Morfa Dyffryn – July 2013

Back in July, the weather forecast looked good (and having visited before), we headed across from Manchester to one of the best naturist beaches in the UK.  Barebeaches book provides the following info:

“The is Wales’ finest nude beach and one of Britain’s favourites.  With an inspiring location in the Snowdonia National Park it attracts naturists from across the country and even visitors oversees.  The golden expanse of sand shelves gently into the sea, providing perfect conditions for swimming: water quality is excellent.  The extensive dunes behind the shore form part of a national nature reserve.  Fine vistas across the bay to the Lleyn Peninsular and glimpses of distant mountain peaks inland”.

Sounds great doesn’t it? It is. Almost.

The beach is located north of Barmouth on the A496 (the coast road).  Almost exactly four miles from central Barmouth you’ll come across the village of Tal-y-bont.  Drive through Tal-y-bont and over a narrow bridge.  Shortly after this bridge you’ll come across a road down to the beach on the left-hand side (signposted ‘Traeth Beach’ and Dyffryn Seaside Estate).  Follow this road down to the first car park.  Here there is a road to the right signposted Dyffryn Seaside Estate.  Drive into the campsite and turn left at the small roundabout.  Here we paid £2 to leave the car all day.  There is a small shop where you can buy provisions.

To get to the naturist section, take the path at the top of the car park which takes you through a cut in the sand dunes.  Once you get to the beach, turn right.  It’s about a 10 minute walk to the naturist section and is marked by official notice posts (the large number of naturists will also inform you that you are there!).

Most beach-goers tend to congregate at the start of the naturist section and there was around 100 – 200 in total.  We decided to continue walking along the beach were people were more spread out. This year we were more prepared for the wind that blows across this beach so set ourselves up with windbreak and parasol.

The beach is long and wide and when the tide is out you can walk a fair distance out in the shallow water or explore the small ‘heated’ pools along the beach.  Here we sat and soaked up the sun whilst watching small hermit crabs in the shallow pools.  All in all it is a lovely beach with a pleasant atmosphere – families playing in sea, beach-goers of all ages chatting, and people flying kites.

However, as mentioned in my previous blog there is also an atmosphere of lewd sexual behaviour (particularly with men congregating in the sand dunes).  Although the day we were there, the activity actually happened on the beach.  Right next to us.

A few hours after we arrived, a middle aged couple arrived and set up to our right – our wind break meant that we could see them until we wandered down to the sea.  On coming back from a refreshing dip, I noticed that the man was quite clearly masturbating his partner whilst she say on her back.  You would think they would stop having been caught so to speak but instead nonchalantly carried on!  What is it with some people?! Can we not go to the beach and enjoy a few hours sunbathing naked without the need to witness this kind of behaviour? No wonder naturists get a bad name (and which led to the closure of Holkham Beach).

If anyone has been to Morfa before we’d love to hear from you! What was your experience?

 

 

Nakation Event – Brighton Naked Bike Ride (June 2013)

After taking part in the Manchester Naked Bike Ride last year (click here for blog article), I really wanted to take part in the big one – Brighton!

On Sunday 9th June, I joined 600 or so others and circled round the gorgeous city in a protest against oil dependency and car culture.  WNBR’s take place around the world are a celebration of the bicycle as well as the power and individuality of the human body.

During the ride and immediately post ride, I have to say the whole experience was on the whole really good.  However, upon reflection I have changed my mind about participating in further rides.

The main issue that I have is with the number of intrusive photographers that the ride attracts.

The event met at Preston Park whereby the organisers had created a tented area for participants to get changed/body-painted which offered some privacy.  In addition, stewards walked around with placards asking for photographers to get permission before taking photos.  Non-participants were told to stand around the perimeter of the participants circle.  I acknowledge that the start of the ride is in the middle of a public park so making it fully private is very difficult but getting changed in front of onlookers and photographers was a little daunting.

I am mindful of my ‘day job’ and so have made sure to wear a mask at this and previous rides.  As much as I enjoy the rides, there is the sense of fear afterwards that someone is going to recognise me!

I’m not opposed to people taking photos of the event either (capturing the moment, etc) it is the photographers who turn up with their tele-photo lenses taking close up photos of female participants.  It was very noticeable that when a female participant arrived and started to undress, the photographers started twitching.

Whilst the thrill of cycling around Brighton fully naked is exhilarating, I really wouldn’t want to be a female participant – particularly if i wanted to do it as the WNBR states – ‘As Bare As You Dare’.

