Naturist beach? Would you?

[JustMum]

We've booked to go to the south of France (Adge) at the end of July, my hubbie says there's a naturist beach nearby and is egging me to go (perving as usual! :-)) I'm not a shy person but I'm really not sure, and there's also our daughter to think about.

Anyone taken the plunge before? I'm really undecided, I'm not sure it's for me.

I definitely wouldn't do it - but I saw a programme about one once and everyone seemed perfectly okay about it (even the saggy dangly ones!!! )

Well, if the beach is worth it and there's nobody around..nah, I don't think I would do it, feel embarrased to show myself in a swimming suit, don't think I could manage going comando.... But there's nothing bad about it, a friend told me she once went to a nudist beach using a bikini and she thought everybody was looking at her, as soon as she removed it nobody paid more attention.

How old is your DD? is she old enough to told all her friends and your co-workers that you have tried it , I don't care much (as long as they don't see me) but just saying so has scandalised many of my friends.

The very best beach in Norfolk is a naturist beach, as are some on the French Atlantic coast. I would hate the 'making an issue of it' nature of a 'naturis club' or 'nudist beach', but can't for the life of me think what is wrong - or pervy - about just wanting to take your clothes off on a hot beach and sunbathe. these beaches are usually big, and people are quite well spaced out, also generally feature whole families, so no 'meat rack' atmosphere. And even as a fit slim non-childbearing teenager, i thought everyone from 'talent' to grandads to pregnant women looked better with nothing on at all than squeezed into swimwear that just accentuated the 'almost nakedness' of beaches. Skimpy bikinis are deisgned to titillate, look sexy and generally set up a 'sexy' look - which is why I dread putting one on these days. Ordinary people who happen to have no clothes on look like ordinary people enjoying the sunshine and sea!

My dd was 10 in February, I'm not sure how she'd react but she's a real free spirit (not to mention a daddies girl).

At least my stretchmarks have gone long ago

Oh the stretch marks!!! I only got a single one from pregnancy: 30 cm wide and 10 cm high, definitively, it's here to stay , guess I need to try some other alternative ideas like bathing at midnight when nobody could se me

Best day out ever, a nudist beach near me!!! They are in the sand dunes and I often go their fishing (honestly), but I would not give up the chance of a giggle at the wrinklies showing their dangly bits.
Seriously I would not worry about children, most beaches do have a 'family area' and they are a bit more reserved. After all do they see you in the bath? And you do not have to partake. I would say it is 50/50.
Have a nice holiday and don't worry about it.
But remember to post the good bits on mumsnet when you get back

But I'll need a gallon of suncream to cover my 'adequate' posterior

My DH used to go on about this and we went to a pretty much deserted beach in Greece last year where it seemed the most natural thing in the world to undress. Me, DD and DS (then 10) disrobed and swam in the cool water - lovely. Guess who was the only one with a hangup about it? You guest it!

Ghengis, I'm amazed that your DS wasn't too shy at that age! How old was your DD? Did they know in advance that you were taking them there?

I guess I'm apprehensive about these places being a hang-out for gay cruising or worse, but that's probably just my ignornace showing.

Will if it is (a gay cruising ground) JustMum, they won't be stopping to ogle at you putting suncream on your posterior

There is a bit of gay cruising on one of the Norfolk beaches - but that's because of the ducnes, not the fact that people don't bother with clothes. And not more than in our local park, either! .

We nearly went to one this holiday just gone, but ended up not as we wanted to be nearer the shops!! How sad.

I would seriously consider it as I think it is a great way to get rid of hang ups and not have to worry.

And No Strap Marks is BRILLIANT! (you look much nicer with an all over tan when getting out of the bath back home: v flattering!)

I think I'll go along on the day and decide when I get there. I'm not sure that I'll say to DD though! If it was just me and DH I might not be so worried.

Beetroot, how did you get started? Did you decide to try it, or just happen on a beach? What did your kids think?

Beety: I spotted the one in Naxos - but I have usually found that on any beach you actually have to walk to in Greece, there is usually a relaxed 'strip off if you like' protocol. espewcially if there are german people there!

Blu, I'll ask you the same questions below. I'm curious as to how people normally 'get started', and how they introduce the topic to their kids. I can't imagine easily working this one into a conversation with my DD

WE used to go in Norfolk when I was a kid cos it was the best beach. Everyone just stripped off without much comment. You don't have to go parading around if you don't fancy it. Lie on towel in bikini, then bit by bit remove top and bottoms, in 2 stages as you feel comfy. You can also walk down to sea in a sarong if you feel more comfortable, then put it on sand before going in. The whole oiunt is to feel comfortable, not embarrassed, so if it doesn't feel right, don't do it!

we weren't bothered as kids. maybe put togs on as we went through a young teenage patch, but where never embarrassed about M&D. Parents are intrinsically embarrassing creatures, anyway, clothed or not

Thanks Beetroot. And ideas on how I mention I 'break the news' to my DD? Hope she won't say anything to her friends at school!

I'd just make no big deal about it!

But make sure she hasn't got a mobile that sends pics with her!!!