Nature Features

You are in: Jersey > Nature > Nature Features > Baring all on the beach

Naturism on Corton Beach near Great Yarmouth

Corton Beach, Great Yarmouth

Baring all on the beach

By Claire Peters

The topic of naturism in public places is always a hot topic...would you like Jersey to have an official nudist beach?

"Some acts are just plainly offensive and public nudity is damn well one of them"
Steven

A few years ago BBC Jersey reported that British Naturism was encouraging its Jersey members to meet for informal gatherings, and it sparked a passionate debate over whether there should be a dedicated nudist beach in the island.

As things stands there are no officially designated areas in the island for naturism, although there are rumours of some locations being occasionally used by naturists.

At the moment getting naked in public is illegal (including topless for women) under the Policing of Beaches Regulations, and doing so can result in a caution or even arrest (if a member of the public finds it offensive).

However, many people felt that if a secluded piece of shoreline was turned into a nudist beach, and there were plenty of signs warning the public of potential nakedness, that there wouldn’t be a problem.

Is total nudity a step too far on our beaches?

85% in favour

In fact, in a non-scientific poll of more than six hundred people, 85% were in favour of designating one of Jersey’s beaches for naturists, compared with just 8% who were against it (the remaining 7% didn’t mind either way).

“What a great idea,” wrote Simon, “it’s about time the island relaxed a little and gave the naturists somewhere to strut their stuff.”

Roddy agreed that there should be a “discreet” official beach where naturists can gather so that non-naturists “would therefore be able to avoid the area if they found naturism repulsive”.

The value of the naked pound

Plenty of people argued that the Jersey tourism market could get a boost if there was an authorised nudist beach in the island:

“I would have thought Jersey would have realised that the Naturist GBP or Euro is worth having,” said Stewart.

“Face up to the fact that the naked pound is a good source of income,” agreed Pete. “I’ve been on holiday to Jersey many times and the only thing the island lacks is a naturist beach.”

Another holidaymaker from Surrey said Jersey was “a very warm, welcoming and beautiful environment” and that he would “seriously consider returning” if naturists were catered for.

Don’t like it? Stay away!

“I would urge Jersey to set aside a beach somewhere on the island,” said Ian, “the combination of stunning coast and good weather is just too good to be ignored”.

And it wasn’t just naturists who felt that Jersey would benefit from having an official nudist’s beach:

“It’s not my scene but I see no reason why those who want to be as nature intended should not have designated areas where they can,” said Paul, “Those who don’t like it can stay away.”

The guy from the cornershop - naked

There were a handful of people who felt that Jersey was not the right sort of place to have a nudist beach:

“Jersey’s too small for it to be legal anywhere,” said JW, “I really don’t want to bump into a colleague, the guy from the Co-Op or my Mum’s friend baring their all!”

Then there were others who were against the idea on principle as they don’t agree with naturism in public places:

“The last thing I wish to come across upon a leisure visit to St Ouen is a gaggle of naked pensioners,” explained Steven. “Some acts are just plainly offensive and public nudity is damn well one of them.”

‘Simply exhibitionism’

“It’s a seriously bad idea,” said Eddie. “The beaches are for everyone and it’s a ridiculous idea to set aside a nice stretch of sand for a naturist minority.”

“Nudism is simply exhibitionism – a sexual fetish,” Nev believed.

“It is inappropriate to show naked flesh in public,” said Andreas, “the temptation is too great to resist for some heathens out there.”

‘Nudity does not imply obscenity’

The majority of comments submitted to bbc.co.uk/jersey held that naturism is nothing to do with sexuality, and that it’s about feeling relaxed in your own skin ‘as nature intended’.

“It is possible to be totally naked but still act with dignity and decorum. Nudity does not imply obscenity,” argued Reg.

“Come on – what’s more natural than wearing no clothes?” asked Helen. “It’s refreshing in this chemical, artificial world we now live in.”

Naturists at an English beach resort

Mother Nature is no excuse

Suzanne agreed that whilst nudity may be ‘natural’ she didn’t think that it makes a case to walk around naked:

“Being nude is Mother Nature, but so are many other things which we do not continue to pursue, or pursue in public;

“Mother Nature dictates that women are made for nurturing babies and staying at home – but we don’t pursue that.

“Mother Nature dictates that humans have sex – but we do not do that in public.”

