Naturism and Irish beaches

Princess Consuela Bananahammock · 19-01-2007 1:27pm

Wibbs wrote:

Riiiight. That would be in your mind then. That smiley may have been more along the lines of your imaginings.

I assure you I've never been embarrassed to hold or express an opinion. If one is embarrassed to hold an opinion maybe it's time to change same.

To recap; If someone wants to go around naked I have no particular problem with it in context. I don't fall for the whole "it's natural" bit and nakedness does have more meanings than some will acknowledge. Nakedness itself has different definitions. Some tribal societies are naked to our eyes, but to themselves are not. Some women tribal types have only a thin leather belt that hides nothing yet they feel clothed. Without the aforementioned they feel "naked" with all the extra stuff that may bring. Are they uptight? Nope.

Possibly.... the yellow one is the one'd I'd have used in you situation... Anyway

Of course it's natural! When was the last tie you saw someone born with clothes on...? As regard tribal communities, points all taken, but the questions is are WE uptight? And I think the very idea that people automatically link nudity with sex says it all.

I've been on naturist beaches. Never seen anything more natual in my life. I've been to life drawing classes with nude models - no sniggereing or innuendo.
But bring up the subject with the great unwashed in a Dublin pub and out come the prudes and "uptights"'. Do the same in Berlin or Amsterdam, completely different reaction. More mature, accepting, almost as if "what's the issue here?"

Wibbs · 19-01-2007 2:21pm

Double post?

Wibbs · 19-01-2007 2:21pm

Ikky Poo2 wrote:

Of course it's natural! When was the last tie you saw someone born with clothes on...?

Not a terribly good analogy, but often trotted out in debates such as this. As I've said before many things are "natural" but are not for public consumption depending on the societies mores. Do you go to the toilet in public or have sex? Both "natural" things. Why one thing and not the other. I mean the Romans defecated in communal settings.

Hair is "natural", but to a devout Muslim or Jewish woman she would feel "naked" or unnatural to show hers in public. Do I agree with that? Not really, but it's her right to do so though as it's my right to think naturism has a slightly exhibitionist, fetishistic streak* to it.

Natural's got feck all to do with it. If you're so wedded to the pursuit of the natural, don't cut your hair, don't wear makeup, don't wash, cut your nails, brush your teeth. The list is endless. It seems what is natural to human society varies quite a bit.

As regard tribal communities, points all taken, but the questions is are WE uptight? And I think the very idea that people automatically link nudity with sex says it all.

Newsflash, nudity when it concerns sexually mature people does have a link with sex. Why do you suppose human females have permanently full breasts unlike other primates? Secondary sexual characteristic that's why. It's not the only link but it's there. To deny it is as equally daft as saying nakedness is dirty. Put it another way, if I led you through a door by your naked hand, that's fine. If I led you through a door by your naked breast(the mind boggles). Lawsuit. It might not cause much offence to some tribal women, but I'm sure it would to you. Are you the uptight one? Indeed if I led the devout Muslim woman by the hand I may be in trouble too. Different strokes.

I've been on naturist beaches. Never seen anything more natual in my life. I've been to life drawing classes with nude models - no sniggereing or innuendo.

A bit of a diff between those two examples.

But bring up the subject with the great unwashed in a Dublin pub and out come the prudes and "uptights"'.

Ahh the great unwashed(naturally unwashed I presume). Poor silly people. They're sooooo uptight and you're sooo mature and open. Do you not see how insulting that would appear to those people, just because they don't appear to have a pressing need to get their kit off?

Do the same in Berlin or Amsterdam, completely different reaction. More mature, accepting, almost as if "what's the issue here?"

So what? As I pointed out societies differ.

*No pun intended.

normar · 19-01-2007 7:17pm

Hi all,

The whole purpose of the thread was to try and convince more Irish naturists to practice the lifestyle here in Ireland when the weather is suitable. And we again would like to say to those who are thinking about trying out naturism to go ahead and give it a go. It's enjoyable and especially in the company of others.
Sure Wibbs has issues with naturism or nakedness and all, but thats fair enough he can work through them himself.
But we were hoping to generate a bit of support from individuals and couples so that maybe they might join us on our naked adventures on Irish beaches this Summer. Make new friends, experience new feelings of freedom and wellbeing, and just be yourself. That can't be so bad.
N+M

Wibbs · 19-01-2007 7:43pm

normar wrote:

The whole purpose of the thread was to try and convince more Irish naturists to practice the lifestyle here in Ireland when the weather is suitable.

