Some members of ANW are quite new to naturism or have been spending time being naked at home and not yet ventured into the wider Naturist World. 

What advice would you give to those nervous about becoming a social naturist? If you are a newbie - what questions or concerns would you like to ask or see addressed?

Advice for a nervous newbie?  1. If you are considering a naturist venue first visit, don't just go to any random nude/clothing optional beach.  Do your research and pick an established club or resort that is managed, has rules, is kept clean and you can know there are people there who are watching over your safety.  Not that established resorts are dangerous; it will just give you a sense of security.  If possible, go with a friend or family member so you automatically have someone with whom to chat.
2.  If it's about your body, forget it.  Even "beautiful" people have insecurities about their body. "My breasts are too small/big."  "My penis is too small."  "I'm shaped like a pear and can't seem to lose weight below my waist."  "I have ugly surgical scars."   The list is endless.  Everyone is just a naked body; scars are evidence of survival and maybe even triumph. No mature person actually gives a rip about your breast size, your penis size, your muscles, your fat rolls...none of it. If they're the sort of person who silently judges your imperfections, you can be guaranteed that they are deeply insecure in themselves.
3. Be sure to arm yourself with necessities:  Drinking water, sun screen, towel(s) maybe a folding chair, something to read, protection for your feet and a hat if you might be spending time in the sun, trailmix bars (in case you go someplace that doesn't have food on property).  That's all I can think of right now. I'm sure others would have much to add.  In short, no need to be nervous. Make your plans and just go. After the first 10 or 15 minutes you'll wonder what took you so long to jump in.

I think the first thing to consider is: "how much you enjoy being naked". Start at home. Get undressed. Don't use a towel. Just let the air dry the water. Walk around naked, and get familiar with nudity. Discover the wellbeing.
A not too crowded beach is probably the best place to start. 

Yes Steve and I were very comfortable being naked around each other and at home before ever venturing into the real world. Doing things like the dishes or vacuuming naked or just sitting with your feet up watching TV. 

We also choose a quiet beach for my first time. It certainly makes the situation feel less intimidating. Although I now know that even the most crowded of beaches isn't intimidating because the atmosphere and behaviour tends to be so pleasant, easy and welcoming.  

Before I write a little more on this topic I thought this Article may be of interest as it confronts some of the usual fears https://www.anaturistworld.com/article/45546/10-poorly-conceived-reasons-for-not-trying-naturism



We also wrote an article called https://www.anaturistworld.com/article/45543/10-reasons-to-be-a-naturist which could be helpful and we expanded it into 31 reasons starting here https://www.anaturistworld.com/blog/45754/a-naturist-family-enjoying-naturism-7-a-month-of-reasons-to-choose-naturism-part-1  that we shared on a daily basis last December with a reason and photograph for every day as we counted down to 2022.

Communication I think is really key and we shouldn't be afraid to voice our concerns to people here in this topic or elsewhere on ANW. What can I expect if I... go to a beach, join a club, go to an event, take part in a bike ride or a charity run or skinny dip, join my national body, book a holiday? 

When Steve and I went on our first camping trip - as reprted here : https://www.anaturistworld.com/member-blog/45981/a-naturist-family-our-history-12-our-first-naturist-holiday we didn't really know what to expect - to us the idea that we would find that naturism had an underlying sexual tone was a great concern. We were prepared to pack up the tent the next day if things turned strange when the children of the campsite were all tucked up. So even Steve and I with at that point many hundreds of hours of naturist experience still had unanswered questions. Thanksfully positive times help answer these but wouldn't guidance and support from others have helped. Definitely. 

And what if you don't want to take the risk, what if you are a newbie that doesn't want to place themselves in a situation that you fear you may hate. Most people are not going to join their national body on a whim and then find themselves surrounded by people they don't want to know. Ask the ANW community any questions, ask them for tips and advice. 

And if you are an experienced naturist who has developed a passion for naturism with years (or even just days - may be enough) of experience share it, share it and share it. Tell people why you love it, guide others to understand and help dispel some of the confusion around naturism. 

Start here in this topic, then elsewhere on ANW (blogs/articles/reviews/activity feed/albums/polls etc) and then try in the wider world (remember you can always start by sharing links to public articles https://www.anaturistworld.com/public-articles and to ANW itself).