FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS  REGARDING NUDE AND CLOTHING   OPTIONAL RECREATION.

Why do people choose nude recreation?

Nude recreation embraces the joy of living and experiencing nature in the most natural way possible. To relax and be nude is to let yourself be totally free. Although we enjoy clothing-free activities in appropriate settings, we also choose to wear clothes when practical. Nudists and naturalists respect each other's individuality. Our own self-esteem is enhanced by our ability to accept ourselves as we really are. We find it easy to accept others regardless of physical size, shape, or body condition. Moreover, social class distinctions, often indicated by clothing, disappear.

Relaxation, stress relief, positive body image, and increasing self-esteem are just a few of the reasons people choose the nudist lifestyle.

What are the benefits of nude recreation?

Self-esteem is enhanced in the nudist community, where body acceptance is the norm. Conversation seems to come easier. Many report the “time warp” phenomenon. A one day respite spent clothes-free seems to relax people more than an entire weekend elsewhere. Without clothes, stress seems to melt away. In most of the countries where society as a whole accepts nudity, it is a statistical fact that sexual crimes especially those related to “curiosity” are greatly less than in countries that “taboo” public nudity.

Is nude recreation an accepted activity in our society?

You will find that as our society continues to advance in our acceptance and tolerance of other people’s rights and differences, that the acceptance of public nudity will also advance. There are many publications as well as the LOS ANGELES TIMES that have done articles and reports on the growing popularity of nudism and naturalism.

Although there are many individuals that disagree with the concept of nudism in public, many have already participated in skinny dipping, being naked and comfortable at home and so on, but have not yet overcome their insecurities and been able to accept that nudity is, in reality, more natural than a clothed lifestyle.  After all….none of us were born clothed.

What are the characteristics of  AANFR?

The atmosphere of the AANFR association is wholesome and friendly. People who enjoy nude recreation distinguish between nudity and sex and keep the two in their proper perspectives. Nudist and naturalist clubs and organizations are careful about who enters their facility and if anyone seems to be there for the wrong reason, they will be asked to leave. Because each club has its own admission policies, activities, and amenities, we recommend contacting the club before your first visit.

Club activities often include sports and events much like any resort. You'll enjoy swimming, walking, tennis, hiking, volleyball, cycling, themed parties, special meal events, and the opportunity to meet a wide variety of people, diverse in age, profession, and culture.

I enjoy sunning and skinny dipping in my own fenced yard and pool, but why should I join AANFR?

AANFR has a wide range of information and contacts making us a resource in those rare cases where a neighbor sees over the fence or a question about participation in nude recreation occurs. Your dues make it possible to promote nude recreation in credible media and voice nudist concerns with policy makers. We work with other naturist and nudist groups to keep up on new laws and news that affects our way of life.

Joining AANFR also expands the opportunities for you to enjoy nude recreation. You can pack less and relax more at nearly 270 clubs and resorts throughout the U.S., Canada, Mexico, and beyond. Hike nude on nature trails. Go RVing with your family and leave most of your luggage behind.  We do regular events and retreats for families to enjoy clothing optional activities and your dues help us make reservations and arrangements for these activities to help reduce the overall cost to each family.

What kind of people will I find at an AANFR activity ?

You’ll find a cross section of society, with people representing all colors, religions, occupations, body types, age groups, and income brackets. Without clothes, however, it’s less likely you’ll know a bank president from a bus driver.

Is nude recreation legal?

Nudity is legal at all AANFR activities, as well as the  clubs and resorts that we hold events, and AANFR is always working to ensure those freedoms. We have regular research teams that visit reported activity sites to verify the validity of reports and maintain that nudity is legal.  The law can be a little fuzzier when it comes to nudity at beaches and public recreation areas. AANFR works to protect nude recreation in such places where there is an established tradition for sunbathing. Ongoing efforts have led to an increasing number of locations where there is signage explaining where clothing-optional sections begin and end.

Will I feel self-conscious?

Most first-timers adjust to social nudity in a matter of minutes and discover it’s not nearly as big a deal as they thought it would be. Some feel self-conscious before they undress since they’re likely to be the only ones not nude.

What about our kids?

Children are natural nudists and quickly take to it like ducks take to water. Most clubs welcome children and encourage families to join. At these clubs, you'll find activities and facilities for your kids to enjoy - and they'll thank you for taking them along. As always, we recommend that if you are bringing your children, you call ahead to ask the club about its activity program and facilities.  We at AANFR are a family oriented group and almost all of our members have kids that vary in age. We do not force any members of any family to be nude until they are comfortable,  but have found especially with children and teens that when they are in the presence of other kids they seem to adjust very quickly  to their surroundings.

What’s the difference between clothes-free vs. clothing-optional?

