I'm a nudist, ask me anyting

[Mountainman]

I read the thread in LBN about Foley and how he is going on talk shows to talk about the teen nudist camps. It is hard for us to get a fair deal in these situations because the only frame of reference non nudist people have is their own life experiences which in most cases is not the same where nudity is concerned as ours are.

There are no such thing as a teen nudist camp. What there are, are clubs that in the summer sponcer summer camps for teen nudists. The camp is on the club grounds where there are many parents around. Foley is trying to paint a picture that is not in anyway what reality is. He is trying to make a name for himself on our backs.

At clubs most teens do not go nude anyway, especially girls. During the time when their bodies are developing they are very self conscience and usually where a towel or their clothes. Nudists are sensitive to this and do not try to force them to be nude. The teen males where clothes just because the girls when they hang around together. At most clubs all the teens know each other. The have grown up together. They have been nude together for many years before they go to a nude summer camp.

[dragonquest8]

1. first thing first. what's your sex?

[Mountainman]

2. male

[HFishbine]

3. How's it hanging?

;)

[Rainbowreflect]

4. Do you at least wear an apron to fry bacon?

Be careful.

[Mountainman]

11. I'm a vegetarian

I don't fry bacon.

[Rainbowreflect]

19. Very smart move,

for more than one reason. I'm a vegetarian as well, so much safer.

[4_Legs_Good]

5. Ahhhh, an answer at last!!!

What the heck does that symbol (your icon) mean??? I've been seeing it all over and my wife and I are both clueless!

And who is Che? (non-sequitor)

david

[Enraged_Ape]

8. I believe it's a ribbon for Vietnam Vet

But given what he's told us, I'm not sure how he wears it!

[Mountainman]

12. It is the Viet Nam campaign ribbon.

It was given to those who served in the Viet Nam war.

Nudists aren't nude all the time. Just where and when appropriate.

[Amaya]

6. ok here's one:

When you sit on a chair does your butt stick to it? ;)

[zbdent]

9. I'll handle this one - if you have any class, you are

sitting on the towel that you brought with you for just such a purpose.

Not an official nudist, but I play one at home (on occasion).

"I'm not a doctor, but I played one as a kid."

[Mountainman]

13. Nudists always carry a towel to sit on out of courtesy to others

[ForrestGump]

7. What are you wearing?

:-)

[Mountainman]

14. I'm wearing genes, sneakers and a t-shirt

I'm not nude all the time. I go to work clothed and don't go nude if it is cold. Only when and where appropriate.

[ForrestGump]

15. Sounds pretty good

Especially as hot as it's been lately. Phew.

What about when you're outside, where there's some privacy - do you lather up with sunscreen or otherwise try to moderate your UV input?

I once suffered a terribly painful sunburned bottom. Ouch.

[Mountainman]

16. I always use sun screen. Nudists get skin cancer too.

Some friends of ours got skin cancer and have to stay out of the sun. Clubs have lots of shade trees also.

[ForrestGump]

21. Yep, that'd be me - a pale naturist

At least on those bits that don't see the sun as a regular part of the day. A farmer-tan nudist!

[zbdent]

10. Well, boxers or briefs is kinda pointless, eh?

n/t

[Mountainman]

17. briefs. We are not nude 24/7

[nedlogg]

20. Why does nudity seem to be such a big deal with the neocons?

What is wrong with these people?

[Mountainman]

24. I don't really know. I guess it is their cultural paradigm.

I was told that we all look at the world through our own paradigm and we see things differently based on that.

[Throckmorton]

18. Are sunburn and insect bites much of an issue?

I sunburn real easy, but would love to do the nature thing.

[Mountainman]

25. Yes they are a problem.

Many nudists use Avon "Skin So Soft". It has a sunscreen I think and acts like an insect repellant.

You have to use sunscreen and stay out of the sun from 10 AM to 2 PM. Skin cancer is always a risk. Be sensible.

[TrogL]

33. I've heard it isn't all that effective

as sunscreen, skin softener or bug repellent.

I also heard you're not supposed to mix deet and sunblock.

[Mountainman]

34. I wouldn't know since I don't use it.

I use no. 15 No Ad sun block and Bull Frog on my nose.

