San Onofre Trail 6, the Media & the Naked Truth

I ran into a lady at San Onofre State Beach the other day that blamed the Internet and media for some of the problems at the beach and too many umbrellas in the sand on the weekends. Though I'm sure the increase of population has brought some undesirables to the beach, to try to keep the beach to ourselves is not fair either. 

The experience and freedom of naturism should be available to all who seek it, even if their motives are not pure at first. A clothing-optional beach is often the first experience many people will have being naked outdoors, outside of their own backyard, which turns out is illegal in many California cities I hear (surprise).

My first experience was Black's Beach and I am thankful that someone told me about it when I was ready. I remember how concerned I was that I might get happy pants in front of a bunch of strangers.. but it only took until the end of the day to feel completely comfortable enough to walk down the beach with just my skin and drop the inhibitions and concerns.

Of course these days, I'll spend for the extra gas and drive the extra 25 minutes for San O and buy the yearly pass. Why? In spite of the scary nuclear power plant, I feel San O is more energetically pure. It feels like it could be any point in history down there. I would not be completely shocked to see something prehistoric come out of the water someday there. It's that kind of place. I'd still go even if I could not shed my second skin. In fact, I don't always go al naturel. I have enjoyed the nature at the other trails at San Onofre State Beach just as much.
It's true the Internet and media hype have probably brought some newbies to the beach and with that, you will get people that do act appropriately and those that do not. Those that do not act appropriately hopefully will be promptly educated by one of the regulars at the beach that knows the etiquette speech and is not afraid to speak up. It may be inconvenient for awhile, but my view is the more the better at the beach. There's safety in numbers. The right numbers that is. 

Just because a single guy might come to the beach and park themselves too close to a female or do something that naturists would view as inappropriate, does not mean we should quickly kick them off the beach. Some do not know any better. But for those that do, zero tolerance is appropriate I believe. 

In a perfect world, we would not be so uptight about many things that people, on a whole, generally are in our culture. I believe sex in nature is a natural, beautiful and even spiritual experience, but I would not partake in an open public place like some choose to do. And I strongly discourage it in a public place like San O or Blacks. There's a time and a place for everything. Well, maybe not everything, but you get my driftwood.

I believe the main things that keep people from exploring naturism is self image (not just the body image) as well as the misunderstanding that being naked must  always be about sex. Though, there is no getting away from the fact that we are sexual beings. It's a choice that one makes to live within the construct of a culture or group. In some countries, some of the things that happen south of the fence could seem just as acceptable as naturism. There is a fine line there and I believe that's why it gets crossed so often. Again, it's a choice not to cross that line to keep the freedom we enjoy to simply be nude at the beach. Which is a great freedom that I am grateful for.

Back to the Media and Internet in closing, I for one am happy about all the press the beach has received for the most part. And I hope the videos some of you helped me create, will inspire the right people to help uncover the freedom we have. It is a gift, truly. And for those that do not completely "get it" at first, it's our responsibility to help educate them.