WHY NUDISM

 The benefits of nude recreation are based on acceptance of self and respecting the individuality and freedom of others. Experience life clothes free and you liberate your mind and body. You rediscover the joy you knew as a child… the spirit deep inside you.   As a first timer, please make this important observation, even though you might anticipate it, a nude environment does not have any special sexual connotation.  

German immigrant Kurt Barthel, the founder of American nudism, is responsible for establishing the first organized nudist club, called the American League for Physical Culture (ALPC). Early nudists believed in the health benefits of taking in vitamins from the sun with their whole body supporting better sleep, clearer skin, weight loss and a more positive mood.   Also exercising in the nude, allowing their bodies to sweat out toxins and move freely, without the restricting barrier of clothing (Hoffman 2015; Weinberg 1967). The ALPC was renamed the American Association for Nude Recreation ( AANR.) which now supports the rights of 180 retreats and resorts internationally with seven regions across North America.   

One of the many benefits of the nudist lifestyle is the feeling that everyone is equal.  By not wearing clothes, one is only held to the highest and best standard of kindness and self awareness.  Without the veil of clothing, your profession, style, net worth and many other superficial idealisms of success are diminished.  It's a refreshing feeling to only be "judged" for how you commune with the natural world and other humans.  

Try it, you'll like it is the first step to lifelong friendships.  The fun times we spend together are the seeds to growing lifelong friendships.  Whether at a retreat on the sundeck or a friend's house for a holiday party, the respect and love for each person is evident.   

Many nudist retreats are developed in relationship with the natural world around them.  At any point, you may find a deer wandering across the land or a flock swimming in the lake.  The flora and fauna are always a delight to experience.  

Overall, it just feels good to be yourself surrounded by people who are doing the same thing.  With the overall health benefits, the natural surroundings and the developing friendships, one's overall spiritual connection to their core is life changing.  

 I am very honored to be sharing my feelings about Ellyn, her family and Drakes Ridge.  I discovered this club was hilariously only a few miles from my grandfather's home.   This roused a little concern in my knowing mother  (knowing me AND her father may have different views on women and nude recreation).  I visited the club many (yes MANY) years ago as a single female.   At that time, the population of single women comfortable living such a lifestyle was very minimal.  When I arrived, Ellyn, Jerry and family greeted me with open arms and available hearts.  They were very excited to have another female friend who embraced this wholesome lifestyle for exactly what it is,  friends spending quality time with friends.  I fell in love with the entire family and claimed their goodness as my own gift.   I always felt (and still do) loved and accepted. I admire Ellyn's gentle burning flame for what she believes in and her fierce determination to stand outside the norm, again with an open heart and open arms.  Ellyn Kern IS a "Woman OF Nude Recreation" who has manifested a safe, nurturing environment for other women (and men) to thrive within. I love, appreciate and honor Ellyn.  My heart is full!  

Margarita and her hubby first attended a nudist resort in Canada approximately 40 years ago.  Although very nervous at first, they loved nature and camping so they gave it a try to eventually join the family owned club.  

Since Margarita's husband passed a few years back, she is now experiencing the nudist lifestyle as a single female.  She says that overall she feels just fine and is comfortable however she does have a manner in which she interacts with the men at the clubs as to not "mislead" them.  Being that a majority of the guests at nudist resorts are men, many single, she feels open communication is the key to ensuring comfort and ease for everyone.  While most nudists would prefer to be in a partnership with other nudists, the "getting to know" period is a bit challenging.  She suggests the importance of speaking your truth if you are interested in another person on an intimate level.  Basically, ask and answer with kindness.  

She encourages women to step their toe into the waters of the nudist lifestyle as the friendships and connections are invaluable.  She mentioned that it may help to bring a friend along your first time so you feel supported.  Our community supports as well.  

Debbie and her hubby saw an ad in the newspaper about a club in Tennessee and it piqued their interest in nudism.  She talks of being very nervous and upon arrival saw a volleyball court full of "naked" people.  She and John pushed on to the office and was greeted with kindness and encouragement.  They walked back to the car and had a couple drinks of "liquid courage", strolled down the trail and eventually made their way to the pool where she recognized how friendly and relaxed people were.    

Now 14 years later, Debbie speaks of the beauty of equality of humans, how they are not hung up on body image and how what's "inside" is what counts.

Debbie expressed how she finds herself to be more responsive to people, more open, and a better listener hence has made many friends over the years.  She's no longer afraid to try something new and is one of our nurturing female members at Drakes Ridge.  

Her advice to other women is to know you are not alone as a single or part of a couple.  You  can reach out  to our Drakes Ridge family members (women and men) for the support you need to flourish within this family oriented nudist lifestyle.

John's first experience other than skinny dipping with friends was at a club in Tennessee with his wife in 2006.  He stated the club felt more relaxed than he thought, easy going people and felt "right up his alley".  They nestled in and became members.  

His experiences created the realization of  more important things than going places and making money.   His awareness heightened with the idea that different lifestyles "work" for people who have chosen those lifestyles.  He referenced the "hippie".  Perhaps that lifestyle doesn't work for one but it really does work well for another. 

When asked how he feels about being a male in lifestyle that is predominately men he said, "it doesn't make much difference to me.  We are all people".  He said he felt a little bad for his wife because there were so few women.  He also mentioned that most clubs, Drakes Ridge included, are family oriented so if someone is looking for an alternative swinger lifestyle, this is not your club.  He asked that men be aware that women are to respected and they are here for their own nourishment, not in service to men.   John and his wife have been Drakes Ridge members and site holders for several years.  

Brad says, "I've hated clothes since I was a kid.  Any chance I got, I would lose my clothes and when I was home alone I always had my clothes off."   Brad said it was more a comfort factor than a lifestyle choice.  When he moved to Florida he immediately found a nude beach at a national sea shore.  He would ride his motorcycle there and spend as much time as possible in the comfort of the cool breeze and sunshine.  He took his wife, Jody, for her first time of swimming without a bathing suit.  Brad says babies in wet diapers and adults in wet bathing suits are feeling the same discomfort.  He and Jody continued to find other resorts in 

Florida and Alabama and when they moved to Indiana, they joined the family at Drakes Ridge Rustic Nudist Retreat.  They have been members for nearly 20 years, card carrying for nearly 30 and Brad says he has been a nudist for 60.  They have been proud of their lifestyle and have never been secretive about it.  His recommendation to others is to come in and take your clothes off as you will be less comfortable with your clothes on.  His final words were that be nude, everyone is equal and less judgemental.