Naturism Is Dying… Meanwhile the Beaches Are Packed.
Plan the funeral. Throw in the towel. Shut the gates at nudist clubs because Gen X, Y, and Z “aren’t interested.” That’s the narrative we keep hearing. Membership numbers are down. Clubs are closing. Maybe it’s because of phones and privacy? Maybe gaming and Netflix are more popular hobbies? On paper, the numbers do look bleak. AANR’s membership has been sliding for years. The German Nudist Federation has dropped from a peak of around 65,000 to under 35,000. And if California – the most liberal, sun-drenched state in the U.S. – can’t support nudist clubs, what hope is there? But here’s the thing: stop measuring naturism by the same tired yardstick. Step onto a beach, and you’ll see the truth. Naturism isn’t dead, it’s booming. The Beaches Tell the Real Story Take Denny Blaine in Seattle. When that little nude beach was threatened with closure, the local government was hit with over 10,000 signatures in less than two weeks. Ten thousand people fighting to keep their clothing-optional space. That doesn’t look like a dying lifestyle, that looks like passion. Or look at Wreck Beach in Vancouver. Just across the water, the VanTan Nudist Club struggles to keep its doors open. But Wreck? Packed. Especially with younger people. Miami’s Haulover, Austin’s Hippie Hollow, Toronto’s Hanlan’s Point – same story. again Clubs might be fading, but the beaches are thriving. Come As You Are If I had to sum it up in one line, it’s this: younger people are into naturism, just not in the way older generations expect. I wrote this in a Reddit thread recently, and it hit home with a lot of Gen Z and millennials: “Gen Z is interested in naturism but not in the typical way. They feel no need to join a club and will do it casually without labels… think body positivity, freedom, expression. Organisations like AANR should be at nude beaches or online promoting themselves to the new generation. But instead, they focus on dwindling club figures and assume younger people aren’t interested.” That’s it right there. We don’t need a membership card or a committee to validate our nudity. We just show up. It’s not about labels, it’s about freedom. Situational Nudity & Social Media Brendan Jones, the guy behind Get Naked Australia, calls it “situational nudity.” You’re not a nudist 24/7 – but when the moment’s right, you strip down. His group grew to 270,000 followers on Instagram, more than all the nudist organizations worldwide combined. And guess what? They never once called themselves “nudists.” This is what the traditionalists miss: the old metrics don’t apply anymore. People don’t need to join a club or labels to embrace naturism. They just need a good spot, a safe space, and maybe a few friends to share it with. The Shift: From Shuffleboard to Paddleboards For younger generations, simply providing a place to get naked isn’t enough. In the past, nudity was the event. Now? We want more. Paddleboarding naked. Snorkeling naked. Hiking naked. A place where our clothed friends feel welcome too. The resorts and clubs that get this are thriving. Cypress Cove in Florida has leaned hard into social media, and they’re seeing more young families and groups. Playa Sonrisa in Mexico attracts a steady wave of 25–35 year-olds thanks to a “fresh, energetic vibe.” Even some traditional parks are trying new ideas, like clothing-optional days, to lower the barrier for newcomers. Why This Matters Naturism isn’t about whether a spreadsheet of club memberships is going up or down. It’s about whether people are still embracing body freedom, connecting with nature, and creating community. And the answer to that is a resounding yes. The movement is alive, but it’s different. It’s less about institutions, more about authenticity. Less about rules, more about choice. Less about labels, more about living in the moment. Naturism isn’t dying – it’s evolving. And if you ask me, that’s the best thing that could happen to it. Final thought: If we want naturism to thrive, the challenge for clubs and resorts is simple: adapt. Embrace the vibe of younger generations: spontaneity, inclusivity, fun. Stop worrying about what naturism “used to look like” and start leaning into what it feels like now. Come as you are. That’s all it takes.