When I first learned that Mike was a naturist, I didn't know what to think. I was totally at a loss. I just did not know what to think about being naked outside. After all, all kids are told to keep dressed as they grow up (or so I thought at the time). I started reading up on naturism as the winter months passed and my interest grew.

By the time late spring/early summer came, I was ready to give naturism a try. We had plans to spend the weekend in New Jersey and it turned out that Gunnison Beach (a widely known nude beach) was nearby. We decided to spend Sunday at the nude beach.

Before we went, Mike and I spent a lot of time talking about how comfortable or uncomfortable I might be at a nude beach. I have never had a wonderful body image (I think my breasts are too small, my hips are too wide, etc.), and I was unsure how it would feel to show my imperfections to a bunch of strangers. I went with the consolation that everyone new to nude beaches has - if you don't want to get naked, you don't have to.

When Mike and I arrived at Gunnison, the parking lot was nearly full, and it was only 9:00. Wow! We gathered our belongings and made our way to the beach. Signs declaring "You may encounter nudity beyond this point" welcomed us to the beach ahead. We found a spot in the sand and spread our towels out. I must say, I have never seen so many naked people before! Being nude in the sun is the most relaxing thing I have ever done. It beats reading a good book and working out, probably because you can read and work out (most nude areas seem to be a bit of a hike to get to and walking through sand is more work than you might imagine) while you are outside and naked!

Mike's First Naturist Experience with Tracy

After Tracy and I met, we started a long-distance relationship. Our love for each other sprouted and grew quickly. Over the phone, through e-mails, and on weekend visits we learned a lot from each other. However, I worried about what Tracy would think when she found out that I was a naturist.

One day we were having lunch and she asked why I didn't have any tan lines. I hesitated for a minute, then told her that I go to nude beaches. She sort of looked at me for a quick moment, then started asking me questions. We both love and care for each other very much, so I didn't want to keep anything from Tracy.

Over the next several months we occasionally talked about going to a nude beach. Once the summer arrived we made plans to go to Sandy Hook, a nude beach in New Jersey. We went with the understanding that the beach was clothing optional. We approached the end of the boardwalk I wondered what Tracy's thoughts were seeing 2,000 naked people relaxing on the beach.

I thought she would be too uncomfortable to sit on the beach wearing her bathing suit. As we walked onto the beach Tracy surprised me by getting naked before we could put our towels and beach bags down.

The naturist experience has helped Tracy and I become comfortable with our own bodies and with each other. It has been an experience that we both enjoy and can share with each other. Naturism is a wonderful opportunity for couples to experience travelling to fun new places in the company of friendly non-judgmental people.