DON’T WANDER FROM DESIGNATED NUDE AREAS.
…unless you’re clothed! Respecting the boundaries of the designated area shows good faith and reinforces that we respect textile areas the way we’d hope that they respect our clothing-optional areas.
Most ‘official’ (legal) clothing-optional/nude beaches have a designated area where people are allowed to be naked. This area may be sign-posted, meaning that there may well be a physical sign at both ends of the designated area. Or, alternatively, there may be a ‘map’ of sorts displayed on some signage at the entrance to the beach outlining the designated ‘clothing-optional’ area.
It can get a little more ambiguous when it’s an ‘unofficial’ beach…so, simply observe where the nude people tend to be congregating and stick to that general vicinity. Also, you can always ask someone too!
BE NUDE NOT LEWD.
Don’t engage in overt sexual activity (whether it be touching yourself, masturbating or engaging in sex). Nude beaches are not a ‘free-for-all’ or a place to have a perv. Nude beaches are simply a place for people to relax and enjoy the beach in the nude in a non-sexual environment.
Always remember that nudity is NOT consent. It is NOT a green light for inappropriate behaviour. Nudity is NOT an invitation for unsolicited sexual advances. Respect the people that enjoy these spaces for what they are designed for…non-sexual outdoor nudity at the beach.
STAY OUT OF THE DUNES.
Depending on the site, dunes can contain significant native vegetation that is fragile. Sometimes, they may also hold indigenous significance.
So whilst you may be tempted to seek a little more privacy, the dunes may not be an appropriate place. Perhaps bring a cabana or beach tent if it’s privacy you desire.
Given we, naturists, already have such limited coastline/beaches, it’s important that we respect the environment around us in order to protect and sustain our spaces so that we may continue to advocate for even more clothing-optional spaces.
RESPECT THE ENVIRONMENT.
Don’t take from the beach…unless it’s rubbish. Always take your rubbish with you!
One of the principles of being a ‘naturist’ means to ‘live in harmony with nature’…so don’t pollute and do your part to pick up rubbish if you come across it. Perhaps bring a rubbish liner with you (and gloves if that makes it easier too) and leave the beach better off than when you arrived.
DON’T TAKE UNAUTHORISED PHOTOS.
Never take photos of others, unless you have their consent. If you want to get a photo of yourself enjoying your surroundings, ensure no one is in the background and/or that you have their consent. Simple!
RESPECT THE PRIVACY OF OTHERS.
Allow others their space and do not stare. Oftentimes we have more than enough space to leave others to their privacy, so don’t go setting up your umbrella right next to someone else if you’ve not been invited and/or if it’s avoidable.
DON’T STARE AT OTHERS.
Everyone has a right to feel comfortable at the beach. There is a difference between admiration or appreciation and staring. It’s completely natural to have a look, but gawking is just downright creepy!
ENGAGE WITH OTHERS RESPECTFULLY.
The nudie community is a friendly one, so if you meet some fellow nudies or find yourself in conversation, respectfully conduct yourself like you would if you were clothed. It truly is that simple. Yes, you might all be naked and you might feel a little awkward at first, but other than that…nothing else about social etiquette needs to change. Keep it simple and don’t overthink it. Seriously, naturists engage with one another as if they were clothed…they just happen to not be!
BE SUN SMART.
Does your nude beach have natural shading? If so, is there much of it? If not, bring your own shade (tent, umbrella, cabana etc). And slip, slop, slap! And remember to bring drinking water to stay hydrated.
FOLLOW PROTOCOLS YOU’D NORMALLY FOLLOW AT A TEXTILE (CLOTHED) BEACH.
Swim between the flags (if applicable - or get informed about rips and how to spot and avoid them or get out of one if you get caught in it), be sun smart, come prepared with water, supplies, shade etc.
ONLY VISIT IF YOU HAVE THE INTENTION TO GO NUDE.
Even if it’s partially. Yes, some beaches are ‘clothing-optional’, which is great for first-timers or partners/friends who are merely there as somebody else’s moral support. But if you are alone and have no intention to get naked, go to a textile beach. Otherwise you’re just making nudists (who already have such a limited number of clothing-optional options and a very tiny percentage of coastline) uncomfortable. People can sense your intentions, and there is plenty of textile beach to go round if you merely want to enjoy some time, clothed, on the beach. Don’t be that creep.
SPEAK UP FOR STANDARDS.
As a community, we must remember that is it up to us to reinforce these principles by embodying them and sharing them with others. Lead by example and share this information.
ADVISE LOVED ONES OF YOUR WHEREABOUTS BEFORE YOU GO.
Especially if the nude beach is more secluded and/or has little to no phone reception.
IN CASE OF EMERGENCY, DIAL 000 (OR KNOW THE EMERGENCY NUMBER OF THE COUNTRY YOU’RE IN).
