Sites and Clubs

Naturist sites and clubs in Cornwall

A nudist camp near the Quad Cities has long been an open secret. Not anymore
Blue Lake Resort in Illinois has about 200 members

Deep in the naked prairies of the heartland, hidden in the rolling cornfields of rural Illinois, there’s a place of local legend.

If you stumble upon it, you’ll find everyday Americans. Midwesterners and coastals. Lawyers and truck drivers. Farmers and nurses. The elderly and the very young.

“We’re no different than everyone else,” resident Irma Huebner said. “We just like to have our clothes off.”

Irma Huebner, one of the owners of the nudist resort in Erie, Illinois, mows her yard Aug. 15 at Blue Lake Resort. Jessica Gallagher/Quad-City Times

At Blue Lake Resort, a nudist campground in Erie, nudism is a tradition and way of life.

The member-based park is a summer getaway for outdoor recreation and a secret refuge from the rigidities of modern life. It’s a place for personal liberation, a perfect spot for sunbathing, a one-time stop on a whim or a dare.

But Blue Lake isn’t a sex colony, a peep show or an outdoor orgy. It’s family-friendly, and there are rules.

“We don’t tolerate any lewd behavior or behavior that makes people feel uncomfortable,” explained Chuck Jester, the resort’s general manager. “There’s a lot of people who think nudism and sex are the same. They’re not.”

Continued…Read full original article…

Source: The Gazette

Original publication September 02, 2019

Posted on NatCorn 3 days ago

history, naturism, sites and clubs

Reference to an article does not infer endorsement of any views expressed.

The State You’re In: These Florida nudists just want their mail

The other day some folks at a Florida nudist resort in Pasco County made headlines because, they said, their letter carrier refused to bring their mail inside the front gate. They blamed discrimination.

About 150 people live at the clothing-optional Eden RV Resort in Hudson, according to one of the owners, who said his name was Dan — just Dan. (Apparently Eden is also last-name-optional.)

Florida has its share of nude retreats. At the Lake Como Family Nudist Resort in Lutz, there's even a nature trail — Florida has its share of nude retreats. At the Lake Como Family Nudist Resort in Lutz, there’s even a nature trail Times files (2014)

Most mail for Eden residents goes to a row of boxes by the gate, Dan said. But if there’s a package, then the letter carrier is supposed to schlep it inside the gate and deliver it to the recipient’s door.

One letter carrier refused to deliver packages in Eden, apparently because she didn’t like seeing the residents dressed like the original residents of Eden, Adam and Eve. The U.S. Postal Service’s famous “neither rain, nor snow, nor sleet” credo doesn’t cover “seeing things that would require pouring bleach into the carrier’s eyeballs.”

In a five-minute interview, Dan said four times that the resort itself has no problem with the postal service. Just a couple of residents had complaints, he said, but “they were legitimate.”

Continued…Read full original article…

Source: Tampa Bay Times

Original publication Mar. 13, 2018

Posted on NatCorn 4 days ago

Body Acceptance, naturism, sites and clubs

Reference to an article does not infer endorsement of any views expressed.

‘Dressed when practical, nude when possible’: Naturist camp celebrates 30 years
No shirt, no shoes, no problem.

That’s the mantra at the Sunward Naturist Park, located on a 500-acre property near Calabogie.

The camp is complete with 35 trailer sites, a farmhouse, an island, several boats, a sauna, a volleyball area and fire pits. It’s a rocky but picturesque campground with rolling hills, pine trees and a deep body of water called Jamieson Lake.

The place seems like any of the other hundreds of campgrounds in eastern Ontario.

Except for the nudity.

This summer marked the Sunward Naturist Park’s 30-year anniversary of nude swims, volleyball games, cheese and wine parties and movie nights. And for the roughly 50 members who routinely visit, the camp is a place where the definition of “normal” outdoor recreation is redefined.

“Naturism, nudism, it’s one of those things where if I need to explain it to you, then you don’t get it,” said Tony Milne, the 72-year-old co-owner. “It’s a feeling that you have that you don’t want to wear clothes, you want to be out in the woods, in the sun, in the air, in the water and not wear any clothes.”

Milne is aware of the criticism nudism receives, most of it connected to the assumption that the lifestyle is a sexual ideology, but he said this is an unfair misconception.

“To a lot of people, being nude means you’re going to have sex. … It doesn’t really have to go together,” he said. “If you’ve ever had sex with your clothes still on, you’ll understand.”

