Many of my blogs may have been perceived as a tad critical of landed clubs and their relevance in modern times. I have challenged the way some are run, their attitudes to single males, their failure to cater to younger naturists and their reluctance to embrace or even accommodate digital technology.
One problem with clubs is that in most areas there is not enough nudist density to support them. Consequently, even in the LA metro area of 8 million people, we have one landed club. I have to drive 50 miles to get to it because real estate is too expensive to have it anywhere near the city.
Another is the that some clubs don't want to grow or change or market themselves to young people. That is a sure formula for gradual extinction. OTOH, many do want to grow but don't understand marketing very well. We fight over a slice of the existing nudist community but the community doesn't get expanded.
Clubs are too much akin to ghettos or reservations for my taste. Keep to ourselves, keep our heads down, don't make waves, keep the closet door mostly closed. That isn't a problem with the clubs so much as a problem with nudists in general. Life is too easy in the camp. They don't feel the fire other small minorities feel to fight for their share of the public table.
If there is a future for nudism in most parts of the country, it is in nonlanded clubs, individuals who recreate in the nude on their own, and special events like the WNBR.
Clubs undoubtedly have their place, and of course the quality will vary with the operators and membership. But I think the wide disparity evidenced by the UK figure, between naturists and club members, is more reflective of the non-membership of anything, not just naturists. Once upon a time club membership was a social thing, whether the general social club or specific interest group, but over the past 50 years we’ve witnessed a trend away from this, I think in large part because people don’t want to commit to an organisation when life today is so much more varied than way back when.
Some activities, of course, require organisation and club membership - sports spring to mind as to play the game requires team mates and facilities. But naturism in particular needs no special facilities, we just take our clothes off!
Great valid points about the operation of these landed clubs. They are a business, not just someone's hobby. Our club, OakLake Trails has grown substantially in the last 4 years because of all the things mentioned and offers a secure place for family nudity as well as acceptance for all.
Thanks for sharing this. You make some valid point about landed clubs resorts what ever are are calling this em these days they have an important role to play in the continuation of naturism. Sometimes disagreement on something’s gets perceived as disagreement on everything
Thanks. I like to hear different perspectives and learn. I enjoy my landed club and am grateful for it.
you have done a nice balance by giving accolades to the clubs & it's efforts to develop naturism.
One problem with clubs is that in most areas there is not enough nudist density to support them. Consequently, even in the LA metro area of 8 million people, we have one landed club. I have to drive 50 miles to get to it because real estate is too expensive to have it anywhere near the city.
Another is the that some clubs don't want to grow or change or market themselves to young people. That is a sure formula for gradual extinction. OTOH, many do want to grow but don't understand marketing very well. We fight over a slice of the existing nudist community but the community doesn't get expanded.
Clubs are too much akin to ghettos or reservations for my taste. Keep to ourselves, keep our heads down, don't make waves, keep the closet door mostly closed. That isn't a problem with the clubs so much as a problem with nudists in general. Life is too easy in the camp. They don't feel the fire other small minorities feel to fight for their share of the public table.
If there is a future for nudism in most parts of the country, it is in nonlanded clubs, individuals who recreate in the nude on their own, and special events like the WNBR.
Clubs undoubtedly have their place, and of course the quality will vary with the operators and membership. But I think the wide disparity evidenced by the UK figure, between naturists and club members, is more reflective of the non-membership of anything, not just naturists. Once upon a time club membership was a social thing, whether the general social club or specific interest group, but over the past 50 years we’ve witnessed a trend away from this, I think in large part because people don’t want to commit to an organisation when life today is so much more varied than way back when.
Some activities, of course, require organisation and club membership - sports spring to mind as to play the game requires team mates and facilities. But naturism in particular needs no special facilities, we just take our clothes off!
Great valid points about the operation of these landed clubs. They are a business, not just someone's hobby. Our club, OakLake Trails has grown substantially in the last 4 years because of all the things mentioned and offers a secure place for family nudity as well as acceptance for all.
Thanks for sharing this. You make some valid point about landed clubs resorts what ever are are calling this em these days they have an important role to play in the continuation of naturism. Sometimes disagreement on something’s gets perceived as disagreement on everything