In the more remote regions of the European Alps, naked hiking, running, cycling and riding are just a few of the activities that traditional nudists enjoy in groups. This group of people believe that naked activities are harmless, healthy and fun and the more people that realize this the healthier, in both body and mind, the people of the world will be. Some may have a difficult time embracing this type of “freedom”, but on the European-style beach of Crystal Cresent Beach, an established beach east of Halifax in Nova Scotia, Canada, people have no problem stripping down to their birthday suits to swim or sunbathe. The idea is not just to lie about roasting in the sun like a lizard, but to be active at the same time. Naktiv people, who have adopted this way of thinking, embody those who do not wish to be penned in by the metaphorical bars of traditional nudist camps and clubs. Beach etiquette then, is important to those who do and do not partake in this type of activity. First and foremost in the long list of proper beach etiquette is that gawking is impolite. If you want to go to the nudist beach for a thrill, do everyone a favor and buy a movie instead. Speaking of movies, the second rule of beach etiquette at a nude beach is to ask permission before taking someone’s photograph nude. This is for obvious reasons….anymore a law suit can cost a person their entire lives! Next, if you choose to sunbathe nude in a secluded area, leave a bathing suit on a rock to let others know they are approaching an unclothed person. If you’re uncomfortable with having your bathing suit so far away, bring an extra one. Also, beach etiquette requires that you leave the nudist behaviors on the beach! Get dressed before you leave the beach. Be friendly, but respect each other’s rights to privacy. As if some people don’t have enough problem with this type of activity, the engagement of sexual activity is not only illegal, but offensive. Therefore, advances of an unwelcome or unwanted nature are not acceptable anywhere, and especially not at a nudist beach. Most important of all, KNOW WHAT THE LAW IS. Most resorts that offer this type of beach have Nudity Laws and they are posted in conspicuous places. There are also maps and guides of the larger beaches so that nudist activities don’t cause others to avoid the beach all together.

One might ask WHY this type of activity is engaging. Many have said that there is a sense of freedom, a feeling of coming closer to nature, facing personal challenges, challenging the commonly accepted societal norms and of course, simply to have fun! For example, many women complain that their husbands or partners are not in touch with their feelings and that they need to be more sensitive. Nudity offers those who wish to get in touch with their natural side, get closer to nature, experience life at a positively tactile level. The reasons for wanting to be a nudist, whether public or private, open or secret are many and varied and will vary with each and every person at any age. This is a very loose community of individuals and maybe, just maybe that’s the attraction.