Continued…Read full original article…

Source: Ottawa Citizen

Original publication September 3, 2019

Posted on NatCorn 1 week ago

30 Anniversary, naturism, sites and clubs

Reference to an article does not infer endorsement of any views expressed.

A Very German Idea of Freedom: Nude Ping-Pong, Nude Sledding, Nude Just About Anything

The first time Michael Adamski saw his mother-in-law naked it was awkward.

But it wasn’t as awkward as seeing his boss naked.

Mr. Adamski, a police officer in Berlin who investigates organized crime, first started going to a nudist camp at a lake outside Berlin after he met his wife, whose family owned a cabin there.

One weekend, when he had just about gotten used to stripping in front of his in-laws, he bumped into the highest-ranking colonel in his precinct — who promptly challenged him to a game of table tennis.

Nudists at a lake in Germany CreditCreditLena Mucha for The New York Times

They have been on first-name terms ever since.

“Once you’ve played Ping-Pong with someone naked, you can’t call them ‘colonel’ anymore,” Mr. Adamski said as he prepared to join a triathlon where the swimming and running portions of the race were naked. “Nudity is a great leveler.”

Germans love to get naked. They have been getting naked in public for over a hundred years, when early naturists rebelled against the grime of industrialization and then the mass slaughter of World War I.

“Free body culture” — basically bathing the whole body in water and sunlight while preferably also doing some exercise — became the battle cry for a healthy, harmonious lifestyle and an antidote to a destructive modernity.

Mr. Adamski’s camp, founded in 1921, was the first licensed nudist club on a lakeside in the country. Nearly 100 years later, entire stretches of German waterfronts are designated as nudist beaches. There is a nudist hiking trail. There are sporting events from nude yoga to nude sledding. German saunas are mixed and naked. People regularly take their clothes off on television, too.

Continued…Read full original article…

Source: New York Times

Original publication Aug. 31, 2019

Posted on NatCorn 2 weeks ago

experience, naturism, sites and clubs

Reference to an article does not infer endorsement of any views expressed.

The naked truth: At Conn. nudist resort, ‘You can’t hide behind fancy clothes. You have to be yourself here’
Dozens of brightly colored floats bobbed in the pond. There were noodles and air mattresses, blow-up fish and alligators, boogie boards and floating chairs. Children laughed and adults waved to friends drifting by. It could have been a scene out of any summer camp vacation, except for one thing: Everyone was naked.

“Floatopia” was one of several weekend events at Solair Recreation League, a family-friendly, member-owned nude recreation resort and campground set on 360 secluded acres in northeastern Connecticut. Solair is an affiliate of AANR, the American Association for Nude Recreation, which defines its mission as “to advocate nudity and nude recreation in appropriate settings while educating and informing society of their value and enjoyment.”

While most campers opt for total nudity throughout the property, nudity is only required in the pool and the pond SOLAIR RECREATION LEAGUE

I visited Solair on a sunny Saturday in the company of Nancy Greenhouse, a summer resident who volunteers as the resort’s marketing director. At first, it was hard to know where to look. But not long after I entered the property (having passed a sex- and criminal-offender background check), I found myself less focused on nude bodies and more focused on the heartfelt welcome I received from everyone I met.

Many of Solair’s summer residents are reverse snowbirds, who lease sites — small lots with cottages, manufactured homes, or RVs. There are also some 50 rental properties, including tent sites. Most residents navigate the property in golf carts. Along with the beach, the resort has a solar-heated pool, clubhouse with hot tub and unisex showers, open-air pavilion for arts and crafts and dances, and several miles of hiking trails. Among the large assortment of activities are pickleball, volleyball, meditation, yoga, horseshoes, bocce, shuffleboard, arts and crafts, kayaking, and paddleboards. The Naked Turtle Café recently opened under new management; David and Kim Brotzman, former chef-owners of the Main Street Grille in Putnam, are aiming to upgrade the resort’s food profile, with options like coconut mahi mahi and homemade clam chowder.

Continued…Read full original article…

Source: Boston Globe

Original publication August 27, 2019

Posted on NatCorn 2 weeks ago

experience, naturism, sites and clubs

Reference to an article does not infer endorsement of any views expressed.

Pursuing My Passion About Nudism and Body Acceptance

Everyone is passionate about something – I happen to be passionate about nudism and body acceptance. I am also passionate about Arizona – one of the best places on the planet to live and play. And when I can combine my passions and share with others, then it makes the entire experience extra special.

