My first naturist experience outdoors was just over one week ago, in March of this year (2019).
Not the best of weather, a grey damp day, very chilly to say the least. I had wanted to try naturism for a few months and had all those (unrealistic and unreasonable) fears, and of course hoping for milder weather. February had brought us the glitch in the weather where we had beautiful warm weather for a week, then jumped back to the usual February low temperatures. March had come with low temperatures well as lots of rain and winds.
Having looked at various sites for naturists, and having seen how everyone seemed to be saying the same thing, how wonderful it felt, how free they felt, I was scared but also excited to try it.
But those fears….. what if? what if?
My first experience came about quite unplanned.
I had gone out for a walk in woodland along some trails, not a busy area, but it does get dog walkers at various times of the day, and some walkers. But due to the dreadful weather conditions the place was totally deserted, as I walked along the trails I was thinking of what it would be like to walk along here in the warmer months, would it be too busy? and I had my ‘it’s now or never’ moment. I thought if I’m ever going to do it, then why not now, this instant. Yes, it was a chilly day, (the warmer days had been nearly a month ago) but the microclimate of the woodland helped make it feel less cold, the trees broke the wind.
I looked around, concentrating on my hearing and vision, seeing if anyone was nearby. Not a soul in sight, so I removed my clothes and just stood there, listening, suddenly aware that the chilly breeze was blowing around my naked body. It felt amazing, such a sense of total freedom, everything exposed to the fresh air, bits exposed which are normally covered, or held in place.
I started to walk through the woodland, at first with a slightly quicker step than I normally use, then I started to relax more and used my normal steady pace. What surprised me was the fact that although it was a chilly day, I didn’t feel cold being naked. I felt very comfortable. I walked for a while and as I walked I found I had a strange sense of acceptance of my body, something I’ve never felt before, I felt comfortable with it, all those hang-ups just dissolved as I was walking with nature, just me and the bird song. I even felt comfortable enough to stop and place my camera on a fallen tree trunk and take a photo of myself to mark this mammoth occasion.
As my confidence started to grow, I ventured out of the woodland trails and walked along small dirt roads which were open countryside, exposed to the winds and to anyone who would be nearby.
It was incredible to feel so relaxed about ones own body, and so comfortable and relaxed at being naked outdoors.
Even as the rain started to fall it felt fantastic as it landed on my exposed body, I’ve never enjoyed rain so much.
After a very enjoyable 5 miles I was elated, I looked at my wet naked body, my body hair clinging to my wet flesh, and I felt so alive.
I have never enjoyed the outdoors so much, what an incredible experience, to feel so free, it’s exhilarating.
I was actually reluctant to put my clothes back on, and strangely enough, once I’d put my clothing back on, that’s when certain areas of my body suddenly felt cold.
All those fears I had, all those ‘what if?’ scenarios I had plagued myself with, they all seemed so trivial having experienced those amazing feelings whilst walking naked through the woodland.
Yes, I can’t wait to do it again, and I want to do it with other naked folk too, in order to enjoy the experience with others, not just be a naked man walking alone, but to be part a group of naked men/women walking and just enjoying being natural, chatting, allowing ourselves to be seen as we are.
Yes, I still have some fears, such as, how I’ll react when I come across an unexpected encounter with someone who is clothed, or how they will react, and a few others. (the one most fellas dread!!)
But when I weigh up how free and how good I felt being naked in the great outdoors, it’s a good trade off having those fears. I suppose I’ll find out ‘if’ and ‘when’, it happens.
Now when I go running or walking, I’m looking at the area wondering if it is suitable for a naturist walk or run…
I just hope the milder days arrive soon.
Thanks for writing an excellent description of your first time experience which is also very typical of how many feel on first trying naturism in the outdoors. You sound as if you are already a total convert.
It is vey common to feel warmer naked than when wearing a few clothes. Partly, I think this is because the covered areas highlight those that are more exposed, making us more aware of the cool air on those parts but also, if the cloud cover is not too thick, we can feel and appreciate the solar radiation direct on our skin, even when we cannot see the sun - and if there isn’t much wind....
