Whose family is nudist?

[Dude in Nor Cal]

I'm curious, who out there comes from a naturist background in their house, and how many of you are like me, who came into it on your own? I've noticed in previous replies that people our age who don't come from body acceptance-oriented families usually don't know too many other naturists and haven't really been around to the different clothing-optional destinations.

I have a hypothesis that those of you who picked up naturism from youe parents and practiced it with your siblings probably have a lot more naturist friends your age, and have a lot easier time separating nudity from sex from those of us who were raised to connect the two.

Also, probably because my parents aren't naturists, it used to be a bit wierd for me to see older people naked, although people my own age or kids don't bother me in the slightest. I got better about that, though. This is partly because there don't seem to be many young people at nude beaches or anything. They also seem to be at least 70% male. Anybody have any ideas as to why this is?

[Dude in Nor Cal]

I'm curious, who out there comes from a naturist background in their house, and how many of you are like me, who came into it on your own? I've noticed in previous replies that people our age who don't come from body acceptance-oriented families usually don't know too many other naturists and haven't really been around to the different clothing-optional destinations.

I have a hypothesis that those of you who picked up naturism from youe parents and practiced it with your siblings probably have a lot more naturist friends your age, and have a lot easier time separating nudity from sex from those of us who were raised to connect the two.

Also, probably because my parents aren't naturists, it used to be a bit wierd for me to see older people naked, although people my own age or kids don't bother me in the slightest. I got better about that, though. This is partly because there don't seem to be many young people at nude beaches or anything. They also seem to be at least 70% male. Anybody have any ideas as to why this is?

I not am not from a nudist family and like you I haven't made friends with other naturists and have had to limit my visits to CO beaches to going solo.I think one reason for mostly older folks is that these people grew up during the 60s "Hippie Era"When nudity and openess were in....Woodstock ...Free beaches etc....also streaking in the early 70s were glorified on newscasts. This group hopes to maintain that feeling of freedom minus the drugs and free sex.I could be wrong,but I think the reason there aren't more young men is ,as you say separating sex from naturism in your thoughts when removing your clothes when you are young without a sexual partner is difficult.Concealing desires for voyuerism and exhibitionism combined with the sensitivity of young bodies can result in spontaneous erections causing shame and embarassment.I think this is also why some naturist resorts ban or discriminate against males alone.I feel that is the reason I will have to continue to enjoy the excitement and freedom of naturism in secluded scenic locations on my own.

[Bob S.]

I am a nudist who grew up in a non-nudist household. We weren't a body-phobic family, but the thought of being naked around each other after a certain age was not even considered.

I am undoubtedly the only nudist in my family and I have had these nudist thoughts for as long as I can remember, I just could never do anything about them except in privacy. And believing in the nudsit ideals combined with my lack of worry about sex, I never thought that nudity = sex. For me, everything was separate and had its own place.

As such, I never had any friends who were nudists that I knew of nor did I even know about the term nudist until high school. It is only now, after having attended a nudist park that I have met others who share my beliefs about nudism.

As for the demographics, all beaches (and resorts) have their own personality and regulars. I'm sure there are some beaches which are attended by a more youthful crowd, but as I don't really care much for beaches, I don't have any stats on that.

And men seem socially to have an easier time convincing themselves that nudity amongst others is acceptable. Women have been tought from an early age to be modest and keep their clothes on. And think of it, men can remove their shirts and have been allowed to for about the past century. Women still cannot take their shirts off either legally or socially.

Bob S.

[Naked Bob 2]

Okay here is another question in response.

I am a naturist, I have been for almost 12 years now. When my kids wre younger I would take them to nude beaches and resorts and stuff. They were around 8 at the time. Then around the time that puberty hit they suddenly got the idea that nudity is wrong.

I understand that durring this highly stressful time this is normal. Anyway I always thought that they would somehow out grow this phase in life but they haven't. They are 18 and 19 now and still live at home but nudity is still not for them.

They don't seem to have a problem with me going nude arund the house as I do most of the time. At least they haven't mentioned it to me.

I'm just wondering what is the deal? Where did I go wrong? I mean I want them to be their own person and all and decide what is right for them. But still I would like to know how they got so hung up on clothes and the idea that it is somehow wrong to be nude. I guess friends, school and the general view of society. Any thoughts on this?

NakedB....Probably peer pressure...not having friends in the naturist lifestyle could have a strong influence on them.

[RT]

I'm a 22 year old male and grew up in a naturist family. I have a twin brother and a younger sister (19). the three of us are still in the naturist lifestyle.