So basically pimping the lifestyle rather than a debate pro or against?

And we again would like to say to those who are thinking about trying out naturism to go ahead and give it a go. It's enjoyable and especially in the company of others.

Yea we get that. Again and again. From the outside it does seem a tad obsessive.

Sure Wibbs has issues with naturism or nakedness and all, but thats fair enough he can work through them himself.

Nakedness per se I've absolutely no problem with at all, naturists and some of their reasons for same would hold some issues for me. Frankly if some beardies want to cavort naked on a particular beach, knock yourself out, but don't try to push the idea of it being entirely free from other readings or it's inherent "naturalness".

so that maybe they might join us on our naked adventures on Irish beaches this Summer.

Naked adventures? This gets better and better. Volleyball no doubt figures large. I would advise against rope or tree climbing though.

Make new friends, experience new feelings of freedom and wellbeing, and just be yourself.

Or take up tai chi or hill walking. You get to keep your kit on. More all year round fun as a consequence

That can't be so bad.
N+M

Is it a debate in humanities though? Maybe the "things to do" forum may be the place for you.

normar · 19-01-2007 9:35pm

God almighty Wibbs, lighten up there.
You're going to bust a gasket or something.

Take it easy. Were just a bunch of naturists ok? Were not out to subvert, pervert,destroy, derange, derail, murder, prostitute, ruin, raid, or rant. We just like to get our kit off sometimes.

N+M

P.S. The women in our naturist group are not "Bearded ones". Far from it indeed. So a little more respect there please if you can.

Wibbs · 20-01-2007 10:49am

There should be a tongue in cheek smiley. All I'm saying is that nakedness is rarely "just" nakedness. To deny that is in the same ballpark as the "moral" guardians claiming its always about sexuality. Luckily most people fall in the middle on this and are as equally bemused by the moral guardians as by the naturists.

JupiterKid · 08-02-2007 1:08am

Wibbs...you are just a troll on this thread, If you have nothing positive to contribute to it, why bother saying anything at all?

As this is winter, obviously sea swimming here in the nip isn't possible, but come this summer I'll be doing it as much as possible. It's a great feeling of freedom!:) We Irish need to have a much more mature and enlightened approach to nudity like our continental European cousins.

Wibbs · 08-02-2007 11:37am

JupiterKid wrote:

Wibbs...you are just a troll on this thread, If you have nothing positive to contribute to it, why bother saying anything at all?

I'm the troll? You should check your definitions. Am I pimping a lifestyle? No. I'm simply replying to the idea that nakedness is somehow more "natural". Do you expect all debate to be positive? you're kidding right? It's amazing how low post count types are jumpin' in on this thread.

Wibbs · 08-02-2007 11:39am

normar wrote:

P.S. The women in our naturist group are not "Bearded ones". Far from it indeed. So a little more respect there please if you can.

Huh?

fits · 08-02-2007 2:02pm

Jaysus Wibbs, its not such a big deal. If people want to swim in the nip why shouldnt they? You should visit a naturist beach in Europe and see for yourself if its fetishistic or exhibitionist. If you dont want to take part yourself, then dont.. No need to get so worked up about it.

Wibbs · 08-02-2007 6:15pm

fits wrote:

Jaysus Wibbs, its not such a big deal.

I agree believe it or not.

If people want to swim in the nip why shouldnt they?

You will notice I've said that....

previously on this channel wrote:

Frankly if some beardies want to cavort naked on a particular beach, knock yourself out,

To recap; If someone wants to go around naked I have no particular problem with it in context.

etc. etc. etc.

No need to get so worked up about it.

I'm actually not. Frankly the strongest emotional state I've worked up to here is bemusement.

normar · 04-03-2007 5:56pm

Wibbs wrote:

........ You should check your definitions. Am I pimping a lifestyle? .................... It's amazing how low post count types are jumpin' in on this thread.

