2021.06.10 Wales Online
A naturist thas issued advice and warnings to newcomers to the lifestyle after a surge in nudism during lockdown.
British Naturism has seen 1,100 new members join up in the last year and says "social isolation has caused an explosion in naked living", reports
The Mirror.
But as people take their new lockdown hobby outdoors, one veteran of the scene has some advice.
Donna Price runs the Women in Naturism Campaign for BN, trying to increase the proportion of women above the current 30%.
She said: "My husband and I got into it by accident when we stumbled onto a nudist beach.
"My husband hates wearing clothes and he wanted to try it. I love swimming, when I got into the water naked I loved it. That sold it for me."
They found a local club in Kent which sparked their passion in 2016.
Donna said: "My husband and I don't work anymore and we live pretty much naked unless it's really cold.
"Just normal activities but you don't put clothes on. It is very freeing. People tend to make assumptions or judgements, based on what you're wearing. It's a great leveller.
"There is no class, no status or distinctions, you don't feel as if you're being judged. It is very body positive.
"Everyone is the same fundamentally under there, even though we might be unique."
Donna has issued some advice for newcomers.
Be comfortable in your own skin
"You have to be comfortable in your own skin, and feel as if it's a normal way of being.
"Get used to being naked indoors and then naked in your garden. Most people can't just suddenly go to a naked beach and strip off.
"Do it slowly and gradually."
Go to a designated beach
It is not against the law to be naked in public, so long as you don't 'harass, alarm or distress others', but going to a designatwed area will avoid problems.
"If you're new to it, I suggest a designated beach," Donna said.
"You won't stand out too much."
Be respectful to others
"Naked females on the beach are unusual," Dinna said.
"Naturism only has a 30 per cent balance of women, so a naked female on the beach is like 'oh my god it's a female'.
"But a lot of the naturist guys like to have mixed company. It is quite nice to talk to a woman for a change.
"You can't say to people 'don't approach women', the woman could then feel 'what's wrong with me'.
"Treat people with respect. If she's making eye contact say good morning but carry on walking."
Have fun and take your clothes off
Donna said: "It's all about respect for yourself. There should be nothing different with how you are when you have clothes on.
"Relax, enjoy it and take your clothes off. You will feel more comfortable."
