Here I am just over a week after my first naturist experience, and looking forward to the next...!
I've been a home naturist for a number of years, but was always clothed when my ex-wife was around as she didn't approve. Many times, when holidaying abroad, I'd suggest going to the clothes optional area of the beach, but always got a very stern 'No!', so never progressed it. Following my divorce, I spent almost all my time in the home naked, and felt a lot more relaxed and comfortable in my own skin, albeit carrying a few extra pounds...!
I started looking at local naturist groups and swims earlier this year, and finally plucked up the courage to call a local landed club. I had a good chat on the phone and agreed to visit the following weekend. When I arrived, I was met by the member secretary and walked, clothed, to the clubhouse and pool area and was shown around. Once the necessary formalities were out of the way, I took a deep breath and undressed in the visitors changing area, grabbed my towel and sunglasses and headed outside to sit in the sun. What a liberating feeling...!! People were happy to chat, and commented how relaxed I seemed for my first time - I'd read a lot of forums and done my research before taking the plunge, but even I was surprised how relaxing and envigorating it was feeling the sun and a slight breeze on my body.
My big concern had always been that I may have had an 'involuntary reaction' when with others, but there was nothing to worry about. Everyone was friendly, chatty, and happy to share their experiences, and they happily accepted me as a single male - another thing that I thought may have been an issue. I had intended to stop for 2-3hrs, but actually stayed for 7-8hrs and was joining in with pool games, mini-ten, chatting, and walking around the site. The only downside to the day was that I lost track of the time and spent too long in the sun - plenty of after sun needed..!!
All I can say to those that are thinking about this is take the plunge and do it..! It's a wonderful experience, and a great leveller - no clothing means no assumptions on what you do for a living, financial status, or trying to impress people, and the other being that no one will judge your body - something I was pleased about given the extra weight...!!
All in all a very liberating experience that I WILL be repeating, along with joining the club...
Refreshing to hear about a landed club accepting a single male. Every single male is a prospective couple or family. It is possible to get a good balance - I heard recently of a club brimming with both genders and children
Davie 8)
Very good to have such a report from a single person who made the approach and was welcome to visit his local club, and a factual account of the welcome that you are likely to experience, especially at the smaller clubs.
Not all landed clubs have the perceived total ban on single people, male or female.
We have several visits from singles and a few single members. Some clubs do however try to keep a reasonable balance but there is not a total ban.
www.wrekinview.org.uk
Really nice story, Dispatcher.
I think this must be a north/south divide on clubs then, because both in my local area seem adamant that single males should be excluded.
Nevertheless, I do not let this put me off and now have a successful (ish) naked hike group 😀
Great news Despatcher that you have had such a positive experience in visiting your club as a single man ,nudist clubs take note!Hope you have a happy club life. 🙂
MJ Tacey
I really enjoyed reading your report Despatcher, so nice and positive 🙂 I'm glad it all went so well for you and that you're keen to go again.
S x Live, Laugh, Love. Want to chat? Why not try Naturist Chat with Peter and Shiraz here
I was very interested to read about your experience as a divorced single male I had perceived the land clubs to be safe family-friendly environments unlikely to welcome single men you have opened my eyes to the possibility of something new to look into. Thanks and all the best to you Robert
I'm pretty sure I know this club and if it's the one I think it is, they are a friendly crowd.
The good thing is that you've given it a try.
All I can say to those that are thinking about this is take the plunge and do it..!
It may sound defeatist, but if you don't ask, you'll never be refused.Ask, and it can be an open door to you.
Yorkshire and East Midlands Region of British Naturism"THE LODGER" now published on Kindle - another story from Knightsthorpe
if it inspires one person to visit a club, then it's been a successful post - thanks guys...
A very interesting read! I have yet to visit a club myself, and if I do muster the courage to visit one, I really hope it can go as well as this!