Non-confrontational naturism

[John Paine]

Picking up the point in Duncan Heenan's 3 January 2021 article, on Campaigning for clothing optional beaches, it is important that ' We ' practice non confrontational naturism in public places to advertise its freedoms and pleasures, and to teach the public it is not ' naughty '. Even encourage others to have a go!  The important thing is to do it calmly and not in a way to attract attention or reaction.

When on a lightly populated beach, my wife and I set up our folding chairs close to the waters edge - you have to look very hard to notice you are naked when sitting in a chair!

When it is ' swim time ' we calmly walk down and into the water without noise or ' dancing '.  Others on the beach will be engrossed in their own activities not to notice.

The view from the side or behind is no different from someone wearing an ' acceptable ' thong, anyway!

Coming out of the water, well check no one is walking past, and then again come out without encouraging notice.

An all over tan with no white bits to advertise you are naked, helps.

Unfortunately just one visible sexual activity by others cancels many good experiences !

Steve Midson
                                                                                           this item posted for Steve by John Paine

[Phillip Green]

I have always maintained this approach of keeping a distance from the general public but not out of sight. I
personally make close proximity the choice for others to make. I parallel the situation to smokers.
Fact:  Some people find the practice of smoking to be disgusting, especially in the presence of children.
Parallel;  Some people find nudity discusting, especially in the presence of children.
Fact:  It is not good etiquette for a smoker to purposely smoke in close proximity to a non smoker.
Parallel;  It is not good etiquette for a naturist to purposely be naked in close proximity to a non naturist.
Fact: It is not acceptable for a smoker to blow smoke into the face of a non smoker. A considerate smoker would extinguish the cigarette until the non smoker has passed.
Parallel; It is not acceptable for a naturist to flaunt him/her self in close proximity to a non naturist.
A considerate naturist would cover up with a bag or hat, for the few seconds it takes to pass. (This applies more to naturist ramblers).
There are too many who do things "because they can". They are wanting to challenge the law. It will take time to wean the general public into accepting nudity in public places. The approach needs to be subtle, at a distance and gentle.  We will get there eventually.
The other thing is, we need consistent support from law enforcement. Many officers are not following the guidance and often publish false information which leads the public to believe nudity in public places is unlawful. Because of this, many naturists are reluctant to pursue lawful naturist activity, as they fear arrest or/and having their photo appearing in their local or even national paper.  This all needs sorting to give naturists the confidence to get out there and enjoy naturism as it should be enjoyed.

[Duncan Heenan]

Philip Green said:
"The other thing is, we need consistent support from law enforcement. Many officers are not following the guidance and often publish false information which leads the public to believe nudity in public places is unlawful. Because of this, many naturists are reluctant to pursue lawful naturist activity, as they fear arrest or/and having their photo appearing in their local or even national paper.  This all needs sorting to give naturists the confidence to get out there and enjoy naturism as it should be enjoyed."
 I agree, but NAG is doing something about this! A project is underway to try to get the Police & Judiciary to act in accordance with the various guidelines. The project is headed by John Wood. It is a big task, and anyone who thinks they may be able to help would be very welcome to contact John on  john.kenneth.wood@naturistactiongroup.co.uk   .

[Phillip Green]

I put this cartoon together to illustrate how some police officers will do their best to find a way to make an arrest.