GNA

Concerns

I am self-conscious about my body.

There is no need to feel self-conscious about your body in a naturist environment. Naturists come in all shapes and sizes and people accept you as you are. Most first-timers adjust to social nudity in a matter of minutes and discover it’s not nearly as big a deal as they thought it would be. No one will stare at you or judge your appearance. You will soon get used to being surrounded by other naked people and forget that you are not wearing clothes. Just have fun and enjoy the experience!

Is naturism appropriate for children?

Naturism is a healthy activity for the whole family. Children are natural naturists and benefit greatly from a relaxed attitude to nudity from an early age. If you teach your children that nudity is natural and their bodies are not something to be ashamed off they will learn to respect their bodies and develop a positive body image. Children should always be under the supervision of their parents, nude or clothed, and should never be forced to take their clothes off if they don’t want to.

Isn't nudity sexual?

Contrary to popular opinion and social conditioning, nudity in its natural state is not sexual, and naturist resorts are not sexualised environments. As naturists we understand that nudity and sex are two different things and should be kept separate. Sex is a normal, healthy part of life, but should be enjoyed by consenting adults in private.

What if I get an erection?

This doesn’t often happen as naturist resorts are not sexually charged environments. If it does happen lie on your stomach or cover yourself with a towel and focus on whatever else you are doing until your erection subsides.

Public nudity is prohibited and it is seen by law as “indecent exposure”. This does not mean you can’t be nude in the privacy of your own home and private backyard, or any other appropriate public place like a naturist beach or resort. The key is to respect other people’s beliefs and not to offend. Enjoy your naturist activities in private and stay out of the sight of your neighbors and the general public.

General Questions

What is Naturism

Naturism, also referred to as nudism is the practice of being nude as often as possible. Naturists are just ordinary people that choose not to wear clothes when the weather and circumstances are appropriate. Our activities are no different from what most people do in their leisure time, other than the dress code.
For naturists being nude is natural, comfortable, and about the freedom of being without restrictive clothing. It’s a healthy and liberating experience and promotes self-respect, body confidence and a positive body image. Some enjoy being nude in the privacy of their own homes, alone or with their family, while others enjoy socializing with friends, going to resorts or beaches and spending time in nature in the nude. It’s also a lot of fun!
The International Naturist Federation (INF) defines naturism as “a way of life in harmony with nature characterised by the practice of communal nudity with the intention of encouraging self-respect, respect for others, and for the environment.”

Why do people become naturists?

Naturists love the feeling of being nude and clothes free.

It is a liberating experience to embrace your naked body and accept it with all its flaws and being nude helps you to become more comfortable in your own skin.

Nudity is natural and is a great way to experience nature in the most natural way. It fosters self-respect, respect for others and a respect for nature. It brings you closer to yourself, your friends, nature and your God.

Naturism is a natural way to relief stress and a very relaxing for mind, body and spirit. It increases self-esteem, body-acceptance and helps to build a positive body image.

What are some of the health benefits of being a naturist?

Being a naturist helps you to develop a healthy attitude towards your body and a positive body image.

Naturism promotes body acceptance and increases self-esteem and self-respect.

Naturism is a great way to relieve stress and to relax.

Who are naturists?

Naturists are people just like you, and come from diverse backgrounds representing all occupations, different religions, races, sexualities, body types, age groups and income brackets.

What is the difference between nudists and naturists?

There is no significant difference between nudists and naturists. It is two different terms used to describe the same thing. In South Africa, European countries and Australia we talk about naturism and the term nudism is mostly used in American countries.

Naturism in SA

What is SANNA?

SANNA stands for South African National Naturist Association and is the umbrella body responsible for representing and promoting naturism in South Africa, and naturist tourism in South Africa, internationally.

Who are the provincial naturist associations?

SANNA’s goal is to establish provincial naturist associations in all 9 provinces of South Africa to promote and coordinate naturism in each province. Naturist associations have already been established in three provinces: Gauteng Naturist association (GNA), Kwa Zulu Natal Naturist association (KZNNA) and North West Naturist association (NWNA). You can apply for membership to the provincial naturist association closest to you until such time as an association has been established in your province.

What does INF stand for?

The International Naturist Federation (INF) is the global umbrella organisation representing official national naturist associations like SANNA internationally, and works to promote the benefits of naturism to the general public.

Why become a member of a provincial association?

As a member you become part of the South African naturist family and will receive event invites to regular organized events.

Your naturist experience will be greatly enhanced by becoming a member and you are assured of enjoying naturism with like-minded friends in a safe and healthy naturist environment.

Members also qualify for discounts on accommodation at events, free meals and much more. Some resorts offer special discounts on camping and day visitor fees.

Your membership fees will also help SANNA to promote naturist tourism and to contribute to the growth of naturism by making it more accessible to the public trough the establishment of official naturist beaches.

All provincial naturist associations fall under the SANNA umbrella. As SANNA is an INF member you will automatically receive an INF number which will also appear on your membership card. This means you will be welcome to visit more than a thousand INF affiliated resorts and clubs world-wide as an INF member.

How do I apply for membership? Member of

Simply fill in the form either as a single person or as a couple, here: Application