[dawg]

22. How do ya' keep from letting the ladies know ...

how pretty they are?

[Mountainman]

23. I think you mean how do you keep from having an erection

It hardly happens at all. After about 10 minutes you are comfortable around people of both sexes. It isn't a sexually stimulating enviornment. And most of us are not real good looking. Your fantacies are quickly dispelled.

[ForrestGump]

26. Okay, someone had to ask

Well, maybe not, but I did......

As a male, how can one bypass the arousal pathways when nude in the company of a nude female, or females? I understand, intellectually, that nude beaches, camps, etc, are not sexual arenas, nor are they places where a person would even feel any sexual undercurrents, but....still.

Well, let me put it this way: I've long been a fan of the idea of naturism, at least within certain bounds, but fear that I would end up displaying a massive you-know (well, okay, maybe not massive....or, perhaps, yes, gargantuan! :-) ) - indeed, a virtual certainty that I would - kept me away from getting natural around other people. Just did it a bit when I was alone, and it felt very nice, within practical limits and environmental realities.

For sure, my desire to perhaps go to some place where I could try out being naked with other people as a teenager struck me with horror - oh, I wanted to, but I was perpetually aroused as a teen and I was absolutely terrified that I wouldn't be able to keep Little Forrest down. That fear probably kept me from some nice experiences but, even now that I have some modicum of control over Raging Forrest (if nothing else, I can think of the kittens) I'm still mortified by the likelihood that I might respond inappropriately. And I mean 'inappropriately' in that it'd be out of odds with the context, not that I should never be excited by the sight of an unclothed or partially-clothed female body.

And I don't even mean that I'd potentially be tumescent because the women running around were out of some kind of Hugh Hefner wet-dream fantasy - I suspect that just about any unclad female could potentially do the trick - and that's just it....I don't know if I'd react that way or not. It's the not knowing that sucks. On top of all that, I've generally tended to be a bit shy about intimate exposure (behavior in this forum notwithstanding) but it's really just that thought of me going *boing* at the wrong time and place that freaks me out.

In your experience, assuming (perhaps incorrectly) that you are a 'social nudist' to any degree, do men who might perhaps suffer an unintended *boing*, if only on their first exposure, manage to deflate without comment as if the others present know that the behavior's not a direct response to what's happening but a result of cultural and experiential conditioning? I mean, jeez, I guess there are men out there who'd love to sport an erection for old times' sake, but there's a time and a place for that sort of thing and having one at the wrong time or in the wrong place is bad enough when you're clothed. And how could you decrease the odds of that happening? Show up at the nude gathering place and get used to the fleshy sights while dressed, then maybe take off the top, then get down to underpants, and then finally reveal a gloriously-deflated and not-liable-to-rise-anytime-soon Mr Happy?

Man, that's a long question - this thing's been nagging at the back of my mind for decades, though, I guess. It's not like I'm particularly social, or even that I've ever spent much time unclothed in the great outdoors, but there's something in me that wouldn't mind being with a group of naked people of whatever body types and age and where the fact that we're all unclothed is the least remarkable thing about it. Well, to try it at least nice, anyway. It won't kill me if I don't, but it'd be nice to be able to try.

Yes, I'm a closeted naturist, locked away by fear of my independently-thinking ICBM-lookalike.

[dawg]

27. I think you just asked the same question I did ....

only yours was much larger! ;(

[ForrestGump]

29. Hey, how did you know?

Did you look? Tsk tsk....

[Mountainman]

28. Here is my reply I hope it is as good as your question was

I know that if I said that you have nothing to worry about you would not believe me. But the reality of it is, men worry most about that situation and it is the main reason they don't try social nudism. Rarely if ever do new comers get an erection when first going nude socially. I think it is because we men have the ability to put things into perspective. Social nude situations are not sexual situations. Our brains know that and our penis responds accordingly. You have to think about sexual thoughts and the desire not to embarrass yourself is stronger than any sexual thoughts you have.

There are a few different places to go nude socially. You could invite some of your friends over for a dip in your Jacuzzi and mention that your place is clothing optional. Friends being friends may not have a problem with all of you soaking in the hot tub together. Turn on the bubbles and get in.

