Nude Beach Etiquette.

The do’s and don’ts at a nude beach.

Whether you’re a beginner nudist, closet nudist, seasoned nudist, veteran nudist, or just merely curious…it’s always a good idea to brush up on some nude beach etiquette whether you’re someone who is planning your first trip to a nude beach or someone who regularly visits a nude beach. This just ensures that, as a community, we are better able to support one another and those who are looking to join our growing community, movement and lifestyle.

Staying informed and educated on the matter ensures that you can continue to lead by example and share the knowledge with those who are starting out or passing by.

Getting informed also especially provides the nudies who are starting out a little more confidence, as there can be a lot of confusion about how to carry oneself, naked, in a more social setting…which is fair enough!

So, the more clarity, the less ambiguity. The less ambiguity, the less misunderstandings and mishaps. The less misunderstandings and mishaps, the happier everyone will be!

Making our beaches a safer place is a matter of education and community solidarity. So let’s get into it!

Don’t wander from designated nude areas.

…unless you’re clothed! Respecting the boundaries of the designated area shows good faith and reinforces that we respect textile areas the way we’d hope that others respect our clothing-optional areas.

Be nude not lewd.

Don’t engage in overt sexual activity (whether it be touching yourself, masturbating or engaging in sex). Nude beaches are not a beat or a place to have a perv. Nude beaches are simply a place for people to relax and enjoy the beach in the nude in a non-sexual environment. Always remember that nudity is NOT consent. It is NOT a green light for inappropriate behaviour. Nudity is NOT an invitation for unsolicited sexual advances. Respect the people that enjoy these spaces for what they are designed for…non-sexual outdoor nudity at the beach.

Stay out of the dunes.

Depending on the site, dunes can contain significant native vegetation that is fragile. Sometimes, they may also hold indigenous significance.

Respect the environment.

Don’t take from the beach…unless it’s rubbish! Always take your rubbish with you! One of the principles of being a ‘naturist’ means to ‘live in harmony with nature’…so don’t pollute and do your part to pick up rubbish if you come across it. Perhaps bring a rubbish liner with you (and gloves if that makes it easier) and leave the beach better off than when you arrived.

Don’t take unauthorised photos.

Never take photos of others, unless you have their consent. If you want to get a photo of yourself enjoying your surroundings, ensure no one is in the background and/or that you have their consent. Simple!

Respect the privacy of others.

Allow others their space and do not stare. Oftentimes we have more than enough space to leave others to their privacy, so don’t go setting up your umbrella right next to someone else if you’ve not been invited and/or if it’s avoidable.

Don’t stare at others.

Everyone has a right to feel comfortable at the beach. There is a difference between admiration/appreciation and staring. Having a look is human nature, staring is just plain creepy! And no one likes a creep!

Engage with others respectfully.

The naturist community is a friendly one, so if you meet some fellow nudies or find yourself in conversation, keep eye contact, just like you would if you were clothed. Engage with others like you would in a ‘clothed’ situation. Nothing needs to change. It’s really that simple.

Be sun smart.

Does your CO beach have natural shading? If so, is there much of it? If not, bring your own shade (tent, umbrella, cabana etc). And slip, slop, slap! And remember to bring drinking water to stay hydrated.

Speak up for community standards.

As a community, we must remember that is it up to us to enforce these principles by embodying them and sharing them with others. Lead by example and share this information.

Follow protocols you’d normally follow at a textile (clothed) beach.

Swim between the flags (if applicable - or get informed about rips and how to spot and avoid them or get out of one if you get caught in it), be sun smart, come prepared with water and shade etc.

Only visit if you have the intention to go nude.

Even if it’s partially. Yes, some beaches are ‘clothing-optional’, which is great for first-timers or partners/friends who are merely there as somebody else’s moral support. But if you are alone and have no intention to get naked, go to a textile beach; otherwise you’re just making nudists (who already have such a limited number of options and a very tiny percentage of coastline) uncomfortable. People can sense your intentions, and there is plenty of textile beach to go round if you merely want to enjoy some time, clothed, on the beach.

Advise loved ones of your whereabouts before you go.

…especially if the nude beach is more secluded and/or has little to no phone reception.

In case of emergency, dial 000.

So, hopefully this helps to clarify any confusion about what happens at a nude beach and what standards are expected to be upheld by those within our community and those visiting and/or just passing by.

We believe that having at least some of these principles stated clearly on a sign at the entrance to our nude beaches here in Australia would help to make our nude beaches a safer place for us, and for those visiting. We believe that this protocol should be the norm. Education is of utmost importance and we all know that knowledge is power. Unspoken rules create ambiguity and unrealistic expectations…so the more we can make this clear, the less confusion or potential misunderstandings there should be.

And now that you’ve got this article at your disposal should you need a little refresher, remember to also share it with anyone you know who might be new to/curious about the lifestyle and/or interested in heading to a nude beach. The more people understand these principles of nude beach etiquette, the safer our nude beaches will be.

So, what are you waiting for? Find your closest legal nude beach, get your towel and get going! And, if you’re feeling a little nervous, this is completely normal! Take a few deep breaths, relax and have fun. Remember, on the other side of limitation is liberation. You’ve got this!