In 1980 I was one of the founders of a nude travel club called Arizona Wildflowers. We’ve had a lot of fun with the name, calling ourselves “Blooming Idiots” and “Arizona Weeds.” I’m sure others have had other names for a group that at one time topped over 200 active members of ASA/AANR. We camped, hiked, boated, traveled in motor homes, and even attended a number of clothed activities (attending the local horse track, for example) just because we enjoyed each others’ company. Probably 30 years ago I became the sole owner/operator of the business and have continued to have at least one very popular activity – the nude white water raft trips through the Grand Canyon.

Elves Chasm Nude Grand Canyon Swimming HoleThe Grand Canyon is visited by more than 6 million people a year. Most of these people are not Naturists.

Continued…Read full original article…

Source: Review Resorts

Original publication February 27, 2019

Posted on NatCorn 4 weeks ago

aanr, Arizona, attraction, Grand Canyon, hike, holiday, naturism, sites and clubs

Reference to an article does not infer endorsement of any views expressed.

Canada’s oldest nudist club celebrating 80 years of clothing-free fun
The VanTan club was the first of its kind when it opened in 1939

Canada’s oldest nudist club, the VanTan Club, celebrates its 80th anniversary this Saturday, Aug.10.

Founded in 1939, the club was the first of its kind to open in Vancouver, as well as the country. During the club’s inception, not many people had cars, and, as a result, they’d arrive to the club’s property by bus or on foot.

Nowadays, the club meets at a North Vancouver property, but they no longer have a clubhouse. However, the property offers, “a wood-fired sauna and hot tub, facilities for volleyball, badminton, horseshoes, shuffleboard, croquet, bocci, children’s play equipment, spacious lawns for sunning, and lots of shade trees.”

Prospective members must visit the property up to three times to determine whether their membership application will be considered. The club describes itself as friendly, but without imposing on the personal freedom and privacy of each member. It also describes itself as a “family friendly naturist club” and is affiliated with the American Association of Nude Recreation.

Continued…Read full original article…

Source: Vancouver Courier

Original publication AUGUST 7, 2019

Posted on NatCorn 19th August 2019

Canada, history, naturism, sites and clubs, Vancouver, VanTanClub

Reference to an article does not infer endorsement of any views expressed.

Introduce a friend to nudism

Let’s start this blog post with a question we’ve asked many times before… Why do so many nudist resorts fail to attract new members? Especially younger members?
For the resorts it’s a big frustration because much of their income and their future are based on that. But also their members like to see a new face now and then and would love their naturist club to regain the vitality it had decades ago when there were weekly volleyball tournaments, kids running around and and young couples enjoying life without clothes.

Human as we are, we blame others for this. Youth has become prude, our resort doesn’t advertise enough, our naturist federation is a failure, it’s all because of social media and the smartphone… We’ve been through this a million times already.
An obvious question could be: If you want more members, why don’t YOU bring them?
You have family, friends, neighbours, schoolmates, Facebook connections, colleagues, a postman (or postlady) and a doctor.
Why don’t you bring them?
Silence.

Continued…Read full original article…

Source: Naked Wanderings

Original publication January 31, 2019

Posted on NatCorn 14th August 2019

family, naturism, sites and clubs

Reference to an article does not infer endorsement of any views expressed.

A revealing glimpse into Torbay Sun Club – the nudist club where members include a former headteacher and a police officer
“It’s very liberating, freeing and relaxing and has nothing to do with sex”

During the working day, healthcare worker Brett Crane blends in with society’s expectations, but as soon as he goes home, and wherever it is accepted in public places, he sheds off all of his clothes.

The 55-year-old openly admits to having been a nudist all his life and for the past eight years has been chairman of Torbay Sun Club, one of the UK’s largest naturist swim and sauna clubs.

Members meet for different social events Cliff Luke

The club, which has been running for more than 40 years, has around 120 active members who range in age from 18 into their 80s, and come from all walks of life and professions such as a retired headteacher, police officer, postman, artist and finance worker in London.

Brett, who is a logistics assistant and lives in Exeter, said: “Most members are couples, although we do have single members. We do like to keep a gender balance if we can and draw members from Exeter, Torbay, Plymouth and further afield.

“The majority are in their 50s although we do have a wide range of ages. Members come from every walk of life from blue collar right through to senior management roles and everything in between.”

Continued…Read full original article…

Source: DevonLive

Original publication 3 AUG 2019

Posted on NatCorn 12th August 2019

Devon, group, naturism, sites and clubs, swimming, Torbay

Reference to an article does not infer endorsement of any views expressed.

