Q: So nudists and swingers aren't the same thing?
A: While it is true that some swingers are nudists, and some nudists are swingers, there are huge philosophical differences between the groups. Nudist groups try very hard (and rightfully so) to separate family nude recreation from any sort of sexual activity.

Q: So you are saying that swing couples should avoid "nudist" venues, like AANR affiliates?
A: Not at all. We are saying don't go on vacation to Silver Valley Sun Club and behave like you are at Hedonism II. If you enjoy clothing optional recreation, go and have a great time....and you never know, you might meet other couples there who enjoy the same swinging activities as you do. Just don't do it on the grounds of Silver Valley Sun Club.

Q: Swimming in the nude - doesn't it feel odd ?
A: On the contrary - it feels great. There is no costume to (possibly) chafe, your whole body slips through the water, without any encumbrances other than those nature gave you when you were born. And, as an added bonus, when you get out, there's no wet/clammy costume to wander around/sit in - your skin dries much quicker than any swimming costume, and is more comfy.

Q: Naturism - isn't it all about SEX ?
A: NO, not even.

Q: So why else do you take off all your clothes in the presence of others ?
A: Firstly, the presence of others has nothing to do with feeling comfortable without any clothing, and probably for the first few times it may only inhibit the enjoyment! Once you feel comfortable in the nude, then you will probably try to increase the number of times you can relax 'au natural', and as we tend to like socializing it is only natural that we then look to mixing with others. That this can happen nude or otherwise is an added bonus.

Q: Ah, so you do want to be nude with others!
A: Sure - just as we like to be with others clothed.

Q: Um.... well isn't it a bit embarrassing for men.. how do they avoid becoming aroused/getting an erection with nude women around ?

It's non-sexual nudity remember? Nude does not automatically mean sex, that's a myth; it's unfortunate that many in society were actually brought up to believe that.

We would submit that at today's pools and beaches that women are running around today in the skimpiest of Bikinis (designed specifically to be sexually attractive) yet you don't see men visibly aroused. Why? Because your mindset isn't there for that, you're there to swim, water-ski, surf, suntan or whatnot; you're not in a bedroom! Same is true here but now, when both sexes loose the costumes you're now on the same plane, just as if you were both fully clothed, get it?

Common sense and respect for others prevails here.

For more  information and thoughts on this admittedly controversial subject go here.

Q: I keep reading all these terms: CO//textile/nudist/naturist/etc. - what do they all mean ?
A: A brief, but non-exhaustive list of terms:

CO: Clothing Optional
Nudist: One who likes to relax without clothing.
Naturist: See 'nudist'. Often extended to include more 'eco-conscious' items.
Textile: non-nudist person who e.g. on a beach prefers to wear bathing costumes. Also used to refer to areas of beaches which are non-nudist ????

Q: Isn't it irresponsible to be sunning nude ? Cancer/sunburn etc ?
A: The area of skin covered by a bathing costume doesn't really make much difference to the above problems - the same precautions have to be taken nude or in a costume. That said, high sun-protections is ALWAYS advisable when exposing parts of your body which do not usually 'see the sun' for the first few times - just as you should anyway.

Q: I'm not a perfect '10' figure (male/female) - don't you have to have a perfect body to go stripping off before others ?
A: No. The same reasoning doesn't seem to apply on 'textile' beaches - what difference does nudity make here ?