actnc

Many years ago Lisa and I were 'house nudists', never quite game enough to go out and find a beach with other people. When we had our kids (two boys) we had the discussion as to "how old do they have to be before it's inappropriate that they see their mother nude?". We then thought "Why should it be ever inappropriate???" and did not worry about it. It was then we decided to take the next step.

A work colleague had told me of Maslins beach and we started to dare each other to take our respective wife/girlfriend and go. One Monday he came in and said "Your turn!, it was great!" Well, how could we back down?

Not knowing what to expect, we left the boys with friends and ventured nervously past the sign on Maslins beach, trying hard not to gawk at the many MANY nude people there. Finding our own spot we quickly dropped the togs and bolted for the water to hide and get over our nervousness. Only no-one took any notice......we relaxed, eventually got out of the water and went for a walk along the beach. This was bliss!

Back to work on Monday, HA! Did it!! One to us! We went many times as a family, now taking the boys (quite young), as there were many children of all ages on the beach, so why miss out?

Many discussions were had over when we could meet down the beach as two couples. At this point the ladies baulked. It was OK to be nude in front of strangers, but someone you knew??? Hmmm...

We never planned to go down the beach together, but eventually Lisa and I were walking along the beach and lo! there they were! Hello! Now we're here, may we join you? After that all was good, and we spent many great relaxed afternoons chatting, swimming and generally having a great nude time on the beach.

All good things change and we moved to Canberra, where there is a shortage of nude ocean beaches. After stepping over brown snakes at Kambah pool we found Armonds beach at Bermagui, and Moon Bay at Tathra, but what a drive! Hang on, their must be a better way....

Let your fingers do the walking....'clubs'....'nudist'...what ho! But by this time it was our first Canberra winter and our thoughts were on putting on as many clothes as possible and nudity was not high on our list!

The following summer we heard on the radio that the ACT Nudist club was having an open day. Quick phone call, chat and directions and we found ourselves at the ACTNC. It seemed to be full of nice people, many now friends, and a shortage of weirdos, so we decided to join. That was '99, I'm now president and isn't it funny how things turn out? We have seen many changes and have seen the club grow. We still love the beach, skinny dipping in friends pools is great, but we've met some lovely people we now count as our closest friends at the club. The club has meant we can meet many people with a common interest in a non threatening environment, something often not possible on a beach or resort.

Thru all of this Lisa has been a most willing participant. Often I came home on a hot afternoon, and Lisa would have the beach bag packed, kids in car and wearing naught but a sarong. The message was clear: Can we go and nude up now???? I do thank my fortunes that Lisa is so keen, as it has made it so much easier to participate as a couple.

Our kids have now, regrettably, decided nudism is not for them, but they do come out to the club occasionally, so we're hoping they won't go too far from this delightful lifestyle and will eventually come back.

Our families all know of our lifestyle, all supporting and some participating. My work colleagues know, with much hilarity ensuing and I'm waiting on a negative reaction, as we've not had one. All in all we love the nudist way and will not give it up. Our future plans are to try and establish some sort of 'nudist homestay' venue catering for families who perhaps can't afford the rates at some of the major nudist resorts about the country.

To anyone wanting to try it out, we can't recommend it highly enough. Give it a shot on a beach, but don't be put off a club either. Less strangers at a club means less nervousness when the time comes to drop the gear!