I love it ! The feeling of being one with nature naked is awesome. It's hard to describe to a non naturist the feeling.

I have a lot of mates(buddies) who are naturists but also have a few non naturist mates. I guess having a twin brother going through pubity helped me get through that tough time of growing up.

A few of our non naturist mates have been to clothing optional beaches with us and have enjoyed the feeling. We don't push our lifestyle onto anyone we just invite them along to naturist events or clothing optional beaches and it's up to them if they want to join us.

RT

[Dude in Nor Cal]

Naked Bob 2-
As RT said, he had his twin brother, so when puberty hit their bodies were going through the same thing. My theory is that kids will stick with it if they have friends their own age that also are naturists. Since naturists are pretty rare as a percentage of the population of the US (less so in Western and Northern Europe or maybe Australia), the best way to have your kids meet other naturist kids their age might be to go meet other naturist families.

I'm 21, have no kids of my own, so I'm just theorizing. I think that a trip to a naturist "family resort" for a week or two each year probably will yield better results for the kids in the long run than taking them to a beach every so often and not wearing clothes in the house. The kids might look forward to seeing their friends every summer, like camp, and so naturism will always be something they practice at least a week a year, instead of losing interest like Naked Bob 2's kids seem to have.

Also NB2, like you said, kids find their own way. I discovered I wanted to be a naturist when I considered the question of clothes logically. Why the hell SHOULDN'T I be naked at a beach, or at home, or hiking or camping or swimming or whatever? Pretty much just shame over my own body, which I got over prettty quick. Your kids have just come to their own conclusion using their own deductive reasoning. Lord knows my parents don't agree with much of what I do, but I console them by telling them that the ability to think rationally was mostly because they raised me to. At any rate, don't blame yourself for doing anything wrong.

[Naked Bob 2]

Thanks for the input everyone I pretty much came to the same conclusions as you all did. We did at the time belong to a Nudist resort. Maybe we just did not go often enough.

Now don't get me wrong I think that they turned out fine. I just wish they would have continued to go even if it was on there own or with their own group of friends.

[Aaron]

I'm Aaron. I'm 22 and on the staff here at
INA. I did not grow up in a naturist family.
Actually my first experience with public
nudity happened while I was surfing at
the famous Black Beach in San Diego, Calif.
I was surfing with some friends and decided
to mingle with some of the nudists on the
beach. I felt awkward at first, but was
more comfortable with it the next few times
we surfed at Black's.
Now I'm dedicated to the cause of naturism.
If you're an INA member, you can see me in
"photos of freedom" and on our new broadcast,
"nudes in the news".
I definetely feel we
need more naturists under 30. If you feel
the same let me know.

[RT]

Good to hear from you Aaron. I have seen a few of your pictures on the INA website.

I have one question, arn't you afraid your pictures will end up on a porno site? The only reason I ask is, once I sent a nude picture of Casey & I to a person on the net who I thought was a fellow youth naturist and it ended up on one of those porno sites.

I'm not afraid of sharing nude pictures of fellow youth naturists but I am afraid of them ending up on porno sites. I sent some non nude pictures to INA but haven't any other way of distributing them other than one at a time to INA Forum members who ask for a copy.

RT

[Aaron]

RT: Thanks for responding so fast. I'm not
worried about it. In the three years INA
has been around..we've had no reports of our
photos turning up on porno websites.
If they do..our attorneys will demand they
return them or will press legal action.

[RT]

Aaron: ditto for the quick reply.

I agree we need more under 30's in the naturist lifestyle, hence my posting "youth is the future" Both Casey (my twin bro) and Julie (younger sister 19) believe that youth is the future.

The group that we hang with are all in the 16-25 age bracket. There are 26 of us in the group. We formed the group our selves. It's not an official youth group but a group from the local nude beach.

Our Parents are all for the group and help us hold youth events. A few weeks ago we had an event in Bilpin (in the Blue Mountains) of Sydney. It was held at a place owned by a parent of one of our youth naturist.

It was a bit cold at nights as it's winter here now but it was an awesome weekend. We went on a few busk walks and played volleyball, tennis etc...

Have you seen a copy of the pictures I sent INA a few weeks ago ? They were photo's of a few of the youth group at a recent event.

RT

[Bartamus]

Rt: Pardon me while I briefly step in here.
We got your non-naturist photos, but frankly
we can't tell who is who.
Could you send us any additional non or
naturist photos that could better depict your brother and sister and possibly your
naturist group.
Thanks

[RT]

Hi Bart

No problem, I will have to find some and scan them for you. I will send them with discriptions of who is who. I a novis at sending pictures over the net, sorry.