A Day in the Life at Rhode Isand’s Nudist Camp
We sent one brave reporter to spend a late-summer day at Dyer Woods Nudist Campgrounds in Foster.

The most intimidating part of social nudity is the parking lot. You see more, from the panorama of your windshield, than you could ever absorb in polite company. Eye contact, after all, is an important social skill.

You park alongside a smattering of sedans, pick-ups and a shiny black Caddy and you’re presented with two options: Get out of the car or leave in a hurry, spraying the naturalists in pebbles and dust.

Me: I wonder for a moment if I should wear my prescription sunglasses. I pop them off, then put them back on, open the door and walk over to a cloister of bodies by a cabin with a retro RC cola machine in front. There are thin bodies and robust bodies; hairy bodies and artfully shaved ones. Nearly everyone is over the age of forty, and most are closer to sixty. I’m greeted by a bearded, jolly-looking man. (Huffiness, I think, would be tough to pull off in the nude.) I extend my hand, trip on a tree root and dive forward, careening toward his nether region.

This is off to a swimming start.

Continued…Read full original article…

Source: Rhode Island Monthly

Original publication July 17, 2019

Posted on NatCorn 19th July 2019

camping, naturism, Rhode Island, sites and clubs

The “Right to Bare All”… and other news from Ile du Levant

If you’re a keen advocate for naturism, and you haven’t yet made a visit to Ile du Levant, you need to move that up on your bucket list. It’s one of a handful of places that has self-identified as the birthplace of naturism. (Germany and Croatia contend for this distinction as well!) At the very least, it seems to be something of a naked renaissance town at the moment, but more about that later.

Part of the adventure of coming to the naked island in France is catching the ferry from the port of Le Lavandou. Since the boat makes two stops, one at Levant, and the other at neighboring Port Cros, it’s fun to play the “I wonder who will get off the boat on which island” game. This time, the boat was quite full, and nearly every person on board disembarked at the first stop – Ile du Levant!

Mind you, we had been in transit for nearly twenty-four hours having made our way from Newark Liberty Airport, through Brussels, then on to Marseille. After another two hours in the car, and a 40-minute ferry crossing, I was itching to embrace the late day Provençal sunlight, free from the bondage of North American travel-wear! Thirty meters up the path from the port, a quick bathroom stop, and voila! Naked!!

Continued…Read full original article…

Source: The Meandering Naturist

Original publication 23 June 2019

Posted on NatCorn 7th July 2019

attraction, beach, holiday, naturism, sites and clubs

Row erupts between naturists over grass damage allegations
A ROW has erupted between two groups of naturists following allegations members of the club had damaged some grass.

Lakeland Outdoor Club, which rents a field at Haverigg Haws for the use of its members, has been split in two after a number of members were thrown out of it.

One of the evicted members, Russell Davies, said he could not understand why his membership had been revoked.

Row erupts between Haverigg naturists over grass damage allegations

“The club are saying myself and about 10 other members have damaged the grass in the field,” the 52-year-old said.

“They said because a caravan had been there it’s damaged the grass.

“They’ve come up with this trumped-up charge but we haven’t done anything; the people who are running the club want us out for whatever reason.”

Mr Davies, from Wigton, said one woman who has been barred from the club had been a member for 40 years.

Continued…Read full original article…

Source: The Mail

Original publication 28th June 2019

Posted on NatCorn 3rd July 2019

group, naturism, news, sites and clubs

Nudists, township start rezoning appeal battle

The two sides in a rezoning dispute for a nude campground faced off in a preliminary hearing Tuesday morning.

Freedom Fields Naturalist Ranch owners Yvonne Gibson and Hector Gravelle are appealing a 2017 decision by Stone Mills Township council that denied their request to re-zone their property to allow the expansion of the campground.

Tuesday’s meeting set a date for a hearing and confirmed the list of people seeking to take part as parties or participants.

But before that, LPAT member Thomas Hodgins asked the two sides if they could find a solution on their own.

“Is there an opportunity to settle this?” Hodgins asked.

Freedom Fields Naturalist Ranch owners Yvonne Gibson and Hector Gravelle leave the Stone Mills Township municipal office after a Local Planning Appeals Tribunal meeting in Centreville, Ont. on Tuesday, June 25, 2019. Elliot Ferguson/The Whig-Standard/Postmedia Network

Gibson said she and Gravelle were open to finding a settlement but the township’s lawyer Tony Flemming said his clients want the issue to go before a hearing.