The very fact that you choose the word "pimping" to describe our actions of discusssing and advocating the naturist lifestyle demonstrates clearly what you attituide to us and our lifestyle really is. Abusive.

definitions of a "pimp" something you accuse us of being on a number of occassions on this thread, are as follows:

pimp
–noun
1. a person, esp. a man, who solicits customers for a prostitute or a brothel, usually in return for a share of the earnings; pander; procurer.
2. a despicable person.
3. Australia and New Zealand. an informer; stool pigeon.
–verb (used without object)
4. to act as a pimp.
–verb (used with object)
5. to act as a pimp for.
6. to exploit.

We are none of these things and your careless use of offensive language like this indicates what you really think.

There are no rules on this board against advocating any lifestyle, providing of course it is not done in an offensive way.

Look at what Wibbs have also written,

" It's amazing how low post count types are jumpin' in on this thread."

We will let others judge the "fairness" of that particualr piece of Wibbian democracy.

But back to naturism and its practice on Irish Beaches. We look forward to the warmth of Summer and the pleasure of meeting old naturist friends and hopefully new ones.

M+N

Wibbs · 05-03-2007 1:07am

normar wrote:

The very fact that you choose the word "pimping" to describe our actions of discusssing and advocating the naturist lifestyle demonstrates clearly what you attituide to us and our lifestyle really is. Abusive.

Calm. Relax. Take it easy. You'll blow a gasket. Seriously it's amazing to me what you construe as offensive. It really is. I have repeatedly said that I give the small one about those who wish to cavort** about naked.

As for pimping anything; so you think the well known MTV televisual programme "Pimp my Ride" is offensive to car owners then? How old are you? Good God Sir, if you're this caught up in the weight of words that have myriad meanings, yet you immediately assume the worst, I would suggest that you should reflect on the mantra of "it's never personal". Trust me that's a biggy***. Look, if i typed "you're a big fat banana", you would go.. Huh?. Why? because it wouldn't mean anything. If you're taking insult from an unseen party who questions your way of thinking, I reckon there's more going on in your head than in mine.

So far on this thread you and others of "The lifestyle" have accused people of being close minded, ageist, porn addled, village idiot types, yet you will find the dissenters are not so rattled by such responses. It seems at least one member of the naturist brigade protests too much.

normar, the jokey term "beardy types" got you all in a tizzy. You assumed it meant a bad reflection on naturist women. What? Hello? What does that tell you? It suggests to the undecided outsider that you've got an issue about this. This does not help your cause. I'm surprised you can't see that. This level of sensitivity is on the same plane as the religious nutters who see any form of nudity as unnatural. This "natural" lark seems to be a common theme. I would suggest that the majority of people look on naturists in much the same way as they look on the repressed, clad in black moralists of all hues. Both have an agenda, that most of us regard with bemusement.

We are none of these things and your careless use of offensive language like this indicates what you really think.

Reading minds again. I suppose that comes with the drum banging, cum by ya, at one with nature lifestyle.

There are no rules on this board against advocating any lifestyle, providing of course it is not done in an offensive way.

No, but any "lifestyle" is open to debate and believe it or not critique. That would be both in the internet and the real world. What a happily sheltered life you must lead if this isn't something that you don't expect a response to.

" It's amazing how low post count types are jumpin' in on this thread."

We will let others judge the "fairness" of that particualr piece of Wibbian democracy.

Maybe it's my suspicious nature, but it does smell a tad of trollism.

But back to naturism and its practice on Irish Beaches. We look forward to the warmth of Summer and the pleasure of meeting old naturist friends and hopefully new ones.

M+N

Still pimpin', sorry pushing/advoctating the lifestyle? How many members* do you need?

*No pun intended

** Just a term. No judgement. Relax. Be at one with your nakedness in the sunshine. Chance would be a fair thing

*** No seriously. That is a biggy. Nothing is personal. It's only personal if you give it that importance. If you give it no succour, everything you think is an insult is not. Weird but strangely true

