Kathy Watzel
AANR President
It is recorded that the first nude beach was officially coined in 1936 when King Edward and Wallis Simpson stopped at a beach on the island of Rab. The King obtained special permission from the local government to swim naked, designating it the world’s first official nude beach. When traveling in the United States or anywhere in the world, it is always a wonderful day when one can visit a nude beach. Nude beaches are a carefree way to enjoy the day. Once most nudists have visited their first nude beach, they look forward to the next time they can soak in the sun by visiting a nude beach again. Taking a dip in the water without worrying about their bathing suit sticking or sand getting everywhere are other advantages to the nude beach experience.
Just as there is etiquette when one visits a club, there is also etiquette when visiting a nude beach. First, make sure one is in an area where clothing is not required. Do one’s due diligence and make sure the area is truly safe for nudity. On all beaches that allow nudity, there is always an invisible boundary where clothing needs to be worn. Be aware of where that line begins and ends. Don’t be the person who walks to one’s car nude when one should be putting their clothes on at the beach and walking to the parking lot clothed.
Don’t stare. Just like at a club, everyone there is not interested in one’s nude physique, so don’t stare at theirs. If one is on a nude beach and fully-clothed, they are going to get more stares than if they were naked. If nudists run into someone they know, just say hello. Both people just happen to run into each other and are interested in the same freedom – relaxing at a nude beach.
Don’t take photographs of others. At many beaches, photography is not permitted or frowned upon. It is considered rude behavior to take photos of others without their permission. Leave one’s camera in the car or bag and resist taking pictures while on a nude beach. If one must take that scenic photograph of their surroundings, make sure it is permitted.
Bring what one will need for their stay at the beach. Most nude beaches do not have amenities. Bring what one wants to drink and eat, too! People will need a towel or blanket, chair, and umbrella. Don’t forget the sunscreen!
Remember one is in a public place and overt sexual behavior is not permitted. It is illegal in public, even on a nude beach. Save that behavior for when one is in a more private place. Behavior like this can lead to the beach being closed, which hurts everyone who enjoys the clothingoptional way of life.
When one is ready to leave the beach, pick up the trash. By being good stewards of the environment and cleaning up, nudists are letting everyone on the beach know they want the beach to remain a nude beach for everyone to enjoy. Have fun and enjoy a trip to the beach.