Sunday Papers by Kevin Reynolds

Attitudes change

Craig thought that the step to totally nudity is not a big one to take here on Jersey beaches anyway:

“Topless sunbathing for women has been commonly accepted here for many years, and bikini bottoms have got smaller and smaller to the point where there really isn’t much point in wearing them at all.”

He hoped that in the future all beaches might be clothes-optional:

“All but the most prudish of people look back at the Victorian days of bathing machines and swimming attire that people wore with a touch of laughter,” he said.

“Hopefully one day we will look back on this era at how we used to swim and sunbathe whilst wearing clothes and chuckle to ourselves how ridiculous that was.”

The debate rages on…

So, the argument for and against Jersey having a designated nudist beach continues well into 2007 – but what do you think?

If Jersey had a nudist beach would you be whipping off your clothes and heading down there like a shot, or do you think that it’s just plain wrong to have your wobbly bits out in public?

Share your views on baring all…

last updated: 09/04/2008 at 15:17
created: 09/11/2007

Have Your Say

Michael
I will say i am bi/gay and i don't go to places to look and get off with with seen other people naked , It don,t even bother me . I go there for my self to feel free and relaxing .

George
It is incredible that over 100 years after Queen Victoria died and we are much more relaxed about nudity we are unable to return to the freedom of the eighteenth century when those who did swim did so without costumes. I believe that anyone should be able to strip off anywhere without fear of harassment from officialdom, even if we might offend the prudish minority.

jon chuntz
I often wonder why "nudist and gay" are put in the same catagory? Cannot a hethrosexual man also be nude? whether on Jersey or elsewhere? It would be a benefit for any/every community if naturism were allowed, nudism and sex are not the same.

Terry
I believe that the people who complain about naturism are the same people who don't like to see themselves naked in the mirror. Going to a naturist beach or swim session will show you that there are a lot of people with less attractive bodies than yourself.There is nothing sexual about it. When you first go naked you may feel a little naughty but that soon wears off and you just get used to the freedom of it. You will soon find out that it just feels right.

Allie.
Jersey needs a nude beach other than Gunnison. all the old people go there. make one for younger people!

Steve
I have a soft spot for Jersey and it beaches which I have sunbathed on some years ago but since this article appeared has any progress been made ?As now a member of British Naturism I feel that an area of one beach should be designated for naturist use. This will be used by all naturists - family & singles. It should be seen as an attraction for the island not something hidden away like some British beaches that I have visited recently.Naturists on the whole are friendly and respectable people like any other beach user. Hey it's 2008 !!

paul
most naturists in britain travle half way around the word to go on naturist beaches and mixed (non nude) so come into the 20th centry

Sally Hallum
I have just come back from a holiday in Jersey and can confirm that topless bathing is practiced on certain beaches. I would be wholeheatedly in favour of a designated naturist beach as I would certainly have taken up the opportunity if available.

Paul, Aldershot
Having a designated nude beach is no big deal. France is only a short hop away and they have a totally different approach to nudity entirely as it's seen as something that brings famillies together. Don't forget up until the 1830s or so people in Britain used to swim naked in the sea but the Victorians came along and changed everyones attitudestowards nudity. It would be something that would benefit the island's economy and give Jersey a more continental feeling...

Rich from NH, USA
Well, seems to me that the ideal democracy is rule by majority, tolerance of the minority.I do agree that should Jersey adopt a nude section of beach, they will probably see more income from tourist revenue than if they didn't.

Chris Thornton
At present we would not consider Jersey as a summer holiday destination because it does not have naturist beaches. A designated beach would certainly put it on our probables list.Anyone who has not swum naked does not know what they are missing. Sitting around in a soggy costume.....no thanks!

Antony Forst
I would be glad if Jersey had a good naturist beach, even a small section of one. There is nothing wrong with sunbathing as nature intended. Come on its 2008 and not 1908! Feel the warm sun and air on your body, its so good.

Malcolm Boura, British Naturism
Jersey has its own legal system which I am not familiar with but I have determined that the European Convention on Human Rights applies. The prohibition on women going topsfree is gender discrimination so it is vulnerable to challenge. It is also possible, but much less likely, that any requirement to dress in a particular way is also open to challenge.In England and Wales all of the explicit prohibitions on nudity have been repealed over the last few years. I hope that Jersey will also leave Victorian prudery when it belongs, in the C19.

Rob Ward
I have thought of holidaying on Jersey but discounted it because of the lack of naturist facilities.A naturist beach or preferably a naturist resort would certainly make me reconsider

Suzanne Piper
One of the reasons I do not holiday in Jersey is the lack of facilities for naturists - so at the moment the UK and France get my buff pound and Euro.