There’s a relatively minor difference between these two types of clubs. Clothing-optional clubs allow visitors to remain dressed, believing that some people take more time to adjust to social nudism. At clothes-free resorts, you’re expected to be nude, although no one expects you to disrobe until taking a tour of the facility and deciding to stay. It’s helpful to call a club you’re expecting to visit for clarification of their policies.

Do I have to be naked all the time?

While many people prefer to go nude 24 hours a day in clubs, others find it more practical to dress in the evenings when it gets cooler, for meals, or for some sports activities. A few clubs have policies requiring clothing in their dining areas, dance halls, and health clubs. We generally maintain an atmosphere where comfort levels are completely respected. We do not force any members at anytime to be nude if they are uncomfortable doing so, unless we specify an event or activity as such. Most resorts, however, do require full nudity in pools, jacuzzis and spas. We also do have events where state and federal nudity laws apply and clothing or covering of some sort is required in certain areas.

How will I feel if I’m not in the greatest physical shape?

You’ll feel right at home. Nudist clubs are a reflection of society at large, with people of all shapes and sizes. Since God made all of us the way we are, there are no physical requirements for membership or activities EXCEPT for activities that poor health conditions may affect your personal safety or the safety of other members.

Do males get visibly excited?

Not often. Nudist clubs are far less sexually charged than places where bikinis, thongs, or other provocative clothing, are worn. On the rare occasion where this occurs, simply don a towel, turn over, or take a quick dip in the pool. It is a natural bodily function and some males obtain erections even without the influence visual stimulants.  We encourage all of our members to realize their physical condition and remove themselves from view at least temporarily. We also strongle support the "no innapropriate behavior policies" that help maintain a safe environment for all our members and guests.

What about nudism and religion?

Nudists find nothing inconsistent between nude recreation and their convictions. You’ll find all faiths---and people of no faith---represented at nudist resorts. Some clubs hold non-denominational services on Sundays. Most nudists of faith find that enjoying the great outdoors in their natural state draws them closer to their Creator.

What if we receive unwelcome advances?

This rarely happens. If it does, simply report it to club management and steps will be taken to ensure it does not happen again. Everyone should feel comfortable. Behavior requiring an apology is not tolerated. These types of actions are strictly not tolerated and should also be reported to one of our group officers so we can consider removing that individual from our members list.

How can I make my spouse / significant other more comfortable about trying it?

It helps to understand that AANFR and all our activities are family-oriented places. Few people of either sex at AANFR events, or any other similar clubs are model material, all of our family members are average people with varied size, race, and ages and appearance is in no way considered when joining or asking to attend any events. We suggest if your spouse isn’t comfortable, that you should attend an event that is completely clothing optional and get him/her used to the concept first and then attend more events regularly as well as keeping the topic of nudity a regular family discussion topic until the entire family is completely comfortable with the concepts and our events.

Will my picture be taken or my privacy compromised?

The American Association for Naturist Family  Recreation understand that privacy is paramount to our members and their families. There is never any requirement to be publicly identified or consent to having one’s picture taken as a condition of membership. (Photo identification is usually required for admission to clubs, along with other measures to ensure guest security.) And just for your peace of mind, the tasteful images that appear on this website of our members have been taken with the written permission of the subject(s) depicted.  In areas such as public beaches where nudity is legal and acceptable, we cannot guarantee that there will be no pictures taken by other individuals.  Naturalists and nudists are just like everybody else and enjoy taking memorabilia photos and many times there are individuals that will appear in these photos.  Usually however, these types photos depict the family of the photographer and others are distant, out of focus, or not really identifiable . In increasing numbers, however, our members are telling neighbors and friends about their favorite way to relax. They find it’s an idea that’s just too great to keep for themselves! We have our own AUTHORIZED photography provider and photos will be taken at some events however these photos will only be used in our members gallery page and only with the consent of any individuals depicted. Some images may be used on club network pages sucha as MYSPACE and FACEBOOK, however, those sites are strict with content and we will not post any images that would violate terms of use or put our members at any risk.

How do we make sure that we and our families are safe from predators and perverts?

Our group, as well as most naturist and nudist community groups, clubs, resorts, and organizations strive at maintaining a peaceful, healthy  relationship among members. We require paid memberships and some of the membership fees are used to pay for background and criminal checks. We do have bylaws that are legally discriminatory, such as: “If you ever have been convicted of a sexual related crime, you are not eligible for membership.” Most of the families and individuals that are members of any naturist groups also help “watchdog” events, and activities as well as general public actions when they are at public places that allow nudity.  We monitor our members every time we hold group functions and will take action if any one at the event behaves in an unacceptable manner.  The officers of our groups and clubs are very strict and take a strong stand to protect our rights to be bare and keep people who think that we are sexually oriented out of club activities and group functions.

What will my first visit to a club be like?

This is a very important question that we want to answer as fully as possible. Therefore, we kindly ask that you contact us directly and we will gladly answer any questions that you might have.

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