There is a hotel not far from me.  It's not really a "nudist" place, but they allow CO swimming, hot tubbing, and sunbathing.  The thing is, it's men only, and obviously caters to gays (I don't mind that).  A friend and I have decided to spend a couple of nights there in mid-August.  I don't really know what to expect, but I'm desperate for some skinny-dipping, and there aren't many opportunities for that around here. Also, my friend isn't experienced in social nudity (though he loves being naked), so he's a little nervous about it.

I will post again afterwards, and let you know how it was.

Tell your friend not to worry so much. Last month we took our daughter to a naturist swim, it was her first time being in a proper socially naked situation, as she really has only ever been naked with us and her aunt, who joins us occasionally in the garden and spa.

Like your friend she too was very nervous, for a minute she really was a little shaky, she held he rmum's hand and walked into the pool area, and once she saw the water, she just jumped in the pool. Within minutes she was happy and having fun with her mum and others. When we talked later, she told us that as she swam and talked to others her own age, she completely forgot about the nudity, and simply focused on the interaction between herself and others.

We feel that nudity is such a natural state that when you are socially naked and engaged with others in conversation, that becomes the focal point, and all the pre concieved ideas from society about being dressed leave you, as it becomes normailised. Everyone has done the first few minutes of nervousness at some point, but it is fleeting as you get involved.

Tell your friend to have a swim, and simply relax, and after that, he will wonder what all the fuss was about. You should try to get him to join ANW, and let him see how all of us interact with each other, we are sure he will find it is a supportive and helpful place to be.

" ...and after that, he will wonder what all the fuss was about."

LOL I already told him exactly that.  Thanks for the response.

We love the idea of inviting and encouraging people new to naturism to try a new experience and learn to appreciate our life choice. And we must always be on the look out for new naturist opportunities ourselves. Try some new - a hike, a bike ride, a beach visit, a campsitem naked gardening, going to an event, having friend around for a naturist get together.....there are some many things that you can try that you maybe haven't done before with naturism. The more we make it a part of our lives the more connected we become to the positives it offers. 

Today Steve and I have tried something new and it was a joy - and hopefully we speak for all parties involved. 

We had our first organised meeting with other members of ANW. A wonderful day on the beach with Robin and Rin and their lovely children. Our sons had a brilliant time and it was fabulous time and before we knew it it was 8pm and the sun was setting. We hope to be able to do it again very soon.

A timely reminder that no matter how many hours and experiences you have as a naturist - there is always another new wonder to add to your own naturist world. Thanks RnR for helping to add to ours - naturism just keeps on enriching our lives. 

(We do want to remind people that it is important to be careful when you meet people from the internet - get to know then as much as possible via chats and other input - and encourage them to become verified too).  

Share you new experiences and suggest some different ideas in this topic and inspire others to expand their naturist horizons. 

We think the most important message here is that when you take the plunge and embrace the moment, especially with new people, it opens up a whole new dimension of possibilities. Today for us was a huge first, as we experienced our first naturist beach, and we were inspired to try it by two people who gave us great confidence. It was such wonderful experience for us, and a memory we will cherish and always remember. Experiencing naturism socially creates a more open and honest experience more powerful than any you will find on a textile beach, it is a joy to be completely equal as natural human beings.