Picture this: Youāve been hiking a long, arduous trail. Youāre tired, but the sun is shining and the view is gorgeous. You come across a crystal blue lake, sparkling in the summer sun. Perhaps you are with some adventure-seeking friends, and other than your companions, nobody is around. Itās the perfect opportunity, itās your moment.
Do you bare all and take the plunge?
āNot my style, Iām good thanks!ā
You admire the view, then continue on your path. The thought crosses your mind that you may have unknowingly missed out on an experience; but you are spared the risk of chaffing later down the trail.
āHeck yes!ā
You (and possibly some friends) strip off your shirt, shorts, undies, and thick hiking socks. As you hop across the rocky beach to the water, the ground tries to pierce your feet. But the water is perfection, and the experience is near-spiritual. You have become more alive on the inside from the shock to your outside. It is the perfect way to help you remember the day.
But, as you are leaving the waterā¦ you hear a man-made noise. Instant fear leeches through your body. You feel exposedā¦ you are exposed.
Was it worth it?
Probably. In all likelihood, you are able to dash for your clothes, or back into the water. The danger passes, and things come out just fine in the end. Itās a good story to shareā¦ in ten years.
Skinny Dipping: whatās the real story on the nude dip?
Swimming in the nude obviously dates back to the dawn of humanity, but it was a staple of health during the Georgian period, and continued throughout the Victorian period. Even American President Theodore Roosevelt commented in his autobiography about stripped swims with his ātennis cabinetā when he said āIf we swam the Potomac, we usually took off our clothes.ā
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Skinny dipping is well documented with Guinness World Records as well. At the time of this article, the current world record for the largest skinny dip consisted of 786 participants at South Beach in Perth, Australia in March 2015. Thatās a lot of naked bodies in water.
Is the exposure worth the risk?
Overall, current public opinion on the practice throughout the world is mixed, and statistics are limited. In one completely scientific and accurate poll, 25% of American adults said that they have gone skinny-dipping with mixed company at least once in their life. Depending on your perspective, you may find this high or low.
If you plan on taking the plunge: make sure to check local laws, and asses the risks of the situation before baring your derriĆØre. In some areas of the U.S., exposing yourself in public can land you on the sex offender list for life. Bathing nude is also not recommended in places like Egypt, and more conservative areas of the Middle East. However, in places like Spain, France, and New Zealand, you may not receive a second glance. Only you can make that decision.
Skinny Dipping Tips:
Above all, common sense and judgement is important. Skinny dipping is most appropriate at night, or in highly secluded areas. Unless youāre on a nude beach, it probably is not a good idea to bare all in heavily populated public places with possible onlookers, and especially at religious sites. Avoid skinny dipping with minors.
Whatever your personal convictions are, make sure to stick to them. If your group is partaking and you feel uncomfortable, itās perfectly acceptable to politely decline. Just make sure not to stand around awkwardly gawkingā¦
What are your thoughts on skinny dipping? Do you have any stories? Share if you Dare!
Phoebe Hodina
PhoebeĀ Hodina is a marketing consultant from Evansville, Indiana, USA and is an avid hiker, biker, swimmer, runner, yogi and snowshoe aficionado, you could say that she has a passion for outdoor activities.
In her words: āIāve been fortunate enough to travel around the world, and have biked major parts of North America. I will never say no to new adventures, and Iām happy to encourage other women to get out and try new things in the outdoorsā.
I have enjoyed skinny dipping for years, it never gets old being out in the open enjoying nature. Most people are ok with it but only a few would venture being nude with people they already know.
I have never gone skinny dipping anytime, but have always been wanting to. I do not think I have come to terms with going for it. I have accidentally gone past the nude beaches in Australia while bushwalking. But that’s how far I have gone š
Interesting topic! I donāt think Iād be comfortable doing it, but I stumbled upon a couple of nude beaches during my travels in Italy and remember thinking about the sense of freedom those people would feel. Still, I donāt think skinny dipping is for me, eheh
I’m not sure about skinny dipping. Culturally it is fine. I did a lot of skinny dipping in the rivers when I was around 4 years old and growing up in a rural part of Africa. I once accidentally strolled into a nude beach in Gran Canaria. I didn’t see the nudist only sign, it was quite an experience.
Loved the topic. Skinny dipping is yes for me. But I would like to do in a secluded place with my people. I don’t think that I will be comfortable doing it in public. Checking with the local lows is utmost important. This is a great point to consider. Instead of getting carried away, one should be conscious enough to check the ground reality. Loved reading it.
This is such an interesting post and really got me thinking! While my initial reaction to skinny dipping is no way, with further thought part of me thinks the experience would be worth it. It must be something to be able to experience nature like that and enjoy a crystal clear lake. I’m sure the thrill of doing it alone would make the experience tons of fun. It is interesting to think about people who do it around the world and how different cultures may react to it. I think its also fascinating how the human mind responds to something like this and how we become embarrassed over something so natural. Its amazing how cultural norms change our thinking. That being said, I think that skinny dipping would be worth the experience (at least once), would give you some great memories later on down and the road, and if you get seen by someone, what are the chances you will ever see that person again? I haven’t done it yet, but this is making me want to even more!
We are definitely in the āheck yesā group. I love the feeling of having the water on my skin. And not dealing with a clingy bathing suit when I get out. But I must admit the quality of the water does make a difference. If I am worried about my feet touching slimy bottoms, I am keeping my suit on! Good point about checking local regulations. And being respectful of others.
Thats sounds fun but i dont think i would be brave enough to do it in public. The only skinny dipping ive done was in private pool in my room in Bali and yeah it did felt good š love that story about it !
I went skinny dipping a few times, and it was a fantastic experience. I did it in hot springs in Oregon, then hot springs in the Nevada desert and Arizona. It was cool. It was a few other people. Everybody had a lot of fun. For me running naked into the water, it’s not a problem.
I don’t think I could ever be brave enough to skinny dip. One thing is the possibility of someone catching me. Another thing is, I would be worried I could catch some infection being exposed in the water. Not very rational I know, but this is one experience I wouldn’t mind skipping!
It’s been years since I indulged in naked swimming, but my husband does it every chance he gets. I need to be more brave, because, really – there’s nothing like it!
I have skinny dipped but it was night time so a bit safer!
Stripping down and running naked into the water is an act of elemental freedom and celebration. Growing up Australia, skinny dipping was somewhat normalized; however, this was not my experience when I first moved to America. National nude hiking day usually catches people off guard; however. I have seen many a PCT’er honor the day.
Loved this post! Haha! I went skinny dipping for the first time a couple years ago in the most gorgeous natural hot spring overlooking the stars and the sierra nevada mountains! It was amazing! But also nerve-wracking since it was open 24 hours and anybody could just pop up outta nowhere at any time.