Not all the Greek runners in the original Olympics were totally naked.
Some wore shoes.- Mark Twain
COME ON -
ADMIT IT. YOU'RE ALL JUST SEX MANIACS!
Given that naturists are
representative of the population as a whole, then it's entirely
possible that we number an odd sex maniac amongst us. The law of
averages makes it likely that there are also several fetishists, a
healthy quota of gay men and lesbians, one or two celibates and a
handful of free love exponents. There are probably also quite a few
naturists who gain a sexual thrill from dressing up! But all of this
ignores one very important point: NATURISM HAS NOTHING TO DO WITH SEX.
For many people, the only time they
are naked with another person is before, during and after a sexual
experience. So it's understandable that they would have difficulty
separating the two. But separate they are.
It's a little like kissing. A kiss
can be a sexual act - but it can also have many other meanings: a
gesture of friendship, a welcome, a way of saying goodbye, a
comforting gesture - or, if you live in Hollywood and practise the
airkiss it can mean anything from 'fancy seeing you here' to 'drop
dead, bitch'! You learn very quickly what is appropriate and
inappropriate, depending on your audience. If you're alone with a
lover, then a little tonsil hockey would be entirely correct; if
you're greeting your partner's mother, then tongues are probably not
appropriate.
The majority of naturist resorts are
family oriented, and all are patrolled to keep away voyeurs and sort
out anyone who is acting in suggestive or crude manner. Anyone staying
at a naturist resort who made any overt sexual gestures or
inappropriate remarks in a public situation would be asked to leave.
One of the benefits of Naked recreation is that it takes place in a
non-threatening atmosphere, where people are free to relax and be
themselves. Naturist resorts share many similarities with other kinds
of resort, the exception being simply that clothes are optional for
most of the activities happening there.
ISN'T IT UNCOMFORTABLE
THOUGH, NEVER BEING ALLOWED TO WEAR CLOTHES?
It's not a question of never being
allowed to wear clothes! There are lots of situations where the
wearing of clothes is very sensible - and naturists don't remove their
brains with their undergarments! Naturism is meant to be freeing and
relaxing. If you live in the north of England, for instance, then a
long walk through the woods Naked in the middle of January is probably
not a good idea. Similarly if you are at sun resort and think your
skin has had enough sun for one day, you won't be thrown out for
daring to put on a T-shirt or a hat. Some sporting activities may even
require the use of protective clothing.
There are no circumstances in which
it is mandatory to be naked, and naturists are not campaigning for a
clothes free world. They just don't see concealment as a valid reason
for wearing clothes.
BUT I'M A GUY -
WITH ALL THOSE NAKED BODIES AROUND, WHAT IF I... YOU KNOW... FORGET
MYSELF?
After an hour or so in the company of
new friends at a naturist resort, the only thing you're likely to
forget is that people are naked at all. It just isn't an issue. Of
course guys, becoming a naturist doesn't mean that your normal body
responses stop. It's a fact of life that men get erections. For most
they're as natural as the weather - but sometimes they can be just as
unpredictable. Just when you're hoping for a depression in the midwest,
suddenly all is bright, sunny and positively perky! It is, however,
far less of a problem in a Naked setting than you might suppose -
simply because the social atmosphere in a naturist resort is very
non-sexual.
If it were to happen, then it's a
matter of using common sense. You'd maybe want to roll over for a
little while, take a swim or practise a little strategic towel
placing!
AS A WOMAN
THOUGH, IF I'M HAVING MY PERIOD, PRESUMABLY I CAN'T GO NAKED.
Not true. It depends largely on how
comfortable you feel. Naturists understand that menstruation is a
perfectly natural part of life for all women, and you won't be singled
out for special notice! The use of tampons enables women to take part
in most naturist activities. If you prefer to use pads instead, or if
you would just feel more comfortable doing so, wearing shorts is
perfectly acceptable during your period.
I COULD NEVER BE A
NUDIST ANYWAY - JUST LOOK AT MY BODY!
That's the whole point though.
Naturism isn't about looking at bodies - naturists are not
exhibitionists. It's just about enjoying the freedom that a clothes
optional atmosphere brings. Naturism is about accepting the human body
for what it is - nothing to be ashamed of. So the men don't need to
hit the gym for six months, buffing their muscles to within an inch of
their lives in order to gain entry. And the women don't have to look
like Baywatch babes. The media is largely responsible for promoting
this idea of body perfection, but the truth is that the vast majority
of people do not now, nor are they likely to ever resemble this false
ideal.
So for naturists there is no such
thing as too fat, too thin, too short, too tall, too hairy. Nobody's
going to comment on the size or shape of your breasts or critically
evaluate your genitalia. And if you have any surgical scars or other
distinguishing marks you needn't worry - ignore them just like
everyone else will. For most people, their initial discomfort
disappears very quickly, once they realize they are not being judged
on their appearance.
Short Reading About Nudist Culture
The TBN organization, founded in 1985, is affiliated with The Naturist Society, a national organization. Our membership is open to couples, families, and singles, growing from 18 original members to nearly 200 today.
Our activities include indoor swims, parties, and other events during the cooler weather months. At the swims, you will have the opportunity to play water volleyball, swim a few laps, and socialize with fellow naturists. We currently are looking for a new pool, if you know of one, please e-mail us the information. During the summer, we will travel to landed naturists/nudist clubs around the state and to various clothing-optional sites.
All TBN events are clothing-optional. Most people in attendance will be Naked, but there is no requirement or pressure to be Naked at our winter swims.
Membership in TBN is $20.00 per year, per family, couple or individual. Benefits of membership include our quarterly newsletter OH Naturel and discounted admission to our swims.
You may wish to attend one or more of our events before deciding if membership in a naturist organization is right for you. Attendance at activities before joining, however, is not mandatory.
The Buckeye Naturists is a "family-oriented" group, meaning that conduct at our activities should be as if your family is present.
Please read our Code of Ethics before attending any of our events.
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