Are you ready for some fun in the sun the way nature intended?
I’ve spent the better part of the last decade living on Mexico’s only official clothing-optional beach. I even started a band. Of course, I play my gigs wearing clothes. You get belly rash playing bass naked in the tropics.
And I always need at least a pair of flip-flops because I’ll get shocked by the ungrounded electricity if I don’t wear shoes. If you’ve experienced lip shock from an ungrounded stage mic, you probably remember it.
But I digress.
Living on a clothing-optional beach can be quite a liberating experience.
The sense of freedom you get from feeling the sun and wind on your naked skin is indescribable. But, all that freedom presents a unique set of challenges.
If you’re new to this sort of recreation, here are a few simple rules to follow to ensure you and everyone around you have a relaxed time.
Common Sense is Your Friend.
First of all, use common sense. Aside from the fact that you can take your clothes off, the basic social rules apply on a clothing-optional beach as they would in any public place. If it isn’t appropriate in a normal setting with your clothes on, it isn’t appropriate on a beach in the buff.
Relax. You’ll See All Kinds of Bodies on the Beach.
If you’re hesitant about being naked around other people, don’t worry about it. All kinds of folks with all different types of bodies like to hang out in the buff and do so quite comfortably: young, old, fat, skinny, dad bod, wrinkly, you name it, it’s there. So, if gravity is bringing the ol’ butt down a bit, so what? There’ll be others.
Follow the Beach Rules.
Before you start stripping down, it’s a smart idea to familiarize yourself with which areas of the beach permit nudity. Respect those boundaries by remaining covered up in the required areas. If the beach has facilities like restaurants and bars, you’ll usually need to put on your shorts or swimsuit before entering. When in doubt, ask someone.
Also, it’s helpful to know whether nudity is officially legal or merely tolerated. You don’t want any unexpected problems with the locals or law enforcement.
You’re Going to Need Sunscreen.
Make sure to liberally apply sunscreen all over your body, especially in areas where the sun doesn’t usually shine. Take it from me, burnt fannies are no fun.
Also, it’s a good idea to follow the 20-minute rule: 20 minutes in the sun and 20 minutes in the shade. And you might want to stick to the shade when the sun shines at its brightest.
Always Carry a Towel.
You’ll need a towel or sarong to lie on when on the hot sand and after a dip in the sea. It’s also proper etiquette and hygiene to use a towel or sarong when sitting on furniture around the pool or in any other common area.
Even if You’re Naked, You’ll Still Need Sandals.
You may feel silly wearing footwear when you’re totally naked, but you’ll be glad you did. Sand gets scorchingly hot in the midday sun. You’ll look sillier hopping around like Daffy Duck trying to reach a shady spot than you would if you wore a pair of flip-flops.
The same goes for a hat, especially if you’re fair-skinned or bald.
Don’t Take Photos of Other People Without Their Permission.
This really applies to any public space, but nobody wants to see a smartphone pointed in their direction on a nude beach. If you feel you have to take a picture of the beach, sea, or even a sunset, by all means, do so. Just keep people you don’t know out of it.
Mind Your Conversation.
Making loud and lewd comments will probably get you slapped or punched on the street. Expect the same at a nude beach. Also, wolf-whistling is inappropriate and immature.
Negative comments are equally inappropriate and can devastate your target if overheard. Remember, you’re naked too, and no one has a “perfect” body.
No Overt Displays of Sexuality.
Just because everyone is naked doesn’t mean you’re at an orgy. Remember, you’re in a public space. Nobody wants to see you and your partner getting it on or you getting it on with yourself.
Save it for your room. If you don’t have one, get one.
No Staring.
Gawkers and looky-loos are a no-no. They make everyone feel uncomfortable. We’re at a clothing-optional beach, and almost everyone is naked. There’s no reason to stare.
Granted, human body parts come in an amazing array of shapes and sizes. You may be tempted to take a longer look at some of the more unusual ones. The best thing to do in this case is to distract yourself. Go for a swim or read a book. You don’t want to get a reputation of being a “perv.”
Above all, be respectful, relax, take care of yourself, and have a good time at the beach.
If you’re unsure about where to find nude beaches, resorts, or nude recreation, here are a couple of resources:
- The American Association for Nude Recreation publishes worldwide listings of many private naturist clubs, lodges, hotels, campsites, condos, and all-inclusive resorts geared to those who want to vacation in the buff.
- Naturist BnB is an Airbnb-style service for nudists. They provide information on private homestays, holiday rentals, and resorts. The site covers any type of accommodation where you can freely take it all off.
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Written by Cat Winske
Photo by Christian Buehner on Unsplash