WAIONGANA PARK
Home of the Taranaki Naturists Club
NATURISM
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Naturism is a way of life
Naturism is a way of life characterised by the practice of social nudity with the aim of encouraging self-respect, respect of others and of the environment.
Naturism encourages mutual respect
Naturism should not be confused with exhibitionism. It is all about the freedom to be your natural self and to be at ease and in harmony with nature and other people. It encourages self-respect, respect for others, and for the environment.
Naturism brings you closer to nature
You feel really close to nature when you discard your clothes and feel the warm sunshine, fresh air or cool water on the whole of your body. Being naked outdoors gives you a marvelous sense of freedom.
Nudity is enjoyable
Being naked in the presence of others is also a pleasurable experience, but it is pleasure in the nicest sense of the word. It is very relaxing and enjoyable. You won't find naturists nervously leering at each other - they are open and trusting, accepting each other's imperfections, and respecting each other's personalities.
Nakedness is Healthy and Natural
Clothes restrict the flow of air over the skin and prevent the evaporation of perspiration. Clothes encourage the proliferation of bacteria and microscopic fungi, especially in humid and warm conditions. They interfere with the body's natural temperature control mechanisms, making some parts hotter than others. Naked people rarely smell bad, but sweaty clothes do. Nakedness is the human animal's natural condition and contributes to physical and emotional well-being.
Educational Value
One important aspect of naturism is its educational effect on growing children. In the clothed world, where everyone goes to great lengths to hide their "private parts", children become ashamed of their own bodies and curious about the bodies of others, especially of the opposite sex. Sex becomes "forbidden fruit", and this leads to unnaturally intense curiosity and often undesirable behaviour. In the naturist setting, naked bodies are no big deal. There is no prurient curiosity; no need to be ashamed of one's own body since others are obviously developing in the same way. Adolescents can see exactly how their bodies are going to change as they grow older. It would be extremely unlikely for a person who has been raised in a naturist family to become a sexual deviant or pedophile. The practice of naturism automatically engenders a healthy attitude towards people of the opposite sex. They are seen as whole personalities, and not merely as sex-objects.
Sunlight is Beneficial (in moderation)
Man has evolved in the presence of natural sunlight, and while it cannot be denied that a surfeit of solar radiation on the skin is harmful, especially if the skin is lily-white, it is nevertheless true that a moderate amount of sunlight is beneficial and natural. It promotes good health and a sense of well-being. It also promotes the synthesis of vitamin D in the skin. The best way to take the sun is in moderate doses and with a slowly acquired all-over tan.
Because too much ultraviolet radiation can burn sensitive skin and encourage the development of skin cancer, it is important to be sensible and avoid sudden excessive exposure to the sun. People who work indoors all year and then go out into the summer sun on their annual holidays should take extra precautions by wearing a hat and using sunscreens. However, it is neither necessary nor desirable to avoid the sun altogether.
The International Naturist Family
The naturist movement is world-wide and appeals to people from all walks of life. Naturist Clubs are very popular with families because they provide a healthy and safe environment for children. Good moral conduct is always encouraged and bad conduct leads to expulsion from the naturist community.