Thursday, Jul. 08, 2010

The art of skinny dipping

They say anything worth doing is worth doing well, and that includes skinny-dipping.

Whether you're headed to the ol' swimmin' hole or to the world record event at Whispering Pines Nudist Resort on Saturday, there are things you should - and shouldn't - do to maximize your "nekkid" swimming experience.

Some skinny-dip veterans offered the following tips:

Bring a towel. You obviously need it for drying off, and it's helpful for something to sit on beside the pool, the hot tub, or wherever you choose to dip. In large group settings like Whispering Pines, towels are considered mandatory for both comfort and hygiene.

Use your OWN towel. Never sit on someone else's or use someone else's to dry off.

Sunscreen is a must. Day time dipping under the hot Carolina sun will inevitably cause sunburn in very uncomfortable places, especially for those who don't dip regularly. Opt for the highest protection available.

Don't be self-conscious about your body. Not everybody who skinny-dips looks like Barbie and Ken.

If you're not visiting a place like Whispering Pines, find an appropriate location. Skinny-dipping is illegal in public in South Carolina. Try your own private pool, a hot tub, or a secluded pond or creek on private property.

Give yourself time. Not all dippers go whole hog the first time. Some women try topless swimming first and then proceed to shedding the rest of the swimsuit.

Don't stare at others, and don't ogle. If you feel you can't comfortably be around others in the buff without staring, this probably isn't the activity for you.

Observe personal space.

No inappropriate touching or groping. Observe the same standards of conduct you would if you were in the water in a swimsuit.

Be respectful of friends or companions who don't want to dip. Skinny-dipping is all about fun and choice, and if your buddies don't want to join in, enjoy the experience yourself. If they see you having fun, maybe next time they'll feel comfortable enough to strip down and jump in.