Some Poles complain about seeing nude German naturists at the traditionally naturist Usedom Beach on the Baltic at the German-Polish border, while German naturists accuse the offended Poles of deliberate voyeurism.  The comments from both sides delineate an interesting culture clash.

 

Naturism thrived in the former Communist East Germany, one of the few freedoms permitted under that totalitarian regime.  And while naturist beaches are common in many European countries - tiny Holland has 160 designated clothing-optional beaches! - Poland has no tradition of nude swimming and sunbathing, and is not among the 25 European nations that have an International Naturist Federation (INF) national affiliate.

 

The trouble started after a border fence was removed in Dec. 2007, allowing German naturists and textile Poles to mingle.  There is now a plan to install signs to demark separate naturist and textiles areas.

 

The comments of objecting Poles often assume that nudity is condemned by the Catholic Church, and apparently they aren't aware of their own Karol Cardinal Woytyla's comments on nudity - see quote on sidebar at right.

 

Read article in German press  (English version)

 

 

 

Dear Fellow Naturist--

David Vela, the new SE Regional Director of the National Park Service, has responded to my letter of May 30, in which I complained about the anti-nudist actions of Canaveral National Seashore Superintendent Carol Clark and Chief Ranger Eric Lugo. 

He did not respond directly to me, however, but wrote to Sen. Bill Nelson (D-FL), who had received a copy of my letter to Vela and subsequently asked Vela for an explanation.  Sen. Nelson forwarded Vela's answer to me.  Read Vela letter to Senator Nelson. 

Please download it and read it first.  Then when your blood is boiling as much as mine, you may read my letter to Senator Nelson correcting the mis-statements in Mr. Vela's letter.

Anyone who would like to relate personal experiences to Sen. Nelson is invited to write to him, and if you live in the district of any of the House members I copied, copy them with your letter.  Please copy me as well.  (House members districts and addresses are contained in my letter.  Richard Mason of SFFB at Haulover Beach has identified them as Congress members who have given support to naturists in South Florida.) 

Address your mail to Senator Nelson at: 

The Honorable Bill Nelson
Landmark Two
225 East Robinson Street, Suite 410
Orlando, FL 32801

 

Letters from Playalinda users would be most helpful, but letters from Haulover users are also of value.

 

"A group of nudists that want to keep San Onofre's Trail 6 a clothing-optional beach won in court Wednesday after a judge tentatively ruled that state officials must hold a public hearing before imposing a nudity ban..." ...full story in Orange County Register 

 

 

Further video at www.sanonofree.org/

View NAC Alert information. 

 

 

 

The Naturist Society and Lake Como Family Nudist Resort welcome all naturists to the 2008 Southern Naturist Gathering, October 16 thru 19, in Lutz, FL, just north of Tampa.

 

Meet naturists from across the USA; share your thoughts at workshops & discussion groups on various topics; live concerts featuring Angelina & Armand and Fairie Elaine; sailing lessons on 35-acre Big Moss Lake.  Bring your drums and rattles for the fire drum circles each night!

 

One of Florida's eco-friendly resorts, Como includes 60 acres of wetlands and 51 acres of cypress & pine woodlands with nature trails.  Wake to the sound of birdsong and the squaking of Como's resident sandhill cranes.  Five lakes are contained within or border the property, with kayaks, canoes and paddleboats available free on Big Moss Lake. 

 

Creature-comfort amenities include the "no-tears" saline pool (with hydraulic chair lift for those physically challenged), large screened hot tub, sauna, 5 professional clay surface tennis courts, courts for volleyball, basketball, petanque and horseshoes, golf driving range, the lakeside Butt Hutt bar and Bare Buns restaurant.  Bring your rackets, bring your clubs...but don't bother to pack a swimsuit!

 

The restaurant will serve buffet-style meals during the event, including vegetarian selections, though visitors are welcome to bring in their own food and to use the charcoal grills adjacent to the sandy beach and the motel areas.  You may bring your own food and drink to any area of the resort, except into the restaurant and bar.  (Please don't bring glass into the pool and spa areas!)

 

A resident-owned cooperative since 1997, Lake Como epitomizes the ideals of the International Naturist Federation in promoting "self-respect, respect for others, and for the environment".

Tent space is virtually unlimited, but it's recommended you book in advance to secure on-site motel rooms (there are 20) or RV hookups.