Club Naturel, based in Norfolk, want to encourage more ladies to try Naturism and enjoy the freedom their members find in it, and have decided to offer two ‘Ladies-Only, Clothing-Optional’ Great British Skinny Dip sessions at their swim, one in the afternoon and one in the evening, catering for all ages. The club’s age range is from 20s to 80s and we meet at a private-hire pool a few miles from Attenborough, near Norwich.
Mandy and Janey are members of Club Naturel and have written about their experiences in Naturism.
Mandy
My first experience was three years ago when my partner, Pete, asked me if I’d like to go to the Club Naturel swim one Friday evening. Being a plus-size lady with arthritis, little or no confidence and low self-esteem due to a bad past, I wasn’t sure if I could. Pete is so supportive and never puts pressure on me, he even said if we got to the pool and I changed my mind we would come home. On arrival at the pool we were greeted by friendly members. I was extremely nervous and I walked out of the changing room with my towel wrapped around me to hide my body but soon realised that no one was looking at me. Once I was in the pool I felt much more relaxed. I noticed how non-judgemental everyone was, unlike when you go to a textile pool where people point and laugh at you. To swim as a Naturist was very exhilarating. I left that evening actually feeling good about myself and felt my confidence and self-esteem had gone up a notch.
Since then Pete and I also do Naturist fishing, combining the two things I enjoy. To be sitting beside a lake, enjoying the sun and tranquillity of it all and to catch carp as a Naturist is fantastic. All the worries of body image go away and I completely relax.
Becoming a naturist has done so much for my self-confidence, I would definitely encourage ladies to try it. No one is judging me; they accept everyone for who they are.
Janey
I like the idea of a ladies-only, clothes-optional swim because it’s an event for us ladies to socialise, exercise, relax and make new friends. I always say, ‘try swimming, using a sauna or a Jacuzzi wearing a costume, and then try it without. What a difference in comfort you will feel; no cold, wet clingy costume.’
Fact: we are judged in every aspect of our lives by the clothes we wear, at work, at home, socially, relaxing or swimming.
Fact: As a Naturist we talk to the person, not the body, so no judgement is being made on how we look. We all look different, but we are all the same as Naturists.
I have a colostomy. Those who wear clothes say it’s a hidden disability. WHY? Not for me it’s not. I’m a Naturist. It’s not about how my body looks, but who I am as a person that counts. Whether you have had something added, removed (or not) from your own unique body don’t let it stop you from feeling the freedom away from clothes.
So, if you have a female friend, wife or partner who may be interested in coming along to these swims, please let them know. Facilities include a heated indoor pool, Jacuzzi and sauna, showers, changing cubicles & toilet. Swim sessions last for two hours and cost £5 a head (payable on the day).
Afternoon session on Friday 27th January from 2 - 4 pm.
Evening session on Friday 3rd February from 8 – 10 pm.
Attendance is limited to 20 ladies per session. Please make enquiries and bookings via email, to clubnaturelevents@gmail.com. Directions to the venue will be provided after booking.