Beach or Resort? Which is better for a first time experience?
Ok, I've decided to take the plunge and give social nudism a try. I've been considering it for years, but recently have been thinking a lot more and after reading around on this site and some great encouragement from members here, it's time to plan my first go. The question is, where to go?
I live only about an hour from San Onofre beach in Southern California. I've long thought that it would be the best place to go for a first time. However, I've read recently that there have been police and/or MPs down there giving out citations and that it's not a good idea to walk around the beach nude because of this. To me, that defeats the whole point. Has anyone been there recently and can you confirm/deny the situation down there?
I can also get to Glen Eden in about an hour, but I know it's harder for solo guys to get in there. My wife may eventually join me, but probably won't go the first time. Going to a resort seems like a little more pressure given the decreased anonymity, the paperwork, the tours, etc., but I suspect that's only my impression because I haven't been before. The truth is that I'm not big on walking up to strangers and introducing myself so maybe it would help to have someone to show me around.
So, what's your take? Beach or resort?
Our experience has been resorts generally frown on married people wishing to attend without their spouses. Many times single men claim they're "checking out" the place for the little woman at home.
Glen Eden is a great place. However, without you bringing your wife, they will have an issue you visiting. What about the Southern California Naturist Assn.? A great group of people. Give them a shout. They're affiliated with AANR as well as TNS.
I went to Empire Haven for my first social nudistexperience, its a local resort here in upstate New York, I was married at the time, and just called them up and told them what the deal was... and asked if I could get a tour of their place, They were very understanding, about the situation of my wife not wanting to attend, (she never was really into the nudest lifestyle but never prevented me from enjoying it) Anyway, they gave me a tour and welcomed me back. the next weekend I got there onFridaynight, and stayed throughSundayevening... and had an awesomeexperience. My point... the resort for me was a more "controlled environment for my first time...everyonethere was a nudist, there was no worry about the police, the people were very friendly... it was just what I needed when I took the plunge... and it all started with a phone call to see what their "rules" were on married men showing up alone.
Thanks guys. I'm just going to plan for a day at the beach since that seems easier all around. Unfortunately, I can't go into pool or ocean water for another 4 weeks because of tattoo work being done. I'm excited now and wish I didn't have to wait that long! I'll just have to settle for being nude at home in the mean time!!
Resorts are nice becuase of the protected environment. No gawkers and you have to be nude in certain places. Glen Eden has no problems with singles and hosts a large singles group wihtin the club. HOWEVER, like Cheri wrote amrried males without a spouse may present a problem. They don't like the issues associated with a wife possibly getting angry over their husband socializing with naked women alone. I will say that if you can get your wife to go she will fnd a very non-threatening environment for women. We belong and my wife plans and looks forward to our camping trips there. She has stayed there alone a couple of times when I had to come back home to work. She finds it relaxing and has never had a problem with intrusive males. No one will put up with that. I think you'll find most any club is that way.
I also have trouble with cold introductions, but I try to say hello to everyone and that eases the transition. You can socialize or be as secluded as you like. Personally, I found that finally getting up the nerve to participate in water volleyball helped me get to know many of the members. Check the website for a free first visit coupon, call ahead, and take the tour. You're required to be nude for the tour on a golf cart and you get let go at the rec/pool area for the day and don't have to leave till like 10pm. We'll be back camping again in a week ourselves.
The resort experience sounds really great and I hope to have the chance to check it out. My wife is hesitant to go nude in a social setting, but she's not totally opposed. So maybe I'll start at the beach and perhaps my courage to go there will inspire my wife and we can try Glen Eden together. I can understand the resorts wanting to avoid any drama and I know I'd be more comfortable going there with my wife anyway.