normar · 11-03-2007 2:54am

But anyway back to the real buisness of Naturism on Irish beaches.
My partner and I still enjoy naturism and we still regularly go to a number of Irish beaches which are considered naturist tolerant. This tolerant bit is important since there are still no official naturist or clothing optional beaches ( or indeed any areas for that matter) in Ireland.
This makes Ireland still the only country in Europe without a designated naturist area or beach, and we still find that pretty sad and sorry.
Why is this? Is the naked human form still considered shameful, repulsive or offensive in our country? Is it that we Irish are not happy or as comfortable with our bodies as the hundreds of thousands of people - individuals, couples and families, who enjoy naturism in the rest of Europe.
Of course we still don't believe this to be the case, but we still do sometimes wonder when we are enjoying naturism, naked with the sun and warm wind on our bodies why there are such a tiny few people who have discovered this wonderful experience.
We know for example that there are many Irish who visit and enjoy naturist beaches abroad, but for the life of us we don't know why irish people don't enjoy it at home. And just before you all start to say it's too cold here, that's not true. There are many beautiful warm sunny days in Ireland in which it's a joy to be a naturist.
So what is it about us Irish that we don't seem to enjoy naturism, something which considered so natural and normal in every other country in Europe.
It can't be that the Guards are patrolling the beaches to arrest naturists, because we have walked and swam naked on beaches here often and never had any problem. Other beach users who see us don't faint or collapse at the sight of us. They just go past, sometimes with a nod and sometimes a wave but never belegerant towards us.
So tell us what you think. Why are just a tiny tiny few Irish people practising naturists. We would still love to see more out on our beautiful beaches where there is still plenty of room for all groups of people.
And finally to those who may still been considering becoming naturists we say do it. You will enjoy it as we do. Still.

Mick and Nora

simu · 11-03-2007 2:58am

normar wrote:

So what is it about us Irish that we don't seem to enjoy naturism, something which considered so natural and normal in every other country in Europe.
It can't be that the Guards are patrolling the beaches to arrest naturists, because we have walked and swam naked on beaches here often and never had any problem. Other beach users who see us don't faint or collapse at the sight of us. They just go past, sometimes with a nod and sometimes a wave but never belegerant towards us.
So tell us what you think. Why are just a tiny tiny few Irish people practising naturists. We would still love to see more out on our beautiful beaches where there is still plenty of room for all groups of people.
And finally to those who may still been considering becoming naturists we say do it. You will enjoy it as we do. Still.

I guess they're afraid they'll bump into their ex-principal, Aul Jack from down the road or spinster aunt Nora and both parties in the nude.

looksee · 13-03-2007 10:40pm

People lie on the beach and toast themselves all over, I dont do that, even in Ireland I dont like lying in the sun and I find just lying on lumpy sand uncomfortable and pointless. Other people can happily spend all day doing just that. I prefer to walk and splash around a bit and poke around in rock pools.

The sun bathers don't get uptight because I don't want to sunbathe, I don't get edgy because theres lots of interesting things to look at in rock pools and the joggers don't want to stop and look.

If you want to swim or lie on the beach or play beach games in the nude thats fine by me, I'm not offended, and you have said yourself that most people are not offended, so why are you looking for your own private beach? Do you fancy Tramore strand? Thats going to be inconvenient for the people who use it normally - would we still be allowed to walk on it in our anoraks in the middle of winter? I'm sure if you gathered on a particular bit of a reasonable sized beach the people who didnt want to look at you would go to the other end and the people who didn't care one way or the other would just carry on as normal. Where's the problem? Why do we (non naturists) have to make lifestyle decisions to make you more confident of yours?

walshb · 13-03-2007 11:25pm

normar wrote:

My partner and I enjoy naturism and we regularly go to a number of Irish beaches which are considered naturist tolerant. This tolerant bit is important since there are no official naturist or clothing optional beaches ( or indeed any areas for that matter) in Ireland.
This makes Ireland the only country in Europe without a designated naturist area or beach, and we find that pretty sad and sorry.
Why is this? Is the naked human form still considered shameful, repulsive or offensive in our country? Is it that we Irish are not happy or as comfortable with our bodies as the hundreds of thousands of people - individuals, couples and families, who enjoy naturism in the rest of Europe.
Of course we don't believe this to be the case, but we do sometimes wonder when we are enjoying naturism, naked with the sun and warm wind on our bodies why there are such a tiny few people who have discovered this wonderful experience.
We know for example that there are many Irish who visit and enjoy naturist beaches abroad, but for the life of us we don't know why irish people don't enjoy it at home. And just before you all start to say it's too cold here, that's not true. There are many beautiful warm sunny days in Ireland in which it's a joy to be a naturist.
So what is it about us Irish that we don't seem to enjoy naturism, something which considered so natural and normal in every other country in Europe.
It can't be that the Guards are patrolling the beaches to arrest naturists, because we have walked and swam naked on beaches here often and never had any problem. Other beach users who see us don't faint or collapse at the sight of us. They just go past, sometimes with a nod and sometimes a wave but never belegerant towards us.
So tell us what you think. Why are just a tiny tiny few Irish people practising naturists. We would love to see more out on our beautiful beaches where there is plenty of room for all groups of people.
And finally to those who may have been considering becoming naturists we say do it. You will enjoy it as we do.

