Why is it, do you think, that some cultures have developed to be more comfortable with nudity than others? Here in Australia, younger guys and more beautiful guys are definitely on the minority end of the scale when it comes to nude beaches or social nudity. It seems to be more the domain of the older guys, less body conscious guys. I wish more guys had the confidence of the older guys here and acceptance of their own bodies.
In Europe it seems that nudity is more acceptable and the younger generations are brought up with the fantastic belief that nudity among friends, peers and even in general is healthy. I noticed a definite trend when I was in Spain several years ago, people watching as one does, that you see really hot guys and girls arrive at the nude beach and happily strip off with their mates. Here you’ll see groups of friends arrive and all leave their swimming costume on.
Hey man
I’m an avid nudist, and, like you, I definitely feel in the minority when going to a nude beach or nude resort. It seems to be with both males & females.
I’ve been to Europe and was totally amazed just how natural it is there, I certainly made the most of my time!
I personally believe that the difference is the way we are brought up, like being nude in public is a sin here or something. Europeans in general are less body conscious than Aussies anyway.
the pressure to look a certai way affects a smaller percentage of the population in europe andthe uk. generally they are not victims like we are here and in the states. the definitition of beauty here is such a small window, that i think the majority of people feel inadequate. the gay community are victimised in the same way as women are in general. you are a victim, i am, looking at your blog doesnt make me feel like taking my lothes off.
Have you ever been to Kings Beach near Byron during the couple of days before and after Tropical Fruits (New Years)? The b/f and I have and were more than happy to take our clothes off at the usually nudist beach. Unfortunately the rest of the men there will leave their clothes on — it’s quite odd being one of the only two nudists on a packed beach!
I’m from Spain, and practise the nudism from 17 years, I like this…
In Spain it is very normal…
http://www.todos-en-pelotas.blogspot.com
Most guys around my age (25) who are into nudism seem to keep it as a kind of secret hobby. When I go for some naked time at Swanbourne Beach here in Perth, every so often there might be a another younger guy or two there, but they always seem to be alone as well.
Perhaps its more of an image consciousness thing rather than body consciousness. Most guys I know don’t seem that concerned about their bodies, but are probably worried about people thinking that their weird for wanted to get naked in public.
I’ve always been considered weird anyway, so that doesn’t faze me too much. Not having any nude friends is bit a of downer though.
When I was a kid we always swam at the YMCA naked ( that was when there was a YWCA – don’t know what the girls wore there). I went to an all boys private high school and we never wore anything in the school pool. There used to be a nude beach near my summer home in New Jersey, but all of a sudden the Fundamentalists and Feminists wanted it closed, and closed it is.One third was gay, another third was straight, and the entrance third was with bathing suits. The straight section was filled with the Coast Guard Academy guys – then all of a sudden it was incorrect to be naked. Straight or gay. Now I am too old to worry about it.
I came to live in Italy as an ex Australian Irish catholic many years ago fully prepared to rebel against ROMAN catholicism …The Italians put catholicism in its place, no guilt as the Irish priests had hammerd into us hence a much healthier attitude towards sex, nudity etc.
I hope with the ever growing Italian population in Australia that the guilt guilt guilt of
showing your body finally is laid to rest.
Terry Hughes
As Crik suggested in a previous comment, I too wonder if the issue may be more of being “image conscious” rather than “body conscious”. I’m in my late 40′s now, and a “hard core” nudist, but have enjoyed being nude ever since I was a little kid. Yet at the same time, I am extremely body conscious, and that doesn’t stop me :). However for many years I wasn’t very “public” about my nudity, seeking out of the way spots where I wasn’t likely to be spotted.
Now, I’m still extremely body conscious, but don’t care so much about “image” (“I am what I am – if you don’t like it, look the other way), and more “out” with my nudity than ever before.
Does anyone know at which beach these photos were taken? In Spain?
Could the cut/uncut issue possibly have a bearing on this? In Europe where most men are uncut, everyone has similar cocks. In the U.S. and Australia where we have both kinds, those who are in the minority (or who feel that they are) may be shy about showing themselves.
I am 32 and from Belgium…lived there till i was 24 and then moved to the US where I have lived since. I read a lot who people outside of europe think europe is so liberal and that young people are so much more relaxed about nudity. While it is true that there are some large nude resorts and that in general laws are more accommodating to a naturist lifestyle, I never saw more young people at nude beaches or resorts in Europe, than I did in the US, south america or australia. It seems like it’s the same mix of crowds everywhere. The only think I can agree with is that in Europe admitting in public you like to go naked is not considered weird. But that doesn’t mean more people do it, let alone young ones.
my two cents!
I totally agree with Crik – I’m also from Perth, and when I go back to Perth I’ll try and get some naked time at Swanbourne Beach. I’ve only got one mate who I go with every now and then and i agree for some reason it is a secret hobby. would be good to have some mates relaxed enough about it to chill out at the beach together.
Hi! You’re right I guess… I live in Belgium and we all accept nudity over here! lol
I love going to the beach in the nude… we also have a big sauna culture over here… Most of my friends love going there. So we do it all together! :) So much more fun! Maybe you should move? lol
Hi I believe those beach shots are of Gunnerson Beach at Sandy Hook National Sea Shore in Northen NJ. That is Manhattan in the distance. If your ever in NY?NJ in the summer, its a great nude beach with both straights and gays. Lots of eye candy for everyone. I find that there are plenty of older guys and guys with less than pefect bodies, but also a lot of younger guys with hard bodies…over all it makes for a nice mix. There is a Ferry from Manhattan that will take you there.
Thanks, reacenyc.
Guys,
those pictures clearly show the skyscrapers of New York City, USA in the background. The beach is part of our national park system and is called Sandy Hook beach in New Jersey. Gunnison Beach is the part that is legally nude.
So much for American prudishness!
i was going to point out those pictures can’t be from europe cos those guys have non-intact(aka cut) penises and that is not seen much in europe which is yet another way that country is brill with its attitude toward sexuality.
“Older guys”?? They are hardly pensioners! LOL.
Here in the UK, when it is warm enough, as it is now, there are a handful of beaches where nudity is allowed that will probably be quite busy. But the emphasis for gay/bisexual men is on having sex in the dunes. Not compulsory, of course, but it is the main occupation.
The rest of Europe is much more relaxed about nudity than we are, generally.
Well Paradise is not that paradise depicted by many. Take only the Maditerranean area: Spain is very liberal, while Italy is very prudish and religiose…