I would be interested to know if there are other places in NY that are safe and nudist friendly. Freecospirit, I know what a swinger is which in my opinion is just crazy and unhealthy but to each their own. I guess I lived underground too long (hence my name on here Earthworm Jim), but I didn't actually believe that swingers existed for real. Recently at work I stumbled upon a couple of couples that appear to fit the description of swingers. Whatever, they all seem happy. But a club naturist is something that I have only recently heard a few times and have no idea what it is. So there are clubs that nudist hang out at? What kind of setting would that be? Again I don't know what a club naturist is but is sounds to scary. I don't think I would go to a club just to get naked in a club that isn't for me. Now sitting out in my backyard nude under a tree taking a nap and not getting arrested is something I would be interested in. Thank you both for your advice and helping me understand.
A most educational thread. I'll pipe in and call myself a nudist naturalist and photographer! Why? One, I'm a nudist. Y'all know that by now! Two, the natural environment and earth sciences were electives of great interest in my Arts degree; and three, I'm a photographer blending all three into a very healthy and enjoyable lifestyle. My studio is a designated clothes-free area. My assistant, in year two of visual arts at university, is 18 and been a naturist since he was 9. So you see, some start very early; others much, much later in adult life. Swingers cannot be thought of as nudists. They get their threads off to have sex, rather than engage in a lifestyle where sex does not feature. Ten years ago I got involved in the swinging scene but lasted only one summer; once it's all over they scurry for their clothes and hurry out of the door and home. I was thought of as an "oddity" as I remained nude when everybody else did not. It's all about sex, sex, sex; just not naturism/nudism and really, for beginners of any age coming into naturism, it's best to avoid it completely. Clubs and resorts are not the way to go if you are just stepping out. If you don't like the culture of sitting around in chairs drinking and talking, but prefer activity, then seek out your own space. Backyard space or in the pool are perfect. Follow it on from there.
Some people use the words 'nudist' and 'naturist' to mean the same thing, but naturists sometimes say that a nudist just wants to go around naked, and naturists have an actual philosophy behind nudity. They'd say it concerns how people relate to the natural world and to each other--we shouldn't be forcing ourselves to hide behind clothing. And even a man-made environment is "natural" in the sense that it's natural for humans to create our own environment (people everywhere make stuff, right?) and we connect more fully with it if we don't carry a barrier around on our bodies. In the United States, there is an organization called the Naturist Society: http://www.naturistsociety.com/ They have several annual gatherings, the biggest one being in June in Pennsylvania, not far from Binghamton NY. Jim, if you can make it to Long Island, there's a lovely nude beach there called Lighthouse Beach, and another in New Jersey that's part of the Gateway National Recreation Area. Just do some looking around on the Internet and you can find lots of opportunities. Regarding the E-word, naturists just roll their eyes when they hear it. It seems as if every guy who's never gone naked has to ask about it, but nobody who's actually got into social nudity thinks about it for a moment.
Wow what a wonderful first post!! Yes it is INSANE how people get so uptight about someone being NAKED!! Do you realise Jim we are the ONLY ANIMAL on earth that cant be naked?? Its quite disgusting and sad.......... Its good to have you on our side Take care my friend and welcome to the site!!!
Thanks so much! I'm glad to know I fit in somewhere. My wife on the other hand isn't for this. I tried to talk her into a camping trip at one of these resorts. She thinks I am just joking with her and says she would never do that. So unfortunately I may never get to experience nature in a new light. It is funny how society and censoring shapes a person's beliefs. I am glad that there are a lot of people out there that see past that with an open and free mind.
My wife half way considered the other day. So there are 3 places that I have been thinking of visiting. In New York there is Empire Havens Resort & Bonita Resort. Then there is one that I would really like to visit in Vermont called Maple Glen. Has anyone visited any of these and which would be the best to visit for my first experience? The ones in New York would be better for me because they are close and more affordable for me to get too. But the one in Vermont just looks like my sort of place and very laid back. I dunno, any adive on any of these places would be greatly appreciated! Thanks.
You missed one: Juniper Woods, in Catskill NY. It's the only resort in NY that we've been to, and we enjoyed it. I'd suggest not obsessing about your wife. Just figure out what you want to do, and maybe when she sees how much fun you're having, she'll join you. Or maybe she won't.
True, but I do everything with my wife. I won't go on a camping trip without including her unless she insist that I go and she stay. She is still against it. I couldn't just take her there when she doesn't want to go. Maybe she'll change her mind. Thanks for the Juniper Woods suggestion, I never heard of it and I'll check it out!
