Getting more young people to try nudism

Replies

• LA

  

  Laker06

  Nov 10, 2017

  A simple start would be to not bash newcomers on this site for simply asking questions.
  Yes, they may be repetitive to anybody whos been here a while, but they are asking questions.

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• LO

  

  Loren

  Nov 10, 2017

  Well said, AndiDi! This is a situation that exists across the board, not just in nudism. Our local fly fishing club held an event and it was attended by several young men in their early 20's. At the conclusion we told them about our monthly meetings and programs. The reply was that they really didn't have time to attend meetings. The current trend seems to be to socialize through electronic media as briefly and quickly as possible and not to do the leisurely face to face things that we are accustomed to.

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• RT

  

  Reuben Titus

  Nov 11, 2017

  Anyone have a big budget? Do a massive advertising campaign to promote naturism with all it's mental and physical benefits. That would introduce the idea to many of all ages who've never considered it. But I don't think anyone who has the money would "waste" it like that. And with no big business involved there's no potential for monetary return from advertising.

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• LO

  

  Looking2chill

  Nov 12, 2017

  My son has started to test the nudism life style and I couldnt be happier. Unfortunately my Mrs doesnt really understand it so he has been experimenting doing it when shes out. He has become so much more confident in himself in the 6 months hes been doing it. Im very proud of him.

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• ST

  

  Stephen

  Nov 12, 2017

  I'm all for getting more of my generation interested and trying nudism and I agree with the issues that have been voiced already (cost, self-image, the mentality that you should always be covered up in the presence of others, what will my friends say being the most notable).

  I'm mostly a home nudist and the only social nudism I do is a nudist resort or CO beach a handful of times each year. My biggest struggle with how to allocate my time. Spending a day naked at a resort or beach means just sitting around for most of the day. I'm not able to get chores done at home, get a workout in, make plans with people who are important to me but not nudists, and depending on what I'm putting off to be there, stress can weigh on me until I leave. I suspect that many young people who are not hung up on the other common hurdles still get stuck on the thought that spending a day at a resort or beach doesn't outweigh passing on plans with established friends or activities they already enjoy.

  In a way, age indirectly helps to overcome a lot of those obstacles, which is also why I think you see older folks willing to try social nudism for the first time.

  So, I think changing the culture should begin at home. I think raising kids in a nudist home or at least parents showing their kids that they do not need to hide their bodies will have the best odds of drawing in a younger crowd.

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• ME

  Member

  Nov 12, 2017

  Just wanted to say I greatly appreciate this point, thank you. You are spot on. I am a nudist in my late twenties, have been trying social nudism for several years now.

  The cost is definitely one of the largest road blocks that and I live in a city, a more traditional one at that. Most of the nudist places I have found are far outside the city requiring a car and usually an overnight stay. After work, grad school (and related costs), rent, other bills, and student loan payments, there isn't much left to rent a car and spend a night somewhere.

  I agree, the change has to be on a personal level. It won't come about from shaming a specific generation because of how you think "we" act...we're not a monolith. But, there are some common experiences among us that prevent us from overcoming some of these road blocks.

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• ME

  Member

  Nov 12, 2017

  It's definitely an issue, one that I've had many conversations with fellow nudists. Here in Vancouver, we have Wreck Beach, a massive nude beach. When I started going at 14 years of age, and regularly by 16, it was 95 percent nude. In my 20's there were many people in my age group that went and went nude.
  
  Now? Some days it's over 90 percent textile. Organizers who worry about the status of the beach, have even stood on the beach with signs trying to encourage people to get nude. Why make the effort....300 steps down and up, to get to this beach if you are just going to dressed?
  
  The only thing we can come up with, is camera's. Gone are the days when it was obvious and easy to control someone taking unsolicited photos. Many of these young people must be worried about nude photos showing up on the net.
  
  However, that doesn't really explain the decline in clubs where this is much more strictly controlled.

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• ME

  MemberOriginal Poster

  Nov 12, 2017

  I agree with almost all of the posts for why the younger generation is not into the naturist lifestyle. I do think the answer is two-pronged. First, we need to get young couples to raise their children in a nudist environment. Secondly, we all have a sphere of influence where a personal invite might make all the difference in the world. The last young lady that was here seemed comfortable in the hot tub and outdoor shower, so I asked her if she wants to try a naked walk in the woods. After we got back she thanked me for getting her to try it and we are already planning on a trip to a resort next summer.

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• NU

  nudeyooper

  Nov 12, 2017

  [quote]I'm all for getting more of my generation interested and trying nudism and I agree with the issues that have been voiced already (cost, self-image, the mentality that you should always be covered up in the presence of others, what will my friends say being the most notable). I'm mostly a home nudist and the only social nudism I do is a nudist resort or CO beach a handful of times each year. My biggest struggle with how to allocate my time. Spending a day naked at a resort or beach means just sitting around for most of the day. I'm not able to get chores done at home, get a workout in, make plans with people who are important to me but not nudists, and depending on what I'm putting off to be there, stress can weigh on me until I leave. I suspect that many young people who are not hung up on the other common hurdles still get stuck on the thought that spending a day at a resort or beach doesn't outweigh passing on plans with established friends or activities they already enjoy. In a way, age indirectly helps to overcome a lot of those obstacles, which is also why I think you see older folks willing to try social nudism for the first time. So, I think changing the culture should begin at home. I think raising kids in a nudist home or at least parents showing their kids that they do not need to hide their bodies will have the best odds of drawing in a younger crowd.[/quote] This holds true for many of us older folks. I too weigh the costs in time and money when considering whether to attend and event or join a group. I sometimes wonder if I spend too much time on this site. One thing that comes from experience is that change has to come from within a given dynamic. I may be encouraged from outside, but the change must be accepted by the peers to become permanent.

