Just to add a little extra to this topic, as it has become a very enlightening discussion, there is one aspect of obstacles standing in the way of people entering naturism that is rarely discussed, and it is something we feel needs to be changed.

When we first began to look deeper into social naturism, the biggest obstacle we faced, was being able to provide proof that we were genuine naturists. Back then in the UK, and it is still very much the case today, in order to prove we were naturists in order to visit events, we had to show our membership card showing we belonged to the national naturist organisation.

A great deal of what has been discussed here is aimed at personal circumstances and the opinions of others, which are all relevant to this conversation, but it is the case, that all that has been discussed here has to a degree played a role in how naturism perceives itself, and that has led to this idea that if you are not aligned to a naturist organisation, you are somehow not credible.

In our early days, because we were not members of our national organisation, we found ourselves to a degree isolated and unable to attend certain venues, which excluded us for no other reason that we had no means to actually prove we were indeed naturists. It felt like yet another hurdle to climb in order to gain acceptance, and as newbies at that time we found it off putting. Can you imagine the circumstances people may feel?

It is bad enough that we may have a difficult or none understanding partner, or we have to hide our naturism from family or work colleagues due to fear or shame, but to then find having overcome that and taken the giant leap to explore outside of our domestic situations, we are then tasked with actually proving to naturism itself we are naturists, in order to be fully accepted.

National organisations tend to be a minority when it comes to the sum total of naturists as a whole, and yet it poses this problem of firstly, needing to be aware that a membership is a requirement for many naturists businesses and events, and most of the time that is only something you will find out if you are already within naturism. For people looking to find out about naturism, and get involved, especially in the days before ANW, becoming a part of the naturist fraternity was actually incredibly difficult for those entering for the first time, and we feel it is something that should be considered within naturism today, because in truth, naturism is not quite as open to none naturists as we sometimes portray it, and that needs to be a consideration going forward.

Thanks to those who have shared their thoughts here over the last few days. Marc you are absolutely right. It is so much harder to put right things than it is to make them wrong. A little negativity goes a long way. A little lie is bigger than the large truth. One badly behaved person on a beach over shadows a 1000 good people there. One negative voice is heard above all the positive voices. And this is not just a problem with naturism, it is crumbling the fabric of our society.  

And thanks to RnR for adding another twist to the topic. 

It is easy to see the personal obstacles: Partners and family not approving.

The internal obstacles: relearning your views on nudity and overcoming your fears. 

The social obstacles: we are taught that nudity is shameful. We understand that if you tell a child often enough that he/she is naughty he/she will become naughty. This is how society is totally messed up. We keep telling society that men cannot be trusted, that danger is everywhere, that the human body is perverse etc - so it is hardly surprising we see those issues grow and grow. We are inviting trouble. 

But the Obstacle created by Naturism itself is a big obstacle. As how do you overcome an obstacle to get to something, when the something is the obstacle in the first place? Is it even worth considering? My argument against the female segregation for example is not that it encourages a handful of women to get together, but that it maybe discourages 1000's of women from considering naturism at all, and men, couples and families. It is very easy to say: this lady feared nudity and found safety with half a dozen likeminded women - and not see this as positive for her. But the bigger picture we are painting is that women need safe spaces from men. Who wants to join a life choice that has this issue at its core? The same can be said with families - yes there may be some safe spaces for families to unite, but while the idea remains hidden from all but a handful of families - how many 1000s of families are thinking: naturism is not for them. 

And in my mind this is also the same for our attitude towards single men. How many men are put off, feeling they are unwanted?

This spreads to all. For there are going to be single men, and couples who look at the messages being sent out towards families, women and single men who think: this like style is troubled and sexualised so why do I want to go near it.

And the new trend to ensure that we tick the sexual orientation boxes adds a sexualisation to naturism that a lifestyle based around nudity and having to deal with all the obstacles above could really do without. On social media you see national supported/run "pride" events. Why? Should we not simply be working together as a wide community creating an atmosphere of pride from being human and being naturists. Our sexual orientation means very little in a non-sexual environment where everyone is equal and welcome and respected. When has their been a campaign run by naturism that suggest we should be proud of naturism and being naturists? We attempt this on ANW and through things like Get Real, and The Natural Choice. But in the wider world of naturism there is little done to actually bring naturism out into our wider society and get it better accepted and understood. Segregation and hiding is spreading the fear not combatting it. It is building obstacles that are as tall in human minds as the fences we hide behind. 

There is an idea that you have to buy into naturism - both emotionally and financially before  you can get anywhere with it, and in reality, when you look at the obstacles we already have to face, we are not encouraging big growth. And there is a financial purpose behind this. Influencers need to appear part of a small elite group to get followers and money. Event organisers only need enough naturists to exist to buy their tickets, organisations have a vested interest in naturism remaining a life choice that people need to buy into to enjoy. Steve and I have actually had a conversation with a national organiser who made it clear that as long as the events sell out there is no need to encourage more people into naturism! This is where the problem lies. A short term policy of success rather than a larger view on growing naturism. We recognise this issue in politics, why is it happening in naturism?