I am also mindful of a blog by a fellow naturist – The Naked Imp in which the author decided against participating in the 2013 Manchester Ride due to the number of close up photos of female participants that appear on porn-related websites.  I think that this is a real shame that someone who wants to participate (either as a naturist or to support car-free cultures, or both) has decided against it due to the presence of intrusive photographers.  With this in mind, I have decided to disguise all participants in the accompanying images.

After cycling down from Preston Park, we came to the first rest spot – Hove Lawns

Before heading back into Brighton to the second stop – Old Steine

It was here, that I felt the most uncomfortable to be honest.  We were stood around for about 30 mins in amongst shoppers and photographers (see images above).  I actually put my shorts back on due to feeling exposed.  I didn’t see the need to stay at Old Seine for this length of time, especially as I was stood next to an elderly Brightonian who repeatedly asked me “if there were many ladies participating this year”.  I changed the subject to being from Manchester and was then asked whether there were any mixed-sex saunas in Manchester, and randomly, what the architecture was like! In addition, the PA was too quiet to listen to any of the speeches.

I was glad then, to leave the 2nd stop and head towards Kemp Town and the naturist beach

Finishing the ride, I spent half an hour of so drinking a few celebratory beers.  However, the breeze got up so I decided to leave.

I was also put out by again, the number of photographers who were lined up along the beach taking photos of participants.  I know that participants know what they are signing up to, and the importance that the media can play in raising awareness of the cause, however, when there is a bank of photographers stood at the beach taking close-up photos, I think things are going too far.

What did amuse me (after the initial shock) was a guy post-ride sunbathing next to me who was sporting an erection who was asked if he could have his photo taken.  The guy replied no which, given the exhibitionist nature with which he was lying, I thought was a bit bizarre!

On the whole, the event was enjoyable and the response from people in the streets, stood outside bars was fantastic.  The sheer number of participants also made the event amazing and much better than Manchester.  The organisation was great with fantastic stewards and Policing.  However, if you are a female reading this, I’d think carefully about taking part given the number of voyeurs it attracts.

The Brighton WNBR Facebook page is requesting feedback for future events.  A few that spring to mind for me are:

* Increase size of changing area in Preston Park

* Scrap use of Old Steine as a rest stop – Hove Lawns was fine but think some photographers just walked down from Preston Park for another photo opportunity – maybe Old Steine was too far for them to walk to?

* Review use of PA system and location for speeches

* Liaise with Police to ensure the there is some kind of presence at the end of the ride at the beach.  What would happen if a group of photographers started to take photos at the beach on any other day? What makes it ok just because people have participated in the WNBR?

 

Nakation Event – Waterworld 9th March 2013

Some of you may have my post about my first trip to Waterworld back in November 2011, well after missing out for a year (they only take place three times per year), I managed to attend the session on Saturday 9th March.  If you missed the first post, click here.

The session is organised by Wirral Naturists and is a fantastic experience for anyone looking to enjoy the spills and thrills of the ‘UK’s No.1 Indoor Tropical Aqua Park’ in the nude!

I attended the session on my own after a friend who was due to attend pulled out at the last minute.  This would have been their first public nude experience and after changing their mind throughout the day, decided that it was too much.  I thought that this was a real shame as the reason behind it was due to a lack of body confidence.  If anything can help with improving your own body confidence, then naturism surely is one of them.  Naturism is a great leveller, and although it can be nerve wracking the first time, the joy of being naked, in company, or on your own is a fantastic feeling.

Once parked up, I was greeted at reception by volunteers from Wirral Naturists which is also the location of the licensed bar area (fully naturist).  Wirral Naturist Club had organised a tombola, whilst British Naturist Society were selling various books, DVDs and car stickers.

Once inside the pool area, there is a wide choice of facilities available including:

* Children’s Aqua Splash Jungle House

* Wild Water Rapids

* Bubble Pool

* Super Flumes

* Space Bowl

* Aqua Assault Course

* Wave Pool

* Poolside Café

At my previous visit, I estimated that there was around 300 – 400 people in attendance.  I think this event there was probably around 200 or so.  Again there was a good mix of genders and ages.

Although a fairly confident person, I do struggle with approaching people to talk to so other than a few nods and smiles, I spent the evening on my own.  In an attempt to meet people, I thought I’d have a drink at the pool side cafe.  However, upon sitting down at a free table and placing down my hot cup of tea, the table came crashing down around me!  With an almighty crash, I was surrounded by bits a plastic, the remains of my tea and the focus of a load of bemused/concerned onlookers.  To be honest, the table incident actually helped as an icebreaker and I was soon chatting to those on the next table!

The Waterworld sessions are great and I thoroughly recommend them to anyone.  If you are interested, click here for the Wirral Naturists website.

