What preparations should I make before visiting a naturist place?
Generally none at all, apart from those you would normally make to go anywhere. It doesn't take much to make yourself presentable in a naturist environment.
Are children likely to be shocked by their first sight of naturists?
No. Children take to nudity like ducks to water. Cases of children being upset by the sight of nude people are extremely rare. As people grow up, they are taught by social convention that nudity is wrong or shocking. You are not born with an aversion to human bodies: before the Victorian period society was far more tolerant of the bare body and we seem to be moving steadily back in that direction. There's nothing inherently wrong with nudity.
Will I have to go around naked all the time?
Well, nudity is largely the point of naturism. However, in most naturist places you may, rather than must, take all your clothes off. Women may wish to wear a bikini bottom during periods; when the weather cools off, everyone will cover up.
Is it advisable for people with less-than-perfect figures to become naturists?
Yes - that's the whole point. Every body is different, but naturists will like you just as you are. It isn't in the least important what your body is like because people accept you in your entirety. That's all there is to you!
I don't think my wife and I would have the courage to strip off our clothes in what is, in effect, public. How would we get over our inhibitions?
If you visit a naturist beach, you will soon feel that it is you who are out of step among all those naked people - men, women and children! Similarly, nobody expects you to undress the minute you enter the grounds of a naturist club on your initial visit, but in most cases you will quickly feel the relaxed atmosphere and see how comfortable nude people are with one another.
Once you feel at home, which often takes only a few minutes, you will feel free. But if you realise that naturism is not for you, your clothes will stay on and you will leave. In all honesty, few can resist the call of naturism once they have experienced it.
Do men ever become aroused during their first visit?
This is an age-old question among people who have not experienced naturism. Nudity in sun clubs is not sexually stimulating, and being naked in a social environment for the first time will give you plenty else to think about. If this is your worry, try it - you'll be OK.
What will people say when they find I'm a naturist?
They won't unless you choose to tell them. Other naturists are, of course, fully understanding and would want to protect your enjoyment of naturism rather than jeopardise it. People are usually interested in the subject, and naturism is something to be proud of.
Can I expect any real health benefits from naturism?
Yes, if you go to a naturist place you can get fit just enjoying the facilities: swimming and all the other games and sports. It's much more enjoyable than a gym as it doesn't feel like an effort or a chore. You will also benefit from the general air of relaxation and freedom from stress.
I remember seeing that commercial on television, featuring nudists frying Danish Bacon. Isn't it dangerous to do certain things without the protection of clothes?
Yes, it is, which is why the sensible naturist dresses when doing certain jobs, or in cold weather, and is aware of the dangers of sunburn.
When I told my friend I was visiting a naturist club, he was shocked and hinted that I would be mixing with undesirables. Is that right?
Naturists cover the complete range - singles, partners, married couples . . . Most clubs are family orientated, and usually you will see parents with children from babies upwards with their grandparents. There is nothing to offend even the most sensitive soul, and your friend is speaking without knowledge and has assumed wrongly that nudity must mean amorality. You only need to visit a club, beach or leisure centre evening to see what sort of people naturists are, and the pursuits we enjoy. Your friend couldn't be further from the truth.