Katie Rio
Ah theres nothing more natural then people covered in sand. It's just how it should be. I love the feel of sand on my feet, especially my toes.A nudist beach sounds great. its how we are meant to relax!!

Louise Doyle
Don't forget the sunscreen

sharon
DEFO NO as topless sunbathing is also illegal in jersey and no one doesnt any thing about that, then what leg do we have to stand on. jersey is far to small an island to do that and will attract the wrowng type of people...

pete
There are plenty of beaches in jersey one for naturists, no chance, 1.because of the bigoted. victorian values of the few who frankly no nothing about it 2.it does,nt have real financial gain just personal freedom and choice which in many cases we are not allowed.3.even if it was run on regulated lines some one, some were would object 4. if you don't like it stay away .

James
I am all for hot young nubile ladies getting naked. We need to have a fliter system in place at beaches - if you're not female, not between the ages of 16-30 and don't have a great body then you can't go naked. Easy, problem solved.

Clive Pearce
'Naturist Beach' why ever not. If the current trend for ample signeage is deployed then there should be no problem. Have you ever swum in the sea naked? If not why not, it is a wonderful feeling. How about Beauport beach as the ideal spot. Another marketing opportunity for 'Jersey Ltd.' me thinks.

Adriaan
Bugger those who think of it as wrong. They need to come alive. The more sun and sand on the boddy the better.So let US relax in peace. We're the good guys.

Tony M
Nudity is like money, it's not a naked body that's evil, but the personality that uses it for the wrong thing. It's a pity that more folks don't realise that when Adam & Eve (whether you believe the story is true or not), hid themselves, they used leaves ALL OVER THEIR BODIES as CAMOFLAGE behing the bushes, not to cover their "privates", trying to hide from the God they felt they'd offended! Maybe the "sin" in nudity, is those who are imaginging the worst, rather than the innocence of the naturist. Many families these days live clothes free at home, so why should they be told it's wrong to swim or bathe that way too!

Matt
Naked pensioners, naked pensioners, what is the obsession with them? Being a naturist I have seen plenty of them at the beach and I quite frankly don't care how old they are. Those who say they don't want to see them obviously think this is a pastime for the old where it is most certainly not, those who think this probably have learned what they think they know about naturism from smutty seaside postcards and never actually seen the reality in the flesh.
,br> I have come across all age groups of all sizes, women who are of a similar age group in the nude at the beach are not titillating unless you are a voyeur. It is common etiquette for genuine naturists not to stare at others as we all know it will make them uncomfortable, as we are all in the same position where we could be stared at, so empathy wins the day.

Those of you who are against it, ask yourselves this, why would you be so offended to see another naked person, if you take your clothes off do you automatically feel dirty and impure. Go and try it and see if you still feel the same way, you cannot make a genuine statement until you have learned the facts for yourselves, and opening a nudist beach on Jersey Island will allow you to do that.

nailedon
Nudity is lovely. Sunbathing and swimming naked is one of life's greatest pleasures. The islands need to appeal to people of all ages.

kate
if being naked is getting back to being "in touch" with nature then how come most primitive tribes of the world dont walk around completely naked?

Roddy
For those of you out there who are convinced that there is something distinctly titillating about sharing a beach with others "au naturelle", please think again; I can assure you that rather than being a turn-on, naturism is actually quite a bland, inocuous activity. Only textiles (non-naturists) with no experience are obssessed that there is a sexual dimension to being a naturist.As for the thrill-seekers, who often feel that it woudl be exciting to see some naked flesh, don't bother going - you'd all be immensely disappointed by how prim and proper naturists places are..

Chimpo
Make it one the eastern beaches. You say that people should stay away if they want to be involved - I personally don't have a problem with it, but I'd be pretty annoyed if I felt uncomfortable visiting a beach like beauport, one of my favourites, as people want to get naked.Also, make it just beautiful people - too many naturists are rough.

Michelle
During the summer you see plenty of women sunbathing topless, rather than flaunting their bodies as a form of exhibitionism it is merely a way to get a strapmark free tan. In this day and age toplessness shouldn't be illegal, theres nothing outrageous on show. A naturist beach could be a choice but everyone has their prefered summer spots, there will be great debate and alot of petitions about where it would be suitable. I personally don't want to be confronted with other people's genitalia, fat men in speedos is bad enough, but i see nothing wrong with breasts, after all you get them in the paper daily.

