Haulover Beach - SC Breakin!!??

[bfriends]

Have you had my experience in breaking in to the beach social club (SC)?

I visited the Haulover Beach clothing optional section on a couple of Wednesdays recently. Only ONE person each Wednesday, of the hundreds or even thousands of people there, responded to my greeting and stopped to be friendly!!??

For the record, I am not talking about those laying around tanning or reading something - they do deserve their uninterrupted space. Perhaps part of the problem concerns people from other countries visiting, who do not understand much English - this is understandable.

The people I am talking about were walking around, standing along the beach, or in the water. You say "hello" or something friendly, and they just stare like they were deaf. Maybe most of the visitors here suffer from hearing loss - would be a potential market for hearing aid sales! I have not experienced this shunning on any of the other beaches in our area - there has not been any assault cases reported for Haulover that I am aware of either.

The weekend group might be more sociable than this Wednesday group. I understand that people set up booths over the weekend were people can talk to someone, get information, and hopefully feel more welcome.

Where am I missing something? I realize two visits do not make a real case for my somewhat small problem. :)

[DoctorSurferDude]

Yes, try the weekend.

But also don't try so hard....in general, people don't like to be approached on nude beaches. Bring a book, blend in, go for a swim, take walks, etc. Eventually.....something will happen on it's own, and you'll have a conversation here and there. If you try to force something....it feels forced, and that is sensed by the person you're talking to.

Make it your goal to have a nice peaceful day in a nice warm environment....and my guess is you'll have a better chance trying to meet somebody that way than if you actually go trying to meet somebody.....if that makes any sense.

[chuckincville]

Bfriends,
I'm far to inexperienced to offer a real answer to your questions.
Yet I would offer this idea. Perhaps these folks choose a weekday to visit the beach for the express purpose of avoiding the crowds and perhaps feeling pressure to "socialize".
My wife says that if she were to join me in any nudist activities she would want to experience it with just me "and not have to talk to anyone else."
Maybe this is where those folks were in their experience of naturism - only they could answer that - but I guess they weren't talkin.

[missyd]

I completely agree with DrSurferDude. I/we have no problem at all talking with new people, including single guys at the beach. The social aspect of the nude beach community is one of the reasons I go and I am just as likely to talk with a single man as a couple or another woman.

I also am wise enough to know that not every guy who wants to strike up a conversation has the same intention in being friendly I do and I/we are usually guarded in first meetings until we feel comfortable that we are all "on the same page" so to speak. For a woman or couple who is at the beach for sun and socializing, it is a real downer to be propostioned or monopoloized by someone you'd really rather not talk to.

DrSurferDude is right in that that often happens when it's a natural extension of being in the same place at the same time and that "vibe" that the person is just being friendly. Most of the friends we have made, including single guys were people who happened to be near us, reading, tanning and minding their own business and the conversation just started and continued naturally. It's all in the feel I think. :)

[Sanslines]

How about this for an idea. Bring a checker or chess board, a deck of cards, or another game and invite others to play. Maybe this will help break the ice. Always remeber that some people are more sociable then others and so don't take any of it personally. Just don't give up and you will find some nice, friendly people to socialize with. Good luck!

[DenitaLC]

Sometimes it is hard to guess at a person's motive. Are they saying hello just to be nice or would they really like to engage in a conversation? Are they just returning your hello and wanting to leave it at that, or would they also like to visit? When I go to the beach, I like to appear friendly in hopes of making new friends or enjoying some beach conversation. I try and read the other person's reactions to our initial conversation. If they are abrupt, fine...I realize they don't want a conversation of any length and I let them be to enjoy the peace of the surroundings.
If I am the one being greeted, I usually reply with a hello, how are you and more so they know I'm okay with a longer conversation if they are also interested. I got involved with a fun game of boccie last summer from just such a conversation starter.
I recommend a quick greeting. If a person sits around, staring and "thinking" about going up and saying hello, it seems creepy. Just make an initial hello then return to your day at the beach. If others want to take it further, they will.
:)

[bfriends]

WOW! Thanks for the good suggestions. Maybe I was expecting too much in a relatively short time. Will try your ideas next time in a couple of weeks. :)

[DenitaLC]

I think as you become more of a 'regular' on the beach, you'll find making friends and having conversations a lot easier. People start to recognize you and become more confident that you are there for the right reasons. :)

[missyd]

Very true Dee, and a nice all over tan says "I'm a regular" too. :D

[Naturist4Ever]

and a nice all over tan says "I'm a regular" too. :D

Funny :-)

Bfriends, just don't push it and like chuckincville wrote, weekday people may actually just be there to get some peace and quietness. Another option would be to join in a game of volley or something. My last visit to Haulover was in '05 and dear what do I miss it!
Good luck

[bfriends]

Thanks again for your helpful advice. :)

While I have many textile friends on and off the beaches, I am quite amazed at the difference people exhibit with their clothes off, walking or standing around on the beach or in the water, for casual social interactions. This includes people coming from or going to the parking area there!

Haulover beach averages over 1,000 visitors per day. This public beach would be the last place I would think to go for quiet and exclusion. I can get this at home, where I wear only a smile most of the time.

I am sure with more visits, I will experience the acceptance you talk about, which I already experience with the textile crowd. It is interesting note that a number of you had to specifically work to experience casual social interactions on clothing optional beaches, unless you came to the beach with others.

A very happy New Year to all of you!:)

[jax]

When you first walk over to the beach there will be a person by the name of larry, he is very friendly, also there are people who ware hard hats that parol the beach, again they are friendly. Do you play vollyball on the weekends there is a great group that plays. They are always welcoming people. I went to Haulover everyweek from October 1992 to December 2005. I miss it.