Mick and Nora

Depends what naked bodies you are looking at. Some most definitely are disgusting and repulsive and hence should be banned from public view

Wibbs · 14-03-2007 2:56pm

looksee wrote:

Why do we (non naturists) have to make lifestyle decisions to make you more confident of yours?

Nail on the head.

normar · 18-03-2007 5:45pm

looksee wrote:

If you want to swim or lie on the beach or play beach games in the nude thats fine by me, I'm not offended, and you have said yourself that most people are not offended, so why are you looking for your own private beach?
.......would we still be allowed to walk on it in our anoraks in the middle of winter?
...... Where's the problem? Why do we (non naturists) have to make lifestyle decisions to make you more confident of yours?

Hi looksee...

First you don't have to make any lifestyle changes, none at all. And of course you would be allowed to walk on the beach at any time in any clothes you wish. And naturists have never looked for a private beach.

The problem is that we naturists, as naturists are not allowed to do any of the things you mention. We are prevented by law, from being nude on any beach anywhere in Ireland, on pain of a criminal prosecution. We are the only country in Western Europe (maybe the whole of Europe) where naturism is a criminal offence on all beaches.

Our request is simple. The government should legislate to allow for just a couple of Clothing Optional Beaches where naturists and indeed everyone else can both sunbathe or explore the rockpools if they wish.

You Looksee can still enjoy the whole coastline any way you wish without making any changes to your lifestyle. We naturists would like to enjoy ours in a similar way but within the law and within the public clothing optional areas.

Hope this helps you see our point of view..

Mick and Nora.

simu · 19-03-2007 1:08am

normar wrote:

We are prevented by law, from being nude on any beach anywhere in Ireland, on pain of a criminal prosecution. We are the only country in Western Europe (maybe the whole of Europe) where naturism is a criminal offence on all beaches.

That is pretty crazy actually.

looksee · 19-03-2007 1:19am

OK, thats clear enough, in fact that paragraph was more informative than the whole rest of the thread. So I have no problem with any of that, but how does it help?

Do any of our legislators read Boards I wonder?

Yes, I know, Boards is a forum for discussion, but the people who are going to squawk 'immorality' are not likely to be the ones who read Boards. Doesn't it come back to the argument that you are looking for approval of your preferred lifestyle, even though the approval of Boards members will not make any difference to the likelyhood of your getting the 'clothing optional' beach you are looking for.

I suspect that no members would object to you pursuing your naturist activities on Boards though, so maybe thats a start!

simu · 19-03-2007 1:24am

Maybe they're trying to convert one person at a time but you're right - they need to lobby TDs etc to see some real change.

I don't see what's so offensive about nudity tbh. Time to do away with this sort of Victorian prudery the remnants of which haunt us to this day.

Wibbs · 19-03-2007 2:08am

simu wrote:

Maybe they're trying to convert one person at a time but you're right - they need to lobby TDs etc to see some real change.

Actually doing that might make an actual difference. If nudist, naturists want change, make the change.

I don't see what's so offensive about nudity tbh. Time to do away with this sort of Victorian prudery the remnants of which haunt us to this day.

Agreed. Nudity per se isn't really the issue. The only issue I have are some of the attitudes of interest groups attached to things like this. It all too often has the prostelysation, bordering on the religious about it. If you want to go around naked, fine. Whatever greases your wheel. It's when it drifts into "lifestyle" and all that, I'm dubious. When it appears to be an overwhelming need for others to agree and "join us". When it drifts into the realms of accusations of weirdo, pervert, idiot, porn addled fool etc(which has been touted here) if you don't embrace (insert left field lifestyle choice here), then I have the issue with the purveyors of such.

normar · 19-03-2007 1:43pm

simu wrote:

Maybe they're trying to convert one person at a time but you're right - they need to lobby TDs etc to see some real change.