Five people – mostly neighbours of the Freedom Fields – and the Ontario Federation of Agriculture applied to be participants in the hearing, allowing them to submit written comments for consideration.

All of those applying for participant status are opposed to the campground’s expansion, and included Jim and Susan Denison, Michael Mulroney and Chris Howland.

“I am very interested in this matter,” said Mulroney, who described himself as the third-generation of his family to live on a property adjacent to the Freedom Fields site.

The OFA opposed the campground being expanded on land that could be used for agricultural purposes.

Gibson said she objected to the tribunal allowing her neighbours take part as participants.

She argued that none of those applying failed to show the re-zoning application violated the township and county official plans or provincial policy statements about rural development.

Gibson said most of their submissions were “biased, discriminatory and libellous” and focused on the nudity at the ranch rather than planning issues.

Continued…Read full original article…

Source: Whig Standard

Original publication June 25, 2019

Posted on NatCorn 27th June 2019

environment, naturism, news, sites and clubs

Couple quit high-flying jobs to set up naked resort in Mediterranean
A BRITISH couple have ditched their careers to set up a naturist resort in Greece.

While some Mediterranean destinations are seeing a dip in tourism due to the uncertainty of Brexit, that’s not the case for Mark and Sam Taylor.

The couple’s naked ambition shocked family and friends when they first launched their surprising venture over a decade ago.

Fortunately for the duo, their naturist resort has paid off and they have grown a loyal customer base over the years.

NATURISM: Sam and Taylor set up a naked resort in Greece MARK TAYLOR / BNPS

So far this year they have an unprecedented occupancy rate of 84% and are still taking bookings from Brits who prefer to go naked for their holidays.

Mark, 47, said: “We are aware that the tourism trade has been hit by Brexit but this is our busiest year ever.

“The vast majority of those customers are repeat bookings. We’ve had regulars that have come back every year since we started.”

Continued…Read full original article…

Source: Daily Star

Original publication 20th June 2019

Posted on NatCorn 24th June 2019

beach, family, Greece, Kefalonia, naturism, sites and clubs, tourism, Vassaliki, weather

Another nude swim planned at Calgary pool

Swimsuits will be optional at a public swim event next month being organized by Calgary Nude Recreation.

Scheduled for July 7, the event is open only to group members and their guests. Attendees must pre-register and the location is not being released publicly.

Organizer Naked Jeff, who declined to give his real last name, said they’re hoping to attract “like-minded people” to the event.

Calgary Nude Recreation is planning a clothing optional swim at a Calgary pool in July.

“The numbers we aren’t so concerned about, we’d rather have a good group of people,” he told CTV News Calgary.

“Nudity is a really big deal in our culture and we’re working on that and we recognize that a lot of people kind of need to see it for themselves. They visualize what they think it might be and it’s usually not very accurate compared to reality.”

Jeff said the group aims to push “body positive values.”

“We’re encouraging people to be shameless about themselves in their truest form, basically, acceptance of other people and being friendly,” he said.

“It’s respecting people regardless of what they are or are not wearing, which is really needed in our culture.”

Continued…Read full original article…

Source: CTV News Calgary

Original publication June 18, 2019

Posted on NatCorn 21st June 2019

event, group, naturism, sites and clubs, swimming

How I got naked in front of strangers at the nation’s second-oldest nudist resort in Littleton
Littleton’s Mountain Air Ranch is a nudist resort with a relaxed, community-oriented vibe

Here’s how I got naked in front of strangers: First, I drove down U.S. Highway 285 to the North Turkey Creek Road turn-off, where I followed globs of evergreens to a snaking dirt road that led to Littleton’s Mountain Air Ranch, the nation’s second-oldest nudist resort.

I entered a key code to raise the gate, headed to my room, stripped down, nervously walked to the clubhouse and voila — naked in front of strangers.

A swimming pool at Mountain Air Ranch, a nudist resort near Denver Colorado. Mountain Air Ranch

Now why I got naked in front of strangers, that’s a little harder to explain.

The Mountain Air Ranch bills itself as a family nudist resort. It was founded in 1935 for the purpose of Social Nudity, which means that you can be naked in a relatively public setting without infringing upon the privacy of others who don’t want to see your bits. Today it’s home to 20 full-time residents and more than 500 year-round members, many of whom stay on the grounds in RVs and pop-ups. There are rooms for rent, though, like the one in the tri-level, 80s-era, suburban-style home I rented one night in April.