Polly
I couldn't cope with anyone being able to see me in the harsh reality of daylight naked.Bit of skinny dipping at night is great fun tho.

Clay
I totally agree with Michael. Whilst I certainly have no desire to go to a nudist beach (because of my insecurities and lack of confidence not because I have a problem with others naked), I think that it's a great idea to at least try it. Whilst i don't believe that many islanders will go for it (Jersey's too small) I do believe that it can only do good for the tourism market - having a nudist beach isn't going to put anyone off coming here on holiday but it might encourage those who weren't going to to come.

Michael
Well before I start my ramble on this I would like to point out that I would not frequent a naturist beach.With that out of the way let me point out that this is a modern world where people are meant to be able to express themselves in whichever way they choose. Freedom of speach and the ability to form your own opinion on matters is vital to how we live.

With that in mind can we really be against an area of ONE of our many beaches being designated for people who wish to have an all over tan and be naked in the sea?People will argue that it will be "disgusting" or "immoral" but lets get one thing straight, if there is a designated area of a beach for this to happen and you don't like it, are we really that short of coastline here that we can't go somewhere else?

I'm still a pretty young guy and don't really want to see a group of pensioners naked when I'm on the beach, but that doesn't mean I think they shouldn't be able to. It just means that where they go is an area that I won't - again, freedom of choice comes into play!

As for benefitting the island? I have no opinion on that as I don't think that I have enough financial industry knowledge to make a justified comment.We live in a world where more and more every day those that are elected into power are making decisions on our behalf. Although they need to do something in their highly paid positions is it honestly right for someone else to decide when and how you should be dressed? What's next? No beards in St Brelades? No long hair in Grouville? Let people choose for themselves and things will always work out.

And finally, for those that think it will just be a load of perverts eying up naked people... so what! Do you not think that the people who go to naturist beaches are aware of these things? The whole idea of a naturist is that they DON'T CARE if someone is staring at them because they are naked, they are being natural!

In summary - bring this into action as soon as possible. If it doesn't work it can always be stopped - but you have to at least try!

Chris Morgan
Nudity is disgusting. If God had intended us to be naked we would all be born that way.

Naked Nora
If every one bacame naked it wud be the norm we shud not feel ashamed of our bodies whatever our size or shape and we came int o this world and go out naked so why not be naked and have a nudist beach and in England in the Town centre i was surprised to see some naked people walking by and often arrested for being so not committing a crime or killing anyone just not wearing any clothers and i believe they still continue to do so good luck to them more shud follow suit and if we all striped off naked eventually people wud be shocked to see clothers on people so chill out and lets get a nice nudist beach for nature loving bear footed bear bottommed naturist and all

Max
I think people should be entitled to be nude if they want. As it is completly natural. it's not like it will be some sexual orgy beach party and KY jelley handed out on arrival. It just for people who wish to relax naked and not feel like they'll be looked down apon for doing so. If some people have an issue with it then they should simply not go to that designated beach. Theres nothing more liberating than walking out of the sea and not having your swimming outfit sticking to you, and taking ages to dry.

Kelly Major
Having a designated naturist beach would definitely open up a niche in the tourism market, many companies organise tailor-made naturist holidays, and Jersey could really benefit from that.

Selecting a small secluded area of coastline and placing signs near that area should suffice to stop those with delicate constitutions from being shocked/embarassed. Personally I don't feel comfortable with the idea of many people seeing me nude, but that doesn't apply to eveyone.

There are plenty of beaches in Jersey where people do wear clothes so one select area of nudity shouldn't be an issue. Really in this day and age people should be more open to such ideas. Enough of the prude attitudes, it might well not be everyone's cup of tea but that doesn't mean it should be excluded from society. Many people do offensive things in public, it's part of being in a society.

So if there is a specific place and area out of (supposedly) 'harms' way then I see no reason why it should be a problem. If people don't want to be exposed to the nudity then they just won't go there.

Jan
Oh dear, oh dearie me! What a kerfluffle! A naturist beach? Bring it on! It's about time too. Buck up powers that be; I'm 75 years old. Do I have to go to my grave without baring all? Jeepers I hope not. It's tough being an ancient person and a free spirit as it is without the dreaded prudes hounding me to the bitter end!

	BBC Homepage BBC Local
Jersey News Sport Weather Travel News Entertainment Places People Faith Nature History BBC Introducing In Pictures The States School Report Jersey Wonders BBC Local Radio Site Contents

	Contact Us Like this page? Send it to a friend!