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• ME

  Member

  Nov 13, 2017

  An interesting post, thanks for putting it up.
  I raise my two boys nude which they are comfortable with and used to. However society does play its part in challenging their perception. As my oldest gets older he is becoming more conscious that others ight think nudity is "weird" or "not normal". At an age where normal is what they want to be so as not to be singled out or shamed for being different.
  I teach my boys that every body has a body. And every bodies body is different and that's ok (however I do emphasis the importance of being active, fit and healthy). Their self and body confidence reflects this but they will continue to be pressured by peers to be "normal". As such I will continue to help them understand they have nothing to be embarrassed about of their bodies and that the world would be a boring place if we all were the same.

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• NU

  nudeyooper

  Nov 14, 2017

  I just sampled a number of YouTube videos of college naked runs, WNBR, World Skinny Dip record and there are quite a number of young people in those who are willing to go with a group of people in the same age range. They may not be of a mindset to join a club or visit a resort, but they are having fun. It is amusing to watch those who want to participate yet have their reservations. More than a few have genitals cupped in their hands or hands covering breasts.

  If you consider there is strength in numbers and it is a First Amendment right to protest while naked. Perhaps these kids could protest in parks and on beaches enough to be granted places to be nude without having to join or pay.

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• SA

  

  Stone Andy

  Nov 14, 2017

  I admire young people for being both pragmatic and confident, and there are not many pragmatic options to be naked in the US anyway as this thread points out. Resorts are also strange and unnatural. I too have a hard time with old people, including my peers at age 54; it's an attitude. Do you have a Korea spa or something like that nearby? That will help people explore social nudism with more convenience on their terms - no drones or cams allowed. Good luck!

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• NK

  

  nkhiker

  Nov 14, 2017

  I myself fall into the category of a mature male nudist. I am relatively new nudist, certainly not a lifer. I was fairly convinced that nudist were 90% male and that older males have the least issue with taking their clothes off. However, after a few visits to a nearby hot springs resort, I found hope that the demographic is a little larger. In particular, last year right after college got out I was surprised to find several groups of college-aged women staying at the clothing optional hot springs, along with a few young couples, along with the usual crowd. The mature men were well outnumbered for a least a couple of days. It was obvious that many of them were trying it out for the first time and not all were sheading their bathing suits. Hopefully, they go back and are bolder next time, and hopefully, those that were naked, become addicted to the lifestyle.

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• NU

  

  nudeprewd

  Nov 16, 2017

  Nkhiker mentioned the number of young people at his local clothing optional hot springs (no doubt Orient Land Trust, in Colorado) and the # relative to older people. I just finished a 2-week volunteer tour there as Camp Host, and witnessed a similar proportion. This was in mid-October (2017) and I would say the age groups were evenly distributed, even leaning towards under 40. It fluctuated depending on day of week. Weekends = older crowd that can afford to donate more for higher membership level, which allows more advanced reservations. Also, after 10/1 the tent camping fee = $0, so younger folks can afford to come. During this October period, I would guess 95% were completely nude in the pools. During the summer, and apparently spring break, there seems to be more newbies trying out the C/O concept and therefore fewer total nudes. Which is the whole point of C/O!
  My main conclusions would be:
  - Young people want the CHOICE. Whether a beach or hot springs, "Clothing Optional" allows them to test the waters and get used to the idea and experience of shedding clothes, at their own pace and comfort level.
  - Young people (& all people) want/need SAFETY & PRIVACY. Respect is the key component of both (something emphasized strongly at OLT/VVHS). The reality is, those things can only be provided and maintained at a well established and well monitored situation/setting. From my experience and observation, that translates into a clothing optional venue like Orient Land Trust/VVHS or Orvis HS in Colorado. Or a well patrolled (officially or by volunteers) c/o beach like Haulover (FL), or Hippie Hollow (TX) and some of the natural hot springs in OR etc. These places are typically strict about NO Phones. Drones are obviously going to be an increasing issue, on beaches in particular.
  - Young people want AFFORDABLILITY (low cost) & FLEXIBILITY (don't have to join or commit)
  
  ------ Nudeprewd 11/16/2017

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• SU

  sunnmaxx

  Nov 30, 2017

  Wish there were more opportunities or groups for nudity on college campuses. In the early 80's there was a "Nude Church " just off campus but my girlfriend would not let me go so I had little exposure to social nudity until the second wife and we actually went to a resort and she loved it.
  I think college age is the perfect time to do some education on the benefits of social nudity and I think that would go a long way in improving the respect of women by men

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• ME

  Member

  Feb 23, 2018

  Interesting reply and I can see that being accurate. Our sons know we are nudists. Once we revealed to them it didn't matter much who else knows. Our oldest son is now mid thirties. Single and dates. As does many off his friends both male and female. Afew of them know of my wife and my nudity. Ironically the biggest critics of us are ones that are real party animals. These same people think nothing of sex on first dates. Are known through the town for their party ways. Couple of the women have children and they each have different fathers. Yet mywife and I don't judge them. They are fun people to be around and generally great people. But they can't stop the judgement of us and like to throw it up at us when the chance is there. humorously of course. And they always say they don't wantto vision us old folks nude.

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