This is not something I normally do. I’ve never been to a nudist resort, and my anxiety over partaking was as high as yours probably is thinking about getting naked in public. Still, I wanted to do it. I’ve always been curious about this lifestyle, envious of the care-free attitudes that I assumed nudists possessed. As a constantly-worrying neurotic, that sort of liberation appealed to me, the way that we grown-ups romanticize and covet the innocence of childhood.

Continued…Read full original article…

Source: The Know

Original publication May 22, 2019

Posted on NatCorn 30th May 2019

Body Confidence, experience, naturism, sites and clubs

Eastbourne Naturist Swim Club and ‘The Renaissance Nude’
I happened to see an article online about Paris naturists arranging a visit to a modern art gallery – the Palais de Tokyo. It made the news not the least because 30,000 people wanted to get tickets to be naked in the art gallery. Although this was a private event and only 161 people were able to attend it was notable for being so newsworthy.

A friend of mine suggested we try the Royal Academy and specifically the exhibition ‘The Renaissance Nude’. I wasn’t sure this would have great appeal and I thought that pictures that were 500 years old might be difficult to relate to. After all many naturists believe that staring at others (dressed or not) is rude and we engage in eye to eye contact much more that non-naturists and that gives new naturists a comforting experience as they are given the confidence that people are interested in their personalities rather than their looks.

So actually we are viewing the pictures, much as a non-naturist might, to find out what people really look like, except that we know when we see an idealised representation that is unrealistic. This period from around 1400 turns out to be very interesting and the reasons for painting nudes then was often quite different from the current, often commercial, standpoint.

A group of naturists admire a nude cast of Hercules during a private event at Royal Academy of Arts in May in London Tristan Fewings/Getty Images for Royal Academy of Arts

I wrote to them and a group visit was quite easily arranged, although we would be segregated as usual from the public having to attend after normal opening hours. The Royal Academy provided online ticket arrangements and organised a low key media release.

62 naturists visited and we were provided with a room to undress, the cloakroom stayed open, a photographer from Getty Images made some pictures and we all proceeded naked up the grand staircase and then up some glass stairs to the top gallery. Here we had the exhibition to ourselves for two hours. We were able to purchase audio guides and the main shop stayed open. There are also quite a few free galleries available to see and although there were several members of staff in the building who were not officiating with us, there were no signs of awkwardness. The staff who looked after us were very welcoming and at ease. Any trepidation that there might have been from the RA’s very first naturist visit soon evaporated and by the end we were discussing a repeat visit and we are keen to do so.

Source: Philip Baker, Treasurer Eastbourne Naturist Swim Club

Posted on NatCorn 14th May 2019

art, club, Eastbourne, event, experience, group, naturism, video

Nude swimming sessions are still going strong in Chester after 43 years
The sessions at Northgate Arena have been held since 1976

Each Saturday evening, around 50 people meet for a swim at Chester's Northgate Arena. It's a group made up of members of various ages, and it's a great chance for all of them to socialise, keep fit and have a good catch up. Nothing unusual about that, you might think. But actually, there's just one thing that's different about these swimming sessions as opposed to regular ones. All the swimmers are completely naked

Nude swimming sessions are held at Northgate Arena by Wirral Naturist Club

They're members of the Wirral Naturist Club, which has been holding regular sessions at the Northgate Arena almost every week since 1976. Member Rod Burkey explained more about the club, which was founded on the principles of 'family naturism' and consists mainly of couples and families with some singles making up the membership. "We have members of all ages, backgrounds shapes and sizes," he said. "We're a friendly group, who enjoy socialising and keeping fit – although you may very well find that there is more talking than exercising! "Our swims are open to all ages and we are happy to attract and welcome anyone who wants to give naturism a try. Prospective members have to fill out a form and attend three swim sessions before being able to become members which gives all involved a fair chance to find out if they wish to continue," explains Rod. And if you haven't tried Naturism before, Rod insists there is no need to be embarrassed - it is 'a most pleasurable experience'. Continued…Read full original article…

Source: ChesireLive

Original publication 16 MAR 2019

Posted on NatCorn 18th March 2019

Grinning and baring it at the Nelson Sun Club
A Nelson naturist club has turned 50. Warren Gamble went to uncover truths and misconceptions.

As the sun sets over the Nelson Sun Club, we go for a stroll.

A tui flits across the fairway, a cooler breeze rustles through the gum trees. I’m not dressed for the drop in temperature.

