Naturists, or nudists if you prefer are often their own worst enemy. Why do I say such a thing when the community talks about authenticity and about honesty as the trademarks of baring it all to the world. It’s a proclamation that there are no secrets to hide anymore. Yet, is this the truth? Unless you are in a secure compound, safely hidden away from the eyes of the public (or safely hiding from that public) in North America, stripping off clothes in order to spend a part of the day becomes an almost subversive act.

Are the draperies closed? If not, can anyone see inside and see the naked person? These are valid questions to ask oneself where nudity can result in fairly serious consequences. With the draperies closed or being in a location within the home where passersby will not be able to see nudity, one becomes “safe” in terms of practicing a nude lifestyle. Yet, as I said above – something else enters the picture which causes problems for both the naked person and others. Or perhaps I should say someone else enters the picture – an alter self. There is a challenge, a daring that has the person become potentially seen by others outside the home.

And the daring begins to extend to outdoor locations that are “almost” remote. It seems that as each boundary is tested and passed, a new boundary is set that needs to be tested – putting garbage out on the curb in front of the house, sitting in the back yard in an almost secluded corner, mowing a part of the lawn, quick entrances and exits into more challenging, more public spaces where being nude would unquestionably result in legal charges if caught. It doesn’t matter whether one takes the risks at home or in nature settings, it is all about risk while knowing the consequences – taunting the world while daring to expose a side of oneself that has its own agenda, an agenda that is not so altruistic, so honest.

One place this shows up is at events where nudity is marginally accepted by a clothed public, events such as Naked Bike Rides. Nudity is also tolerated by the public to a certain degree on beaches that are designated as clothing optional. But that toleration is subject to severe scrutiny to ensure that all sexual connotations are absent. Yet, in spite of these expectations, there are those who dare to take their nudity an extra fifty metres further down the beach to again find the “real” limits. And as was the fact at a recent Naked Bike Ride, public furor erupted when a man was spotted with an erection while riding his bike in the event.

I have my own version of being subversive, heading out into the prairie hills not far from tilled fields. Of course, I choose when and where the hiking shorts come off for I really don’t want to find myself in legal trouble. Yet, the risk is there, it is always there. What risks do you take? In spite of your potential protests, I think there are small risks lurking there in the background just waiting for you to let your guard down.