This post was last Updated on December 15, 2019

One of the main reasons why we started this project is to show the world that naturists are not some strange dark commune but that actually everyone could be one… Or could enjoy being one if they took the first step.

Our main example of “everyone” is of course ourselves, we write posts about naturism in general but also about our own experiences. But some of you might be thinking “Yes sure, those two are probably just the strange kids in the block…” (nah, we know you’re not thinking that about us, but we’re trying to write an introduction here). So we decided to let other naturists have a word as well.

So please sit back and get inspired!

Meanwhile we already published interviews with people from all over the world. You can find them in the The Naturist Talks section.

Our guest for today is a lifelong naturist and photography enthusiast from the UK.

Hello Howard, tell us something about yourself

I will be 69 years old this year, 2018, I am now retired apart from my photography which I can do when and where I want. I had quite an alliterative career, being a photographer, postman and publican. Upon retirement I took and passed a course on massage so I am now a qualified masseur which I do on the odd occasion as the take up for it is a lot less than I imagined it would be.

I live in Wensleydale, which is a beautiful part of England, with my wife and our children are all grown up and doing their own thing. We used to go to swims and saunas and naturist holidays but now my wife has retired from naturism so I am a single man in the naturist world.

How and at what age did you become a naturist?

I became interested in naturism in my early 20s but circumstances meant that I could not follow up this interest. Nude beaches were unknown generally and the odd one that was whispered about was usually very remote and as I didn’t drive then I was at a big disadvantage. Later, in my 30s, my wife and I went to our first event which was an organized evening at a leisure centre. When we got there I wasn’t sure of the reaction we would receive as newbies but all was OK, nobody stared at us or seemed to notice us but it was a bif venue and there were 300/400 people there. I was lucky enough to win a holiday to Vritomartis in Crete, a naturist hotel. A lot fewer people there but even better I thought as we mixed with the other guests on a daily basis. I realized here that after a while the fact that everyone was naked was forgotten.

Is naturism allowed in your country and what’s the public opinion?

Naturism is legal here in the UK. There is a common misconception that it is illegal to be nude in public which it is not per se but an individual can be arrested for other offences so it is not advisable to walk around nude. There are now public beaches which are designated as clothes free and various events around the country where you can swim/sauna/Turkish bath yourself and now some yoga sessions too, nude of course. I think that most people look upon naturism as quirky at best and some go down the unhygienic route and many in my opinion are too scared of their own bodies to give it a try.

What do you think is the best and worst thing about naturism?

The best thing about naturism for me is to be able to take my clothes off, enjoy the freedom that that brings and do this with like minded people.

The worst thing is having to get dressed again.

Do you find it easy to make naturist friends?

When we went as a couple, myself and my wife, we made friends easily and would meet up others at the swim or sauna etc that we were at. Now as a single man I feel uncomfortable on my own. I put this down to me as there are always single men at naturist events. There have been a few times when I have gone to a swim with a female friend and it is so much better.

I have looked at naturist type friendship sites but don’t feel confident to contact anyone for a few reasons.

So I know many people but not as friends is the way to describe it.

What’s the best tip you have for beginning naturists?

Just go ahead and enjoy it, it will surprise you how good it is.

The first time can be a bit nervous but you will not be stared at, everyone looks at everyone else just like in a clothed pool/sauna/beach.

Anything else you’d like to share with our audience?

I have introduced a few people to naturism and many more have been interested but can’t/won’t make the step to nudity. One male friend of mine wanted to give it a try so I persuaded him to come along to the next swim. It was at a leisure center with wave machines, slides, sauna etc. We got there and I got my kit off and went to the pool, my friend appeared with his swimming shorts on explaining that he didn’t feel that he could go the whole way. This was not frowned on as newbies often did this and would only become a problem if an individual always refused to strip off.

So we did the pool and slides and my friend disappeared, I wasn’t sure what had happened as he didn’t say anything but then he reappeared and now nude. I asked him why the change of mind. He said that he felt the odd one out.

He left the area soon after so I don’t know if he is still a skinny dipper.

Thank you so much for your participation Howard!

Until Now which is available Side Note: Howard published the bookwhich is available here

Do you also want to tell your story and experiences in naturism? Please get in touch via the CONTACT page! As long as we have people who like to contribute, we can keep The Naturist Talks running!