Tread lightly upon the earth
Thank you Martin, yes I think I am a total convert now. After experiencing such total body freedom I certainly plan to continue doing it. Each morning I look at the weather and think ‘is this a good day to be naked outdoors ‘. It’s certainly urged me to find venues where I can either walk or run naked.
I’m realistic enough to realise that each time will have those nervous starts as I remove all clothing, but I’ll get use to that as confidence builds.
My next big hurdle is doing it with other naturists, as I’ve only done it solo. It’ll be getting use to feeling relaxed around other naked people, trying not to stare, hoping all body parts behave, try not to feel self conscious and such like until it becomes a really natural thing for me to do.
Looking forward to being around others as I can learn so much from their experiences.
There are several 'swims' and clubs in your area - just go on line or check out links here and on BN - its different to being in the true country, but still great - especially skinny dipping, and you may meet others that already have walks you can join.
Thank you for the information JMNude, I’ll look into that as I never realised there was anything in my area, which would certainly be a great bonus for me. Skinny dipping sounds wonderful, I’ve never been naked in water (bath doesn’t count) so that would certainly be great to experience.
Thanks for a great description of the joy of naturism. The good news is it is always so liberating, so I don’t really think it ever loses its wow factor (or, at least, doesn’t for me). It is invigorating, but not just because of being outside in the elements; being naked on a Spanish beach on a perfect warm day is just as pleasant.
Social nudity’ (being nude around others) is another, different kind of pleasure. Far from needing to get used to it and worrying about various things (none of which are justified), social nudity is also a liberating experience that soon begins to seem normal and natural, but is still like a breath of fresh air in a stressful world, whenever you practise it. And everything is better when done with like-minded people.
So welcome aboard!
G (a ‘born naturist’) & J (who happens to be married to a naturist, but believes ‘When in Rome...’). See profile for details!
Lovely to hear from you atourist, and great to hear it won’t lose it’s wow factor. Looking forward to milder days to get naked outdoors to experience the sun on the whole of my body.
Social nudity certainly appeals to me, as I think this will be the setting where I adjust totally to acceptance of how I look and feel about my body, and lose all those hang-ups caused by years of being covered. Plus it will also be wonderful to see other folk just so relaxed being naked and not bothered by others being naked, it’ll help change my mindset on nudity for the better.
I would have to agree, it doesnt lose the buzz, the at oneness, the something you cant put into words. And I walk naked 4 or 5 times a week, every week.
That news is great to hear from someone who is naked outdoors on a regular basis Hillwalker, and wow, that is brilliant to hear you're able to walk naked 4-5 times a week. You're certainly very fortunate to have a venue where you can do it on such a regular basis.
You're definitely a lucky naked walker
I am lucky to be 15 mins from the Sidlaws and start work at 2:30pm during the week. The alternative is to watch Jeremy Kyle so no thanks 🙂
The only problem is that a walk clothed will never be the same again.
I regularly walk the dog in the forest where I live and I am unable to keep my clothes on. I set off with no intention of stripping off but once out in the fresh air, off come the clothes and I continue my walk naked anywhere between 1 and 2 hours normally.
The weather doesn't stop me either, although I do prefer warmer weather the cold doesn't stop me stripping off.
have said it before but I think it becomes an obsession. A good one though.
Enjoy your new found freedom.
I have just returned from a trip to the Pyrenees with work. I managed to find a couple of hours to sneak off and have a sun bathe in a farmers field. After I while I became slightly more brave and had a little walk. It was lovely and I would love to do so again, and again! I totally get that it is addictive!
There are a few local organised hikes so if I can get some time off work to coincide I will do that as I still feel a bit of safety in numbers.
Andrew
Only happy when naked
What does everyone do with their clothes, do you carry a rucksack or similar?
Do you carry something in your hand in case a quick cover up is needed?
I carry a rucksack but usually only start with the bare(!) minimum, t shirt and shorts. Usually hang my shorts on the outside of the rucksack in case they are needed quickly. Given the police guidelines, shouldn't need to cover up, but I like to use a bit of discretion sometimes.
Life’s too short. Do it today!
I agree Peter.
I dont need to cover up and in the winter my sauna kilt is kept in the ruck sack. In the spring / summer, i keep it wrapped around the strap of the ruck sack. I rarely use it because a lot of people know i walk naked and would not be phased if they saw me.