Obviously I will need to get permission from everyone in the pictures to send them to you.

RT

[Bartamus]

RT: Thanks. As we say in America.."you're a pal".
We also appreciate the effort. Your
involvement in this forum is awesome.

[paolo]

Although my family aren't nudists, my parents have always been relaxed about most things. The first time I went naked in front of my family as a teen was on a beach in France a couple of years ago. I noticed that some other people were naked so I just asked my parents if I could get an all over tan too. They didn't have a problem with it at all, though neither they nor my brother or sister participated. Since then I always go naked in the garden and in my room. My family probably thinks I'm a bit weird, but I love the freedom that nudity brings. And if I have to be completely honest, I do get a certain thrill if a female neighbour sees me tanning my butt in the garden! But, I'm 16 so perhaps that's normal, I don't know.

Hi Paolo...I think its perfectly normal....there is probably a bit of subconcious exhibitionism in people of all ages starting with puberty.... it's just part of the sexual beings we are. /infopop/emoticons/icon_wink.gif

[turkishnudes]

So Aaraon which one are you? The guy in todays picture at the "Shine & Buff"??
From your description that must be you?

[PAnudist1431788]

I have heard my parents privately talking about going to a nude beach with me and my sister for vacation, but they never followed through with it. At the time they talked about it privately I wasn't a nudist so I didn't tell them I wanted to go. They said I would be too embaressed, and at the age I was, I would've been embarresed.

[Bartamus]

Turkisnudes: Yes You're right. That's Aaron
on the left

[Aaron]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by turkisnudes:
So Aaraon which one are you? The guy in todays picture at the "Shine & Buff"??
From your description that must be you? <HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

It's good to meet you, turkisnudes! It's always a pleasure meeting fellow nudists expecially from the other side of the planet.
Yes, I am the guy on the left in the Shine n Buff Car Show photo. Check out this weeks news show with digital video of the car show at Laguna Del Sol in Wilton, California. It will be up by Thursday. Stay naked!
Aaron /infopop/emoticons/icon_cool.gif

[RT]

Bart/Aaron :

I have scanned two pictures of our youth group, just waiting for aproval from two more people in the pictures before I send them. I just want to be sure it's ok before I send pictures of people other than Casey, Julie and I in the same picture.

RT

[Bartamus]

Thanks for your effort RT..we really
appreciate it.

[roversfan1]

Hi guys.
Thought it about time that I posted on here. I agree with all that has been posted on here. That is why we set up YBN (young british naturists) to give young people the chance to meet others of the same age who share their enjoyment of the naturist lifestyle. We are 70 members strong at the moment so if anyone out there is from the UK get in touch.
If you arent from the UK get in touch anyway, its always cool to meet new friends.

Ben.
ps) RT tell Casey to drop me a line. Ive not heard from him in ages /infopop/emoticons/icon_confused.gif
www.british-naturism.org.uk/youth1.htm (http://www.british-naturism.org.uk/youth1.htm)

[turkishnudes]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR>It's good to meet you, turkisnudes! It's always a pleasure meeting fellow nudists expecially from the other side of the planet.
Yes, I am the guy on the left in the Shine n Buff Car Show photo. Check out this weeks news show with digital video of the car show at Laguna Del Sol in Wilton, California. It will be up by Thursday. Stay naked! <HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

I might be on the other side of the planet, but I am in fact English. I live in Istanbul now, and have done for the past five years.
Turkey as you know is a muslim country, and official nudity is frowned upon.
We keep the naked flag flying in our house though, bing two young guys, we have regular naked events at our two storey house, including a swimming pool on the balcony ( albeit an inflatable!), naked dinners and parties. Of course it is only males who participate in these events ( we evn have body painting!), as the religion does not encourage nudity amongst women.
If you are evr in ıstanbul, look us up!
/infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif

[RT]

Hey Ben

I just kicked Casey's butt, he has been a bit sick but he said he will email you tomorrow.

RT

[INA_Pres]

This is Corey Mangold, President of ClothesFree.com. I was just reading through the forums and got caught up in this whole topic. It makes me so proud to see all these young naturists opening up and sharing their ideas. I myself am only 22 years old and have devoted myself to this lifestyle and to INA. I just wanted share my gratitude and thank each and everyone one of you for keeping the forums at ClothesFree.com a fun and safe place for us all to unite.

[RT]

Bart/Aaron

It's back to the shoe box for me to find some more pictures of our Youth Group. One of the dudes in the pictures did not want me to send it and I respect that.