I don't see what's so offensive about nudity tbh. Time to do away with this sort of Victorian prudery the remnants of which haunt us to this day.

Hi simu...

The Irish Naturist Assiciation, both as an organisation and through individual members have lobbied our TDs on this issue on many an occassion. But not one single TD was prepared to support the provision of Clothing Optional Beaches in Ireland, at least publicly anyway. Sad really. But we have tried.

The Board is one great way of raising issues for debate, naturism being just one of the many.

Its not about conversion to a lifestyle. Sorry if that is what comes across. We dont really mind if no one else wants to be naturists. for us at least its all about trying to gain a personal freedom to be naked within the law. A freedom and priviledge enjoyed by naturists of every other European country....except Ireland.

And we agree with you. There is nothing offensive about the naked human body.

Mick and Nora

WindSock · 22-03-2007 12:54am

Ahh thats nice

from my experience, Naturists seem to mostly be nice middle aged or elderly couples.

simu · 22-03-2007 2:30am

Normar, why do you think the TDs ignore you? Are they embarassed by the topic or is it that there are no votes in it? Just wondering!

Sangre · 22-03-2007 2:39am

Try the ECHR.

JupiterKid · 30-03-2007 1:07am

Actually, going to the European Court of Human Rights would be a good idea, but first you would have to get an ardent naturist campaign going by challenging the law and going through all the Irish courts first (i.e. getting arrested on a beach) and as Normar says, the Gardai are unlikely to do that in the naturist "tolerated" areas. Naturists also wouldn't want to create a confrontational mood lest it would lose them wider support.

I really like swimming nude - when I was over in Holland visiting my sister recently and with weather just like here in Ireland, there were five, yes, five indoor public swimming pools within a 20 minute train journey from her town where naturism is designated for a hour or two, once or twice a week. It's not seen as a big deal at all.

Look, Ireland is 30 or more years behind the rest of the Western world on this issue - time to change. I think that the reason not a single TD will push for this is because their fear of being ridiculed more than being denounced or losing votes. And sad to say, there would probably be very few votes to be gained by taking a pro-naturist stance.:(

Some sort of high profile media event is needed, where perhaps a celeb or two could voice their support to create a proper debate on the issue. Nothing will change otherwise. The INA needs to take more action here. Perhaps INA should not timidly ask Irish society for their wishes and rights, but demand them instead. Maybe what is needed is for some "outraged" textile person to give out about one of the naturist tolerated places and demand action by the Gardai against the naturists that use it. That might stir up the necessary debate and push for change.

normar · 20-01-2008 1:44am

WindSock wrote: »

Ahh thats nice from my experience, Naturists seem to mostly be nice middle aged or elderly couples.

Hi Windsock.

It's a short sentence. (sometimes the best type)

But...I would like to hear more about your experience. Was this in Ireland or abroad? Strange how one experience can be different from another. We would be interested to know more if possible?

Normar

FonixDude · 10-03-2008 4:51pm

Hi folks.

I have only had a chance to read as far as page two on this thread. There are two point I would like to address. They are mainly being batted between Normar and Wibbs.

1. The question whether Naturism is natural or not is somewhat irrelevant unless you are hung up about the name of the pasttime. The issue is that it should be accpetable and provided for as much as any other pasttime.

2. The idea that Naturism is sexual is agreeably questionable. The reason for this however, is because of the way our culture, in particular popular media has conditioned us. 100 years ago, to see a womans ankle would be seen as sexual or erotic, do you suggest that women should remain covered in a similar manner today. The main reasons for naturism are (i) physical comfort and liberation and (ii) psycological / spiritual liberation. It is almost certain that some naturists practice for reasons of a sexual nature to some extent, but not all naturists do. Plus, even those that do, would not disrespect the limits of naturism. Admittedly in most of the Western World, nudity = sex, but what naturists would like to show the world is that this is not necessarily the case.