As part of my mission to get the full naturist experience at the club – motto: Stay a while, we’ve got nothing on – it’s all or nothing. I choose nothing.

Camaraderie is a key benefit of the club, members say. Virginia Woolfe

Walking with me on the rolling fairways of the club’s pitch-and-putt nine-hole golf course are secretary Lorraine, wearing just a leopard-print head scarf and a gold chain necklace, vice-president Andrew, in a hat and sandals; committee member Geoff in a floppy hat and red t-shirt and president Russell, positively overdressed in an akubra-style hat and floral shirt.

Not a pair of pants in sight. I’m equipped with only a pen and notepad, which subconsciously moves south towards areas that have not seen the sun in a while. It takes an effort to keep writing.

It takes an effort not to chicken out of the whole thing. Fifty-plus years of conditioning that you wear clothes in the outdoors, especially in company, is a hard thing to shrug off. Continued…Read full original article…

Source: Stuff

Original publication Feb 23 2019

Posted on NatCorn 24th February 2019

Nudist mecca reopens its pools more than three years after it was destroyed in deadly wildfires – and day passes start at just $25

Harbin Hot Springs in Middletown, California is accepting reservations online

It will resume accepting visitors beginning this Saturday

The popular hot springs resort was devastated by the 2015 Valley Fire

Four died and 76,000 acres were destroyed in the Northern California blaze

A nudist resort near San Francisco is reopening its doors for the first time in three years after a wildfire left it in charred ruins.

Harbin Hot Springs in Middletown, California is now accepting visitors who pay $25 for day passes from Monday through Thursday and $35 on Friday.

The resort will resume operations on Saturday [19 January201], according to the SF Gate.

Burned out remains of the popular nudist destination, Harbin Hot Springs, is seen after the Valley Fire roared through the area near Middletown, California on September 14, 2015 AFP/Getty Images

The same heart-shaped pool is seen above after its refurbishment Harbin Hot Springs

In September 2015, the Valley Fire which started in Lake County quickly spread and destroyed more than 76,000 acres in Northern California, killing four people and destroying almost 2,000 buildings.

It took firefighters about a month to fully contain the wildfire, which caused at least $921million in insured property damage.

At the time, the Valley Fire was the third most destructive fire in California history.

Harbin Hot Springs is just a 30 minutes drive from Napa Valley, part of which was affected by the fire. Continued…Read full original article…

Source: Daily Mail

Original publication 17 January 2019

Posted on NatCorn 21st January 2019

Can’t find a naturist resort to buy in Australia? Try this one in New Zealand
Weighed down by life – and clothes – in Australia?

Consider taking the rare opportunity to own a nudie business across the ditch: Kati Kati Naturist Park, in the North Island of New Zealand’s sunny Bay of Plenty, is for sale.

The clothing-optional, 5.7-hectare holiday park about two hours’ drive from Auckland has eight units, five onsite caravans, 51 powered sites, 40 tent sites and a three-bedroom house.

Amina and Tom Carrigan who run the Kati Kati Naturist Park.

The sellers are asking for $NZ380,000 for the 28-year business lease ($360,000). Matt D’Anvers from Coffeys Tourism Properties, who is managing the sale, said: “It’s completely natural all the way through,” with manicured gardens, a secluded bush drop and a river. There is also mini golf, pétanque, careful security, and, as long as they abide by the “compulsory nudity” rule for swimming – a pool, spa and a sauna for guests.

So, what’s it like running naturist accommodation? Tom Carrigan and his wife, Amina, have run the park – the only commercial naturist accommodation on the north island – for two years. Continued…Read full original article…

Source: Commercial Real Estate

Original publication December 14, 2018

Posted on NatCorn 17th December 2018

Volunteering at your naturist club
Years ago, after we had set our first careful steps into naturism and when we were browsing the internet for a new naked place to visit we stumbled upon a mention “federation membership required”. What was that supposed to mean?

Until then, a naturist campground to us was just like a textile one where you could show up, pay and setup your tent. Now, apparently, we were in need of some membership card.
It only took a couple of clicks to figure out that naturism was in fact something pretty well organised. That there were actual federations taking care of the rights of naturists and guarantee a safe environment. They organise events where it’s possible to get in touch with other naturists and what appealed the most to us, they would give us a card that promised entry to places where until now we wouldn’t be allowed.

