Like all cultures there are a few ground rules that are observed during nudist social gatherings. For the benefit of those who may be considering a first visit to one of the Dallas area resorts or non-landed club gathering it is helpful to have an understanding of basic nudist etiquette.

Expectation of privacy

While genuinely a friendly lot, most nudists have an expectation of privacy. Typically many only offer first names during introductions. Also for professional reasons many choose not divulge their occupations or places of employment. So during conversations it is considered impolite to ask questions of a personal nature. Simply accept what others are willing to share.

Photography considerations

Just because someone feels comfortable being nude in a social setting does not mean that they wish to be photographed. Generally cameras and cell phones with photo capabilities are prohibited at nudist resorts and clubs. Using one will most likely result in confiscation or expulsion. In the rare instances where photography is allowed, never photograph someone without their permission.

Towels are standard equipment

One of the first things noticed at a first social nudity gathering is that everyone has in their possession a towel. Nudists carry a towel and use it to sit on as a courtesy to others. Those who will be swimming or enjoying a hot tub generally carry two towels, one for sitting and one for drying off.

Staring and gawking

Most everyone was raised from childhood to understand that staring is rude. It is considered just as rude in nudist circles as anywhere else in polite society. Experienced nudists understand that there is normal and natural curiosity at play during a person’s first visit to a club or resort so a certain amount of looking at others is expected. Just remember that nudists enjoy nudity for the sake of nudity and do not go nude because they want others to look at them. Most have a very low tolerance for people with voyeuristic tendencies. Gawking at genital areas or female breasts is taboo. People expect eye to eye contact when being spoken with.

Public sexual displays

As family-friendly environments, there are strict rules about open displays of a sexual nature. Sexual touching of another or self is not permitted and will earn a quick expulsion. Because of anatomical realities, men are often concerned about erections. Actually that is generally a non-issue because nudist gathering are not sexually charged atmospheres and the natural nervousness that a person feels during a first nudist experience generally precludes the possibility of having one. In the unlikely event that it happens, the rule of thumb is that the condition should not be flaunted because people really do not want to look at them. Covering up with a towel, taking a dip in the pool or turning over on one’s stomach are all acceptable methods of dealing with the situation politely.

Socializing

Aside from the absence of clothing, nudist social gatherings are really more like clothed social gatherings than they are different. Coarse jokes, unwanted advances, excessive profanity or comments about another person’s body parts are all unwelcome. Any behavior that would demand an apology is unacceptable.

Advance notice for visits

All Dallas area landed clubs and resorts are private clubs with gated entrances. Most if not all require first time visitors to call ahead to arrange visits and simply showing up at the gate may very well get a person turned away if the staff is not acquainted with them.
 

Photo identification

For the safety of guests and members, everyone admitted to a Dallas area resort or club is required to present an acceptable form of identification bearing a photograph to establish their identity.

Resort specific rules

Most clubs and resorts have specific rules that apply to their facility. Many for example prohibit the wearing of any below the waist piercing jewelry. Some clubs are clothing optional, some nudist and some a combination of the two dependent on sex. All typically require anyone using swimming pools, saunas or hot tubs to be completely nude even if clothing optional is available in other areas of the grounds. During check in, visitors will receive a thorough explanation of the rules they are expected to follow.