Sorry dude's but I will find some I promise.

RT

[Bartamus]

Rt: That's cool. It's good that you're
checking with people

[Kristin]

To get back on topic /infopop/emoticons/icon_rolleyes.gif , my parents consider themselves nudists, but I am more nudist than they are. They swim and sunbathe nude regularly, and we go to nude beaches and resorts. However, they're not the kind to strip down once they come home from work, whereas I am always nude within 2 minutes of stepping off the school bus. I am literally always nude at home unless we have company (even then I'm often nude) whereas they are usually only nude outside by the pool.

The difference between us is best explained with a brief history lesson. I was not born a nudist, and I didn't become one until about 2 years ago. We were just casual with nudity before then, with no dress code for the pool, although we wore suits about as often as we were nude. We knew a nudist family with kids 4 and 7 years younger than me, and as I started babysitting them, I started picking up on their lifestyle little by little until I finally told my parents that I wanted to be a nudist. They had no problem, since we were so casual about nudity anyway. They adopted the title, too, but I was the only one to truly adopt the lifestyle.

[RT]

Hi Kristin

I grew up with the naturist lifestyle but I don't come home from University and strip off, Casey my twin bro is the same. I still call my self a naturist.

I'm not saying your not a true natirist I just wanted to say that because I don't come home and disrobe immediatley I'm a true naturist.

Take it easy dude

RT

[Aaron]

Hey Kristin,
My name is Aaron. I am with the staff her at clothesfree.com. I just wanted to say that it great to see yours stories in here. That's a pretty interesting introduction to naturism. Anyways thank you for sharing your story.
/infopop/emoticons/icon_cool.gif

[steve1979]

unfortunately, my family they never understood naturism, it was always hard to live as naturist, sicne i'm living alone, i'm in peace, happyly naturist :)

[eagle59]

I did not grow up in a nudist family at all. My parents were very tight minded (or is it small minded?) and it just would not have been acceptable. In fact, my dad "caught" me sleeping naked while I was in high school and he punished me and teased me for it. It did not stop me and here I am today. I found out at an early age that I liked to be naked as much as possible and we lived in the country and I would go on long naked hikes and just enjoy the feeling of freedom. My family never knew what I was up to.
Today I am naked at home as much as possible my wife is tolerant, but would prefer that I get dressed so I honor her wishes ( oh, the things we do for love!). I still sleep naked and enjoy every minute of my naked slumber!

[alfrenude]

Hola,Im Alfredo, from Costa Rica, Latin America. Im 24 years old. my family is naturist too, I grew up in a nudist environment, my brother and sister are nudists too. I have my naturist friends and non naturists too, and my family too. My girlfriend is naturist and my sister´s boyfriend is naturist too. is nice growing up in the naturism, normal, and no shame. Gracias... greetings.

[Oregonav8r]

I'm curious, who out there comes from a naturist background in their house, and how many of you are like me, who came into it on your own? I've noticed in previous replies that people our age who don't come from body acceptance-oriented families usually don't know too many other naturists and haven't really been around to the different clothing-optional destinations.

I have a hypothesis that those of you who picked up naturism from youe parents and practiced it with your siblings probably have a lot more naturist friends your age, and have a lot easier time separating nudity from sex from those of us who were raised to connect the two.

Also, probably because my parents aren't naturists, it used to be a bit wierd for me to see older people naked, although people my own age or kids don't bother me in the slightest. I got better about that, though. This is partly because there don't seem to be many young people at nude beaches or anything. They also seem to be at least 70% male. Anybody have any ideas as to why this is?

I don't come from a naturist family myself. I first got into it around the time I turned 16. My family was always somewhat in the middle in regards to nudity...we were open and comfortable enough to be naked in each other's presence, but nudity wasn't something that we did for its own sake either. But we would walk to and from the shower naked, skinnydip in the hot tub, and other similar things. As a result of that I never really developd the sense of body shame that so many other young people get trapped with.

As for the second part of that, I think the reason we generally see more male nudists than female is due to the body shame and/or acceptance issue. I think a lot of females would rather be around other females when first trying it out instead of a bunch of males...which is understandable to a point, but at the same time after trying it they should realize that its not sexual thing, and the gender imbalance should start to diminish, in theory. But, as we all know, that isn't the case all the time. I think we as a group need to promote it and spread the word to get more people interested in it.

[Hoosiers]

I wasnt raised in a nudist family by any means (but skinny dipping was ok) so I guess the attitude about clothes was relaxed...hoping to give my kids the full nude healthly lifestyle.