NothingToDread.com

Thanks to Tom Mulhall of the Terra Cotta Inn for pointing me in the direction of an article written by Kari Cobham at Daytona Beach News-JornalOnline.com about her first time visit to Sunny Sands clothing optional "resort" in Pierson, Florida. From the tone of Tom's breakdown I expected Kari's article to detail a miserably disastrous experience, but fortunately that was mostly due to Tom's signature marketing. However, Kari's article does point out some pitfalls that await newcomers unprepared for their first visit to many clothing optional "resorts".

As Kari discovered, many clothing optional facilities treat clothing as less of an option around the pool or hot tub. There are several explanations for these rules, and I won't bother going into them except to say that some of them have to do with helping newcomers take that first step into the deep end, while others help weed out the voyeurs. I myself am not very fond of these rules. Pressure makes diamonds and when you apply pressure to some people who may be on the edge of participation, you just harden their resolve not to participate. This may also become a problem when nature makes an inconvenient appearance and a girl feels a need to conceal certain hygiene items. In the case of Sunny Sands, Kari was simply advised that she could not enter the pool. She didn't seem to mind.

While not necessarily fly by night, many nude/clothing optional "resorts" and clubs lean towards the rustic. Facilities may be limited, and unless you're visiting a professionally run operation like Terra Cotta, be prepared to bring everything that you will need on your visit. They'll probably have a place for you to sit, but don't assume they'll have much else. There should be water in the pool, but there may not be any available to drink. Many of these so called "resorts" mostly rely on member participation to keep things going. The owners have day jobs, and everybody pulls together to do the best they can. They're more of a place than a business.

As Kari discovered, not all facilities are open during the week. Even larger properties have a tendency to shut down underutilized facilities during the week. One place I like to visit closes the restaurant on Wednesday, and the spa is closed both Tuesday and Wednesday. Avoid being unprepared by calling ahead. Even "stupid" questions can save you a lot of time and trouble.

Kari was unprepared and a little nervous on her first visit, and the article seems a bit over edited. It's nice to note that Kari was impressed by the comfort level displayed by other guests, and despite her acknowledgment of several inconveniences, Kari vowed to be better prepared on her next visit. I'm not sure if I agree with Tom's assumption that she was uncomfortable because nobody spent time with her. I got the impression that the other guests gave her some space but were more than approachable if she wanted company. On my first visit to a clothing option resort, I needed some time alone to let it all soak in, my wife described a similar reaction to her first visit.

Every person has different needs. For most, I probably would recommend a place like Terra Cotta for a first, second, and even third visit, but clubs and rustic resorts have an important place in the world of social nudity. Without affordable options, most nudists would be limited to one or two opportunities or less a year. Quality resorts like Terra Cotta can't accommodate all nudists, and all nudists can't afford to limit their nude recreation to Palm Springs vacations.