[bfriends]

Hi JAX:

Thank you for your information. I will have to look for Larry and/or the folks with hard hats. Part of my problem probably comes with my Wednesdays only, when I am close enough to stop at Haulover.

There are few to none playing volleyball on this day, for my two visits. The weekend is looking like the best time for visiting with people there.

Best wishes for your New Year. :)

[sunaddicted]

We go all the time and usually see the same people all the time. I have found the crowd very friendly with some people maybe too friendly. We have actually made friends with people and just spent New Years Eve with friends from the beach. I think the advice given is very good. Don't press it and visit on the weekend when its crowded. One problem is that there are a couple of guys that show up daily looking for "friends" and that gets old. One guy shows up around 2-3 everyday and walks around holding his shorts and a bag with beer to use to make friends. He seems harmless but I've seen him approach couples and stay too long. He always carries a large textbook but never sits still and actually reads it.

Do you play volleyball? That group is always active and would be a good way to make friends.

[John-The-Great]

I have been there before and I noticed that people pretty much keep to themselves. It seemed to be mostly older men however I have not been there on a weekend. I assume it would be more crowded on a weekend with a different variety of people.

[bfriends]

Hi!

I will probably be close to the Haulover beach this coming Wednesday, and plan to stop, weather permitting. :)

I only try to talk with people standing or walking around the beach area. Obviously, bothering people laying, reading, sunning or grouped together is not on my agenda.

People running around offering drinks, etc. to start conversations, seems rather bazaar to say the least. In my two visits, I did not see such activity. It sounds like the weekends can expose people to odd behaviors - not what you would choose for friendly conversations.

Thank you again for your helpful observations and recommendations.

[bunsunr]

Anymore, it seems that everywhere you go, this is normal in the States. I say the States because when I visited Toronto and England, everyone greeted one another with a smile and 'Hello'. Even in the check-out at the grocery store, the clerk is unresponsive, or the person passing on your morning walks, and the neighbor across the street.
My Mom taught me to speak when spoken to, and that basic manners were a must for people to survive with one another. Today, all sorts of manners have been lost to the wayside, and believe me, it starts each of us.
I have my own remedy, and at first, even Mom thought it was rude, but found that it worked better than the slap in the back of the head that she would have given me. And, I am labeled as a 'smart donkey' LOL

When I pass someone, I greet them with a smile and 'Hello'. If I get no response, I respond back as if they did; "I am fine, thanks for asking"! I then carry on with my task at hand.

When I moved to a new neighborhood a few years ago, this was how I responded to everyone on my morning walk. Within days, I had many responding back, and others even apologized to me for being rude themselves. I have also noticed that nearly 80% if the people I pass or watch on the path will acknowledge me or others.
Sure beats the slap in the back of the head that my Mom would have given me; and yes, my Mom uses this techniques now as well. She said it hurt her hand too much from slapping others in the head all the time.

As far as Haulover Beach; keep in mind that almost 75% of the beach is populated with non-English speaking tourists. Sometimes, a raised hand in the 'Hello' position will speak many languages.

[bfriends]

Hi!

Yes, you have been practicing what I would consider a very positive approach in friendly casual relationships.

TNX very much. :)

[ccphoto]

Haulover is a great beach and very unique given its location in the middle of the busy north Miami Beach area. Like others have said, just go to relax and you will find the friendly people there.

[Bobby Hill]

Are people generally friendly ti 1st time visitors there ??

[sunaddicted]

If you are a single male, you can get a cold shoulder if you come on to groups of women or girls, or if you do the same to a single couple. This is unfortunately due to some guys who seem to cruise the beach, some everyday. My wife and I are very friendly, and are happy to talk to almost everyone who talks to us. Except for the language barrier, French-English, or Spanish-English which is often present, most people are friendly. Find a spot where there seems to be happy people, and if language isn't a problem, tell them its your first time and ask about the beach, or the area.

Even a bad day at the beach naked, is better than a good day elsewhere. As long as the weather is good enjoy!

[1Ace]

Just had my first visit here with my wife this week while on vacation. You will find it all, friendly, weird, gay, etc... Overall I had a nice visit and what a great beach!!!

[Fitz1980]

I've been to Haulover twice this week. We went on Monday and on Wednesday. Got my friend Andrea to go for the first time Monday. By the time we left she was asking "can we come here everyday?"

[1Ace]

How about that storm on Monday, it was crazy! Rain, sun, rain, sun, rain, sun. Was still cool being on the beach even when it was raining.

[swnudedude]

I'm vacationing in south florida and just got back from Haulover..People were nice enough.....but not many were nude!!! I guess about half were....
It brings to mind Blacks Beach last labor day weekend...It was packed (tempt in the 90's--high by San Diego standards) Again, I thought a higher percentage of the folks there would have enjoyed being nude...

Just an observation---I enjoyed myself....Both places are quite beautiful!

[Yasehtor]

We visited Haulover several times over a year ago and found it a wonderful spot. We were not particularly interested in the volleyball, but spent time walking along the beach, sunbathing and swimming. The people there were friendly as far as we were concerned. We had a few chats with people, but really weren't looking for more than that. We took a few photos while there and a couple walking along the beach stopped and asked if we would like them to take a shot of the two of us together. We were grateful for their offer and took them up on it. Overall, we would say go and enjoy the beach, be yourself and the social contacts will occur. Hope to get back next year as it is a wonderful naturist get-a-way.:)

[NakationGal]

One of my friends recommended a new site on Haulover in case ya'll need more info on it - HauloverBeach.org

I had a BLAST when I went last year!