You could go to a nude beach and there you have some distance between you and others.

But the first time you go to a club, you will be taken around in a golf cart by the hospitality committee and you are fully clothed. By the time you are ready to join everyone, you have become accustomed to the nudity.

[ForrestGump]

30. Yes, I fear my own organ

:o Well, in terms of its independent thought, anyway. I can imagine that it's a common fear for men, and I know that most people probably are surprised to find that it's an unwarranted one, and I'm sure that I could be the same (marriage cured me, to some extent, I think), but.....

Still, I can see that the context could get through even to Little Forrest's tiny little brain. Besides, perhaps the dread, itself, would render him temporarily impotent.

Thanks for the feedback - it did help me feel a little more hopeful. Of the options you mention, perhaps it's the beach that sounds most like me - I can be by myself, but if I want to maybe I can stake out my spot a little closer to others. Come and go when I want. Anyway, I hate just laying out on a beach, or sunbathing, so I'd be in the water most of the time. Finding a safe beach (no voyeurs satking it out) would be part of the deal, too.

Okay, if you're up to it, here's an extension (no pun intended) of my question. Let's say that I peel everything off at the beach or at Little Bruins' Holiday Camp (the jacuzzi might be problematic because I've got even stronger sexually-associated memories of them than I do of beaches) and I'm delighted to find that the sleeping giant does not stir.

Sorry....the 'sleeping giant' thing just cracked me up, and I'm trying to be serious. I am exaggerating too, I freely admit.

Okay, so I get into it and make return trips but then, one day, I'm talking to some woman who I do find compellingly sexually attractive - let's say it's Salma Hayek, just to keep it realistic - and we're really getting on well, or even if she just comes bouncing past on the beach. In your experience, is there ever a time when nudists get obviously 'turned on' by one another or is the context of non-sexual social nudity so powerful that it's never even a factor? I'd imagien that it's terribly bad form ina social situation, but I'd also like to think that the people there (who would tend to be mroe progressive, typically?) would be tactful enough to ignore the wayward member. In other words, should I carry a surfboard around, just in case? I mean, surely naturists (in the context of the bedroom, or wherever) are still sexually aroused over aspects of their partners' nude bodies, right?

I think I sorta lost track of my question (though now I'm wondering if naturist couples who're, say, at a clothing-optional resort, dress up first before they make love!) but I'm not sure that the question or the answer matters much, because many others have been there before me and I'm sure it's all - things I can imagine and things that I can't - happened to someone. Anyway, the upshot is that I'm going to give this thing a try. Don't know when (soon, though!), and I don't see myself ever becoming Mr Social Nudist, but I know plenty of beaches and other natural areas that are totally people-free, so at the very least I can run around bare-assed for a while like I did in my youngest kidhood. And, maybe, I'll graduate to trying one of those beaches that I see described on the Web. Just to see how it goes. With my surfboard handy, of course.....

[Mountainman]

32. Yes it does happen occasionally. Here is a great story.

There was this place called Elysium in Topanga Canyon near Los Angles. It was called a clothing optional learning center. I was working there and living there when I first moved to CA. One of my duties was to serve the newcomers coffee and croissants and bagels during the orientation which was something all prospective members when through there. The orientation was conducted by a cool old silver bearded French artist. The new comers were encouraged to ask questions. One guy asked the question of what should he do if he got an erection. The old man said, "I'd be proud!"

Then he said to roll over or carry a towel.

[ForrestGump]

37. Hey, I've been past there a ton of times

Elysium Fields? More than once I wanted to turn in there.

Sound advice from the old French dude! Rolling over could be dangerous, though - ow.

Mark my words, Mr Mountainman, my bottom shall again soon see the light of day. Today was so hot that I probably should have already gone ahead with it.

[Mountainman]

39. I think Elysium is no longer there

The owner died and his daughters sold it. Now there is a group who used to go there that has a place in Malabu I think.

[ForrestGump]

40. Oh well.....shoulda tried it while I had the chance

Piece of history, that place.

Last time I went through Topanga I was still blown away with how well it'd managed to retain its away-from-it-all aspect in the face of the rampant urbanization just downhill. Nice.

