Well, took the plunge and went. Arrived bright and early and parked in the middle of the beach where the few others were - well away from the dunes. First thoughts - fantastic beach, weather was excellent (no north Norfolk coastal wind either), why would you need to go abroad??!!
Bit nervous to start with, but soon got over that. Beach rapidly filled, and wasn't long before I was walking past lots of people down to the sea. It's great, very liberating - should have done this years ago. Was great also to be able to swim in (very) calm sea, which wasn't even that cold - had several dips throughout the day.
I didn't get any funny looks for being a single, untanned male - but then I stayed put on my beach mat, and only got up to go to the sea rather than 'walking about'! Lots of people arrived later and sat near me as well, so guess I didn't look suspicious which is what I was afraid of.
Dispelled a few of my common myths about nudist beaches as well - loads of people on there, average age younger than I thought, most seemed to be couples in their 30s and 40s, although there were a few also in their 20s. Definitely more men that women though, although they tended to be slightly older rather than dodgy-looking types.
All in all, an excellent day, only cut short by the footie (should have stayed on the beach). Can't wait to go again, though it'd be better not on my own as I was definitely in the minority. My weekends are pretty chokka for the rest of the summer unfortunately, although just remembered I'm in that neck of the woods on Wednesday...
Its nice when your first visit is a pleasurable one
Life isn't surviving the storm, its learning to dance in the rain.
Congratulations on your first visit to the beach, Chris, that's the difficult first step taken. Now you need to get back there to consolidate - and before long you will become a regular visitor, longing to be back on the beach again. You're probably right about it being easier to go with a partner: Dave and I would certainly feel hesitant to visit the beach alone now. That probably has something to do with being married for a good few years as well, though.
Sue and Dave
Good story. I was alone on my first naturist beach visit too and would have rather gone with someone, but next time I'll hopefully be able to do that.
I'm glad you opened up the topic of being alone as a single male. It's sad that people think that or do look at single males strangely but it's just a fact of life. In a way I don't mind being a single male at the moment because with a few beach, and possibly club visits i might find "someone", which would be great (If not just a little hopefull). But I'm glad you felt comfortable, I'm sure it made your beach experience that little bit better.
i went to Holkham in August & found there were odd single guys hanging around in the dunes. I also had a good day there, but found these guys a bit off putting - they don't help the single male reputation....!
Chris
I only took the first tentative steps into public naturism this summer, and visited Holkham on three occasions this summer. Every time was late in the day after work when the beach was largely empty but, having heard of the reputation of some of the characters there, I made a point of staying out of the dunes.
One problem I have is that I get bored just sitting / lying on a beach and need to do something after a while. A couple of days I took a kite along (its a great beach for flying kites!), but was also able to walk the length of the naturist section a few times without appearing to be an exhibitionist as there was nobody about.
!).. .. .. .. , but was also able to walk the length of the naturist section a few times without appearing to be an exhibitionist as there was nobody about.
You may inadvertently have made the day for some meercat (dune lurker). 🙁
JOhn
Do not do unto others as you would that they should do unto you. Their tastes may not be the same.
George Bernard Shaw, Maxims for Revolutionaries
Only if they had 20/20 vision and binoculars - I walked along the water's edge and the tide was out ;D
holkom was our first beach visit,was a while ago,cold and windy.not a sole around for miles. striped ofto pics then retired to a cafe lol
holkom was our first beach visit,was a while ago,cold and windy.not a sole around for miles. striped ofto pics then retired to a cafe lol
Without a sole around a zebra fish would be well plaiced to stripe off. ;D
JOhn
Do not do unto others as you would that they should do unto you. Their tastes may not be the same.
George Bernard Shaw, Maxims for Revolutionaries
oh dear.....
Great beach. Have to admit the first time I went the meerkats in the dunes did put me off and I left fairly soon after. However, the next time I went, I stayed again near the dunes, and whilst there were a fair number of single men (and to be fair I was on my own) there were also a largish number of couples. I guess the dunes provide some much needed shelter. Now the single men don't worry me so much. Only problem is I like walking so I mix walking in the dunes with trips down to the sea so I don't get tarred with that same brush. I'm still a lone male when I'm there but that's just tough I guess. Perhaps this year I'll be able to meet up with some NCers and I won't be a lone male so much 🙂
I'd recommend this beach, and will be there as much as possible this year. It's a bit of a treck for me but worth it.
Re 'Only problem is I like walking...'
You seem like me and don't just want to sit about all day! I'm planning on getting up to Holkham nearer the summer when I FINALLY get a free weekend and will be taking some kites along to keep myself entertained as long as there's a decent breeze. If you see me, feel free to come and say hi and have a go if you want 🙂
Will do Threadbare, thanks. May take my kite too 🙂