To me there needs to be a bigger push in encouraging all of society to recognise and enjoy naturism. It may allow a wider appreciation that doesn't need to be part of an "inner circle" but if we have more women, couples, men, families, and people of all races, religions, sexual orientation etc enjoying naturism, then by default we will have more trust in naturism and a break down of the obstacles, and in return more people will book the events, join bodies etc. 

In a way it is a giant leap of faith. Our event organisers, national bodies, venues etc need to believe in naturism and want to grow naturism for everyone. With the idea that a new improved view on naturism will actually help them financially not hamper them. When we try naturism for the first time it is a leap of faith. A leap into the idea that we can be naked with being judged, with out being pestered, without being in a sexual environment or our world collapsing. A leap of faith over the obstacles we have to consider. So why isn't naturism itself encouraging a leap of faith and also showing they believe in that leap of faith too? It is impossible to believe that things will get better while organised naturism is so unsure of itself and acting so coy and concerned on one hand and then behaving smug and self serving on the other. What is our real priority? It has to be about growing naturism for all. 

There needs to be a more welcoming way to be part of naturism. Not just going to events and venues, and getting "naturist cards" if verification is seen as important, but also on beaches and in everyday life.   

That is why we see ANW as vitally important. Everyone is welcome, anyone can join for free and become verified for free, information and honest debate is there for all, naturism is the star and the purpose of our existence.  We exist because of paying membership, and that is something we need to encourage, but we exist for naturism, and want to bring naturism to all, and that should be in the minds of all naturists. national bodies, clubs, venues, event organisers and anyone who cares about the future of naturism.            

This post was edited by Anna ANW at July 9, 2025 7:55 PM BST

Thanks for raising the issue of the barriers for engaging in social naturism imposed on us who are on their own with disengaged partners. I am still quite the newbie and have only just begun to look for naturist organizations anywhere near me that I could join and participate in. Nothing close to me.. would need to travel over a hundred miles to get to a resort. Ok.. so I can deal with that. But when I start checking these places out I find they are all exclusively "couples only".. with a vague maybe single women ok.. but absolutely no single men. I'm so uncomfortable with that situation for now I have just walked away and will keep looking in the hope I find a friendly place. In the two months since I have joined ANW I have had so many wonderful experiences engaging with the men naturists who make me feel like just one of the group.. my gender is almost irrelevant. That is so wonderful and unexpected. I am already scared to death to engage in my first social naturism event.. why add more fear to the equation with the implications of restricted access policies?

I'm resolved to sort it all out but it's going to take time. I have gotten so much benefit from this ongoing discussion and thank all of you on ANW for your kindness and encouragement 💕

Kaycee, thank you for sharing this with such openness.

What you’ve expressed hits at the very core of what we, as naturists, should be standing for: inclusion, authenticity, and community. Yet here we are, facing policies that, while perhaps well-intentioned, end up excluding those who are most in need of connection.

The “couples-only” or “no single men” rules reflect a long-standing fear—often based on very real experiences—of unwanted attention or inappropriate behavior. But the problem is, these policies paint with a very broad brush, often punishing the kind, respectful, curious souls—like yourself—who just happen to be alone in this journey.

I’ve seen this firsthand:

In resorts, on beaches, and online, where the presence of single men is treated as inherently threatening. And yet, I’ve also met wonderful, gentle, respectful single men who embody everything that naturism stands for. Some, like you, are just taking their first steps and already bring a refreshing humility and sincerity that any community would be lucky to have.

It’s a contradiction we have to address head-on.

I believe social naturism must evolve—beyond old fears, beyond rigid gender roles, beyond outdated access models.

We need to stop equating being single with being suspicious.

And at the same time, we must continue to foster safe, comfortable environments—especially for women and marginalized groups—without excluding others by default.

You mentioned something powerful: that here, on ANW, your gender feels “almost irrelevant.” That is exactly what naturism should be. A space where your humanity matters more than your gender, your relationship status, or how many miles you had to drive to get there.

So what can we do?

• We need to support, promote, and celebrate naturist spaces that welcome respectful individuals—regardless of their relationship status.

• We need to call out unfair blanket restrictions and offer better solutions—like codes of conduct, first-timer introductions, buddy systems, and community-based vetting.

• And we need to keep telling stories like yours, because it reminds others (especially club managers and organizers) that there are real people behind the labels.

You’re right—it takes time. And courage. But your resolve, your voice, and your vulnerability are already helping reshape the culture of naturism for the better.

Please don’t give up. The naturist world needs more people like you in it.

And when you do go to your first social event—know that you carry with you the support and gratitude of those of us who also had to navigate that lonely, uncertain path. You're not alone.