FYI – the next one’s in November.  Hope to go again, but this time I’ll be more careful where I put down my drink!

Nakation Weekend

This past weekend has been amazing.  This is what happened…….

Friday 25th May

Enjoyed the evening sun (and a few pints) at the roof terrace of the Bridge, Bridge Street in Manchester.  The roof terrace is small but nice and quiet compared to the hundreds of people out around Spinningfields.  We actually thought it would make an amazing naturist retreat (not overlooked, sun trap) – just needs a hot tub in the corner!

Saturday 26th May

Spent a lovely few hours soaking up the sun in the back garden.  Managed to erect some screening to allow for a spot of naked sunbathing – Bliss!

I then went to a naturist swim organised by North West Naturists at Fit City Worsley in Walkden, Salford.  There was around 40 people at the swim, mainly aged 40 years plus, although there was a good number of couples and a handful of younger folks.

On arrival, I was greeted at the door by one of the organisers, signed in, paid my £10 and shown where the facilities were.  We had the full use of the venue which included a large pool, smaller ‘learner pool’, sauna and steam room.  The organisers also set up a small area for refreshments.  Everyone I spoke to was really friendly and will definitely go again.  For more information about North West Naturists, click here.

Sunday 27th May

Waking up to another day of beautiful sunshine, we decided to travel over to Morfa Dyffryn naturist beach in North Wales.

The beach is located north of Barmouth on the A496 (the coast road).  Almost exactly four miles from central Barmouth you’ll come across the village of Tal-y-bont.  Drive through Tal-y-bont and over a narrow bridge.  Shortly after this bridge you’ll come across a road down to the beach on the left-hand side (signposted ‘Traeth Beach’ and Dyffryn Seaside Estate).  Follow this road down to the first car park.  Here there is a road to the right signposted Dyffryn Seaside Estate.  Drive into to campsite and turn left at the small roundabout.  Here we paid £2 to leave the car all day.  There is a small shop where you can buy provisions.

To get to the naturist section, take the path at the top of the car park which takes you through a cut in the sand dunes.  Once you get to the beach, turn right.  It’s about a 10 minute walk to the naturist section as is marked by official notice posts (the large number of naturists will also inform you that you are there!).

The weather was gorgeous (if a little windy.  NB. recommend that you take a wind break), and there was a good number of naturists enjoying the sun (maybe around 100 in total).  At the start of the naturist section, most beach-goers were couples in their 40 – 50’s or families with young children.  The further along the naturist section, there was an increase in gay males.  There was a fair amount of men in the sand dunes but saw no inappropriate sexual behaviour.  Journey from Manchester took around 2 hours but was definitely worth it and we look forward to going back again this summer.

If any of you have been to Morfa Dyffryn, we’d love to hear from you!

Next up…. Manchester Naked Bike Ride on Friday 1st June!

 

Nakation Event – Naturist Swim

There is a new clothing-optional swim at Levenshulme swimming baths on Monday 28th of November, 8pm to 9pm

£3 entry (please arrive before 8.00pm)

Under 30’s are especially welcome!

The event is being organised by Students As Naturists (SANS).  Click here and here for more information.

I’ll be going so keep checking for a review or maybe see you there!

Nakation Event – Waterworld 12th Nov, 2011

Would you like to sample the thrills and spills of the water slides at the ‘UK’s No.1 Indoor Tropical Aqua Park’ in the nude? If you do, I wouldn’t blame you!

Last night I visited my first naturist swim at Waterworld in Stoke-on-Trent which is organised by Wirral Naturist Club.

Upon arrival at Waterworld, security staff check tickets at the entrance to the car park (which was more or less full).  Once through the first door, the second set are covered in plastic sheeting to provide privacy for those inside.

Once inside I was greeted by a friendly receptionist in the reception/licensed bar area (fully naturist).  Wirral Naturist Club had organised a tombola, whilst British Naturist Society were selling various books, DVDs and car stickers.

The changing rooms were busy and all the working lockers appeared to have been taken – it took me about 15 minutes of moving my stuff into 4 different lockers before finding one that worked!

Once inside the pool area, there is a wide choice of facilities available including:

* Children’s Aqua Splash Jungle House

* Wild Water Rapids

* Bubble Pool

* Super Flumes

* Space Bowl

* Aqua Assault Course

* Wave Pool

* Poolside Café

There was around 300 – 400 people in attendance with a good mix of genders and ages and I would definitely recommend it to anyone who is thinking of going.

The next event is taking place on Saturday 17th March – for more details see the Wirral Naturist Club website. Maybe see you there!

If any of you have been here, we’d love to hear from you!