Unlike in many other countries, in Belgium it was not possible to directly become member of the naturist federation. One has to become member of a naturist club. So that’s what we tried to do. We picked one of the 10 or so clubs, it didn’t really matter which one as long as we would be able to get federation membership, and received a form to fill out. Name, age, gender, address, all the regular questions, and then “What can you do for our club?”
Well… euhm… yeah…

What can we do for your club…

Pay the membership fee? Continued…Read full original article…

Source: Naked Wanderings

Original publication December 10, 2018

Posted on NatCorn 11th December 2018

Size does matter: big vs small nudist camps

The difference in nudist camps is enormous, ranging from the small 10 spot campground which normally caters only to members and once in a while a guest to huge naturist villages like Cap d’agde in France.

The choice can be difficult, where do we want to go?

Both types have of course their advantages and disadvantages, and what seems to be an advantage for one isn’t necessarily the same for someone else.

To help you find out what fits best in your perfect nakation, we’ll give you some of the characteristics.

It’s easy to imagine that the amount of facilities on the bigger camps is much bigger than on the smaller camps, but that doesn’t make them better. Swimming pools for example. Most nudist camps have one and the smaller camps often won’t have a 25 meter pool. But what’s the need when you only have about 20 guests at one time? Unless you’re planning to practice your swimming skills, you’ll have enough space in the smaller pool. When, on the other hand, there’s only one big pool on the larger camp, it might get a cramped from time to time. Continued…Read full original article…

Source: Naked Wanderings

Original publication September 7, 2017

Posted on NatCorn 4th December 2018

The history behind Milwaukee’s first-ever nudist camp
The 1930s were a stressful time in Milwaukee. Was all that constrictive clothing to blame?

Milwaukeeans needed distraction during the Great Depression. Urbanism, it seemed, was failing them. The great brick and mortar works that had once powered the city were quieting and people were growing desperate and questioning things they had never before questioned.

So, in the spring of 1934, when Dr. Alois Knapp arrived in Milwaukee promising to build a state-wide movement back to nature – and out of clothing – people paid attention.

Mirror Lake in Sauk County, where Wisconsin's first-ever nudist camp was established in 1934. — Mirror Lake in Sauk County, where Wisconsin’s first-ever nudist camp was established in 1934. wikicommons

Knapp was an Austrian. He had trained as a priest, but found the law more intriguing. He and his brother left their homeland between the World Wars and settled on a huge plot of Indiana farmland. Finding Americans to be a people in desperate need of a relaxing and affordable means of escape from the speed of modern life, he transformed 180 acres of the land into a nature resort. At Knapp’s resort, dubbed “Zorro Nature Camp,” clothing was forbidden, bringing to the US the long-established European practice of nudism.

Knapp found a following in both Indiana and across the Midwest. In Milwaukee, a local man named Max Hilbig became such a devotee of Knapp that he pledged 100 acres of land in Sauk County to establish Wisconsin’s first-ever nudist camp. Knapp came to Milwaukee in April 1934 to dedicate the camp and drum up support for his cause. Continued…Read full original article…

Source: Milwaukee Magazine

Original publication NOVEMBER 23, 2018

Posted on NatCorn 3rd December 2018

‘SpongeBob NoPants’ and body paint: Halloween offers Seattle-area nudists chance to celebrate amid fading popularity
Can’t decide what to wear for Halloween? Forego the clothes and just bare it all.

For nudist clubs in the Puget Sound region, Halloween marks the end of an active summer season. From painting their bodies to adding masks or capes, nudists try to incorporate humor and creativity into their costumes.

“I was a treasure troll last year, so I wore a red wig and had a blinky thing in my belly button,” said Dawnzella Gearhart, 56, a member and spokeswoman for the Tiger Mountain Family Nudist Park in Issaquah. “One year, I was Miss Piggy and all I had on was a blonde wig, feather boa, high heels, tail and a snout.”

Puget Sound nudists are holding their celebrations this year amid declining membership in nudist clubs nationally, according to the American Association for Nude Recreation (AANR). Fewer people have been joining the clubs over the past decade because nudism is mainly popular with generations that are aging and has failed to gain traction with millennials, according to AANR spokeswoman Mary Kolassa. The group serves about 30,000 members in the U.S. at 180 affiliated clubs and resorts.

Tiger Mountain, formally known as Fraternity Snoqualmie, first opened in 1945. Gearhart said the park has around 250 members, but was home to as many as 500 in the early 2000s. Club membership was especially hard hit following the 2008 recession, when people cut non-essential spending, she said. Continued…Read full original article…

Source: Seattle Times

Original publication October 26th, 2018

Posted on NatCorn 2nd November 2018

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