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Frequently
Asked Questions
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| 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
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. |
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| What are the
benefits of nude recreation? |
| Self-esteem is enhanced in the nudist world, 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. |
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| Is nude recreation
an accepted mainstream activity? |
The answer to this question is a resounding YES!
As reported in USA
TODAY, The Yankelovich
National Travel Monitor is one of the most respected
polls in the travel industry. The 2006 edition of that
poll found that 15% of adult Americans would
consider a resort that offers a nude recreation experience
or a clothing-optional beach experience either extremely
or a very desirable part of a vacation.
In the January 17, 2003 edition of The Wall St.
Journal, a front page story in the Marketplace
section noted that nude recreation in North America
has grown to a $400 million industry. The article explained
that clothes-free offerings run the gamut from upscale
venues with plush townhouses and room service to rustic
rural retreats, to cruises on some of the world’s
most popular cruise lines.
The Roper Organization has reported that some 54 million
Americans have skinny-dipped in mixed company. For people
who want to recapture the freedom and innocence of that
experience, AANR clubs offer relaxing, down to earth,
casual environments. Members may also participate in
AANR World Adventures nudist vacations and cruises. |
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| What are the
characteristics of an AANR club? |
The atmosphere of an AANR club is wholesome and friendly.
People who enjoy nude recreation distinguish between
nudity and sex and keep the two in their proper perspectives.
Clubs 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. |
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| I enjoy sunning
and skinny dipping in my own fenced yard and pool, but
why should I join AANR? |
AANR is a trusted 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.
Joining AANR 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. Go
on a nude cruise. Take part in a volleyball tournament.
Whatever you do, you’ll get a 20% member savings or
more off regular rates.
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| Listings of
AANR Clubs indicate some are “nonlanded.”
What does that mean? |
| Nonlanded clubs are simply those that do not typically
own or utilize a single piece of property for activities.
Their plans may range from renting a local gym for a pool
party to hosting a simple backyard swim and barbeque
in a member’s fenced yard, to very elaborate Caribbean
cruises or tours to nudist destinations in Europe and
beyond. In some cases, clubs in their early stages may
affiliate with AANR as nonlanded organizations while
they grow membership, save money to purchase land, or
wait to obtain building permits. |
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| What kind
of people will I find at an AANR club? |
| 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. |
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| Is nude recreation
legal? |
| Nudity is legal at AANR clubs and resorts, and AANR
is always working to ensure those freedoms. The law can
be a little fuzzier when it comes to nudity at beaches
and public recreation areas. AANR 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. |
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| 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. |
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| 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. For more information please see our discussion
of family values. |
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| 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. For other tips, see our page on Your
First Visit. |
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| 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. |
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| 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. |
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| 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. |
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| 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. |
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| What if we
receive unwelcome advances? |
| This rarely happens. If it does, simply report it to
resort management and steps will be taken to ensure it
does not happen again. Everyone should feel comfortable.
Behavior requiring an apology is not tolerated. |
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| How can I
make my spouse / significant other more comfortable about
trying it? |
| It helps to understand that AANR clubs and activities
are family-oriented places. Few people of either sex at
AANR clubs---or anywhere else for that matter---are “perfect
10s” or look like size-2 actresses. You may
find the pages on our website about AANR Family
Values and nudism From
A Women’s Perspective useful resources. |
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| Will my picture
be taken or my privacy compromised? |
The American Association for Nude Recreation and
its clubs 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 have been taken with the written permission
of the subject(s) depicted.
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! |
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| 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
visit our page about Your
First Visit. |
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