3. The reason Normar are denying that there are any sexual overtones in naturism are for the sake of naturism itself, I assume. For the most part, sex is always going to be in the atmosphere in any social gathering. The fact is that it is no more prevelant in naturism than in a textile enviroment. In fact it is conciously suppressed in the case of erections, whereas in a textile enviroment it isnt. I think at some point or other naturists feel as sexual and aroused as anyone, however they deny it and suppress it so as to be accepted and so that the textile community do not deny naturist rights on sexual grounds. That is to say, naturists' official line is to deny any sexuality as textilers assume it is all about sex, which it isnt. Otherwise why would families worldwide enjoy naturism together.

Hazlittle · 23-05-2010 3:15pm

The beach in Dalkey is a good spot during the day. Get a few nudes on a daily basis. I have no problem taking my kit off and jumping in. But I think nude sunbathing in an unofficial nudist beech is a bit wierd. Especial if kids come along.

Other than that there's nude night swimming in Howth.

Fuinseog · 23-05-2010 10:41pm

Mr.Nice Guy wrote: »

Will there be boobies?

relective of the childish attitude the irish have towards the human body,a lmosa s bad as the american one. they freak out if you go naked into the sauna.

Hazlittle · 24-05-2010 12:58am

Fuinseog wrote: »

relective of the childish attitude the irish have towards the human body,a lmosa s bad as the american one. they freak out if you go naked into the sauna.

I dont think nudity should be forced on people. Either be naked or not. Its your choice. Similar people can choose not being around naked people.

Permabear · 24-05-2010 9:28am

This post has been deleted.

Hazlittle · 24-05-2010 9:48am

donegalfella wrote: »

This post has been deleted.

How about we switch things around? Everyone everywhere has to be naked and clothists need to rally for a clothes only beech.

Pace2008 · 24-05-2010 3:18pm

Hazlittle wrote: »

How about we switch things around? Everyone everywhere has to be naked and clothists need to rally for a clothes only beech.

I reckon the "clothist" movement would gain support pretty quickly when people start dying from exposure.

This is one of the greatest threads I’ve ever seen on Boards; thanks for resurrecting it. Well worth reading from the top for anyone who’s joined the party late.

Zombrex · 24-05-2010 3:55pm

Fuinseog wrote: »

they freak out if you go naked into the sauna.

We have boundary issues I think :pac:

Elle Collins · 24-05-2010 4:12pm

Not everyone is going to enjoy the sight of tits, arses, fannies and bollockes in their faces when they go to the beach, and personally I don't think anyone has a right to expose themselves in the name of 'naturism' or anything else on a non-designated beach where there will certainly be children and families. I wouldn't oppose a designated beach though, where people could spend all day buck-naked if they wanted to.

looksee · 24-05-2010 4:33pm

I genuinely doubt that children would be concerned about nakedness, they only get disturbed about things they are taught to be disturbed about. They are just as likely to shout out embarrasing observations about people whether they are clothed or not.

On the other hand many people would probably prefer to be on a beach where they will not feel embarrassed by other people's lack of clothing, so it would be better for everyone if some beaches were designated nude bathing.

Tramore for example has a very long beach that a more distant section could be marked off for nude bathing and if people don't wish to see nude bathing, they don't have to go to that end of the beach. It would give the lone lurkers in the dunes something else to look at anyway

Elle Collins · 24-05-2010 4:54pm

looksee wrote: »

I genuinely doubt that children would be concerned about nakedness, they only get disturbed about things they are taught to be disturbed about.

Well I'd be quite prepared to teach young kids to be disturbed by oul fellas exposing themselves Looksee, and I think it'd be a very irresponsible parent who wouldn't.

Stark · 24-05-2010 5:05pm

In the pool where I go swimming, plenty of parents seem to be very happy to take their (sometimes 12 year old) girls into the men's changing room to see all the men getting naked. Whether the men there like it or not. This is in spite of family changing rooms being provided.

The kids really don't seem to give a toss either. Granted, the men there were all reasonably young. Maybe it would be a different matter if there were a few over 65s there, what with elderly bodies being shameful and all that :rolleyes:

AARRRGH · 24-05-2010 8:53pm

looksee wrote: »

I genuinely doubt that children would be concerned about nakedness, they only get disturbed about things they are taught to be disturbed about.

Spot on.