[Mountainman]

41. Another great story from Elysium.

A woman and her 8 yr old daughter were members there and one Saturday she invited a male friend to come along. They were sitting on the lawn undressing and the man was hesitant to take off his underware in front of the little girl. He was feeling self conscience when the little girl yelled, "Go for it Mr.!"

[ForrestGump]

43. Yep, I suppose there really ARE a whole other set of paradigms that

operate once you set foot in that kind of place. Because taking off my clothes in front of an eight-year-old is currently perhaps even more mortifying to me than the other thing. Not that I think it's wrong in the context of nudism, though - I know it's a wholesome, family thing (H&E Magazine showed me that!), but we are pretty well conditioned in outside society to avoid situations like that (just as well, at least outside the family). I'm certainly not conditioned to see the body as a thing that's just there, with no compunction about who gets to see what......it's just how I grew up.

I've known families where all the members think nothing of running around naked in front of each other (and me), like when they were showering or changing clothes, and I do have to say that there's probably a lot to be said for not only demystifying the naked human body but for letting your children know that it's not a 'dirty' or wicked thing to see. Undoubtedly a healthier attitude. But, still, I'm entrained in a whole other thing and it'd take a bit for me to strip off in front of a group of kids, even if they couldn't care less.

Seems like you could end up with a few dilemmas in social naturism, especially when children are involved. Even if those dilemmas are totally in the head. Maybe I'll stick for being the solo beach streaker!

So I wonder if male nudist teens experience "Playboy" as a rite of passage :-) "Oh *yawn* just another set of pneumatic breasts..."

[lazarus]

38. One bit of advice I remember

When preparing to sunbathe nude, put on the sunscreen before you go out. Otherwise, you get some really odd looks. :evilgrin:

[FlaGranny]

51. Well, isn't that another good reason to carry

a nice big beach towel, strategically held, just in case?

[ForrestGump]

52. Thanks, FlaGranny, for specifying that it be a BIG beach towel

:D

Male ego intact......

[FlaGranny]

53. you're welcome

:-)

[THUNDER HANDS]

31. I'd be a nudest

But I'd worry about whacking people in the ankles.

:evilgrin:

[TrogL]

35. Are there any clothing optional beaches/parks in ...

Western Canada, NW United States

besides Wreck Beach?

[Mountainman]

36. Go to this web site

http://www.naturist.com/

The Naturist Society

They publish a book each year called the World Guide to Nude Recreation. They also have beach locations on their web site I think.

[TrogL]

44. Nudism is becoming big business

http://money.cnn.com/2003/07/25/pf/saving/travel/nudism_business/index.htm

[notadmblnd]

42. Where do you keep your change?

n/t

[Mountainman]

49. I keep it in the car or tent or where ever I'm staying.

If you were at the beach or by a pool, where would you keep your change? Probably in the same place I do. In a back pack or something.

[aquaman]

45. What mountain do you live on???

.

[Mountainman]

47. The closest mountains with a names are .....

Bear Mountain and Breckenridge Mountain. I live in the lower Sierra Mountains.

[ButterflyBlood]

46. how many people come around just to look at the girls?

and would they be dissapointed? (ie mostly 50+ instead of a bunch of frolicking 20 year olds)

[Mountainman]

48. If you come around to look at the girls you will be disapointed

They are not a lot of beautiful girls running around naked. If that is what you want you might try "Hunting for Bamby." Nudist clubs are made up of everyday people like you see on the street or in the grocery store only they aren't wearing their clothes.

Next time you are in Target, imagine those people naked and you might get the picture.

[ForrestGump]

50. "Next time you are in Target, imagine those people naked......"

I already do that!

:D

Halfway there already.....

[Lady Freedom]

54. Some people are clueless!

What is the big deal! So there are people that don't like clothes. Why do some people act like its a sin? And so there are places for teens that feel that way to go during the summer. With what I read on top it sounds a if they want to wear clothes they can and if not thats cool too. Just because there are some that don't wear anything doesn't mean that something is going to happen. Some people need to get their minds out of the gutter!

[TrogL]

55. People who don't like clothes

Auties and Aspies have wierd reactions to clothes. The only kind of underwear I can wear is bikini. I hate the feel of most fabrics.