Some people see skinny dipping as a daring challenge, like a “truth or dare” game at a high school party. For others, it’s a popular wellness activity. In fact, there’s even an International Skinny Dip Day every July. Skinny dipping offers several mental and physical health benefits, so let’s clear up some common misconceptions.
According to the Volonte Science and Medical Advisory Board, being naked is about embracing self-love and independence, not about sexual desire. It’s not an invitation to stare or take photos without permission. While some places, like nude beaches, provide a space for this activity, it can also be done alone.
Skinny dipping engages both the body and mind in various ways. So, how does this kind of nudity benefit our health?
Movies and books often show people swimming naked. Skinny dipping, also known as skinny swimming or chunky dunking, is common, but it can lead to trouble if done at the wrong place or time. It’s a tradition for summer campers worldwide, but times are changing.
Today, we’ll talk about the legality of skinny dipping and offer some tips if you decide to try it. In the US, there are “non-sexy” beaches where skinny dipping is allowed. You can search online for popular nude beaches near you. Surprisingly, they’re all over the US, from Moshup Beach on Martha’s Vineyard to UFO Beach in Texas, Gunnison Beach in New Jersey, and Baker Beach in San Francisco. There are also spots at lakes like Secret Cove in Nevada on Lake Tahoe. Cameras and kids are usually not allowed at these beaches.
The American Association for Nude Recreation first organized the event in 2018. They say the event and awareness day have grown in popularity, with international groups competing to host world record skinny dips. Interestingly, despite its trendy reputation, the term “skinny-dip” wasn’t recorded until the 20th century. According to the Oxford English Dictionary, it first appeared in 1947.
Social media often discusses the health benefits of skinny dipping, including psychological and emotional advantages, as noted by Dr. Pillay. New Zealand author Kate Uwins co-wrote a guide to skinny dipping in New Zealand’s South Island. She mentioned that she always loved nature, but it wasn’t until she shed her swimwear that she truly felt connected to her surroundings.
In Cape Town, Sandy Bay offers an exciting water-slide experience. There are also hidden spots in the Drakensberg mountains, including a river that flows through them.
While rules about nudity might come to mind when thinking about skinny dipping, dermatologist Dr. Lushen Pillay highlights the health benefits. “You expose more skin to sunlight, which means more vitamin D,” he says. “This is crucial for our immune system, especially during the Covid era. People with low vitamin D levels are more vulnerable to Covid complications. So, skinny dipping helps by exposing more of your body to sunlight.”
For many, skinny dipping is something you do after a few too many drinks.