Nudity is completely natural. It is our sick world which has made it seem wrong.

looksee · 24-05-2010 9:42pm

Elle Collins wrote: »

Well I'd be quite prepared to teach young kids to be disturbed by oul fellas exposing themselves Looksee, and I think it'd be a very irresponsible parent who wouldn't.

But there is a world of difference between an 'auld fella' specifically drawing attention to himself and people minding their own business wandering around on a beach. And I suspect people exposing themselves are more pathetic than dangerous. I would be more concerned about fully dressed, respectable looking people offering children sweets or rides in a car.

I have no particular interest in naturism, but I don't worry about it either.

Bottle_of_Smoke · 25-05-2010 12:51am

Elle Collins wrote: »

Well I'd be quite prepared to teach young kids to be disturbed by oul fellas exposing themselves Looksee, and I think it'd be a very irresponsible parent who wouldn't.

Go to a beach on the continent and you'll see how silly you're being. If anything a bikini/mens togs will play on a child's natural curiosity. Bet you a tenner your kids will be looking at porn on the internet earlier than nudists kids

Macha · 25-05-2010 9:45am

Bottle_of_Smoke wrote: »

Go to a beach on the continent and you'll see how silly you're being.

Indeed. Most beaches are topless for men and women on the continent anyway.

It's actually much healthier for children to see what normal bodies look like to provide a contrast to the freakishly perfect bodies they see in the media.

topper75 · 25-05-2010 10:19am

normar wrote: »

This makes Ireland the only country in Europe without a designated naturist area or beach, and we find that pretty sad and sorry.

This naturism thing is not big in my agenda. However, I am disturbed by the above fact. It reflects poorly on us. All that media nonsense over the last ten years about the new confident Ireland. Where are we really?

taconnol wrote: »

It's actually much healthier for children to see what normal bodies look like to provide a contrast to the freakishly perfect bodies they see in the media.

Good point.

Fuinseog · 25-05-2010 10:44am

Stark wrote: »

In the pool where I go swimming, plenty of parents seem to be very happy to take their (sometimes 12 year old) girls into the men's changing room to see all the men getting naked. Whether the men there like it or not. This is in spite of family changing rooms being provided.

The kids really don't seem to give a toss either. Granted, the men there were all reasonably young. Maybe it would be a different matter if there were a few over 65s there, what with elderly bodies being shameful and all that :rolleyes:

men still swim naked in palces like the forty foot.

when did the penis and breasts become objects of disgust? its something we cannot blame on our catholic upbringing as the Americans are even more paranoic about the naked body than we are. even a naked toddler is unacceptable there, while it seems to be tolerated here.

going into a sauna here is a bit of a joke. wear a swimsuit and you are not getting the full benefits, yet the naked body seems to cause offence.

I notice a lot of women here leave shortly after men entering the sauna.

Elle Collins · 25-05-2010 10:55am

Bottle_of_Smoke wrote: »

Bet you a tenner your kids will be looking at porn on the internet earlier than nudists kids

I remember you arguing for the natural and inoffensive nature of pornography not too long ago. It seems you need to decide which camp you're in on that issue.

As I've said, I wouldn't have a problem with designated beaches for nudists, live and let live and all that, but I wouldn't like it to be acceptable on beaches generally because I am one of those majority who is not going to enjoy the sight of tits, arses, fannies and bollockes in their face when they go to the beach.

I've been on plenty of beaches on the continent by the way, and seen some horrific sights while I was there. I've no apologies to make for being repulsed by big fat hairy arses, miles of cellulite, rolls of flab, and breasts six inches wide but three foot long.

Hazlittle · 25-05-2010 11:21am

taconnol wrote: »

It's actually much healthier for children to see what normal bodies look like to provide a contrast to the freakishly perfect bodies they see in the media.

Spot on. I dont know if there is a study but I would wager that kids brought up nudist friendly are less likely to have unplanned pregnancy or STDs.

Elle Collins wrote: »

As I've said, I wouldn't have a problem with designated beaches for nudists, live and let live and all that, but I wouldn't like it to be acceptable on beaches generally because I am one of those majority who is not going to enjoy the sight of tits, arses, fannies and bollockes in their face when they go to the beach.

In my view all beeches should be nude friendly and then have special beeches for the clothed.

Naturism and Irish beaches

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