Long before we started celebrating International Skinny Dip Day, which takes place on July 8 this year, swimming in the nude was a thing. Even noteworthy, people like Benjamin Franklin, Henry David Thoreau, and Walt Whitman took part at a time when just the thought of swimming in the nude was considered uncouth and shameful. Back then, they didn’t even have a catchy name for it. It wasn’t until 1947 that the phrase ‘skinny dip’ was first documented or uttered. Today, if you were at a party with friends, no one would react judgemental if someone suggested skinny dipping. Show
History of International Skinny Dip DayPeople have been skinny dipping for years. As early as 1449, a local newspaper in Bath reported that “people were shamelessly stripping themselves of their swimming garments and revealing themselves to bystanders as they took to the water.” Though it was not acceptable at the time, some people were doing it. Soon after that, it became widely known that this was an activity many individuals participated in. Yet, it was never spoken about in everyday conversation, even after artists like Thomas Eakins in 1885 and Charles Shannon in 1922 started depicting nude swimming scenes in their work. There were instances where indulging in swimming naked was somewhat embraced and even discussed but came to a halt in the 1960s with the sexual liberation movement. The movement challenged traditional codes of behavior regarding sexuality and interpersonal relationships throughout the United States and the developed world. And a few years after that, society started embracing body positivity in the late ’90s. All humans are beautiful and should be celebrated, no matter their size, skin color, or physical disabilities. These incredibly revolutionary ideas and movements helped break stereotypes regarding nudity and people who choose to live their lives without clothes and, of course, those choosing to partake in skinny dipping, whether in the daylight at a nude beach or intimate moonlit gatherings at midnight. In 2018 skinny dipping was declared a special day on the calendar. The American Association for Nude Recreation hosted the first skinny dipping event in 2018. According to the organization, the activity and awareness days are so popular that they are still growing. Various international groups compete to host world-record skinny dip events. 1931 Germany Goes Naked Nudist clubs and societies gather in Germany to form an international nudist organization. 1947 Skinny Dip For the first time in history, the term ‘skinny dip’ is recorded in the English language. 1974 Let’s Go to the Beach The ‘Free Beach’ movement starts in California, encouraging people to be nude there. 1986 Topless Law Challenge Women protest in New York over the issue of going topless in public. 2018 In The Buff The American Association for Nude Recreation hosts the first skinny dipping event. International Skinny Dip Day FAQsWhich U.S. President skinny-dipped in the Potomac?John Quincy Adams is famous for having skinny-dipped. Swimming was his primary source of exercise, as he explained in an 1819 diary entry. As was standard practice at the time, he left his clothing on a nearby rock, skinny dipping in the Potomac. Is skinny dipping still popular?A survey by “MissTravel” showed that more than 70% of travelers have gone skinny-dipping, while 38% have been seen doing it. Many people choose to go skinny dipping in the dark or secluded locations. How do you skinny dip at the beach?There are rules and regulations, even in places where it is acceptable to swim in the nude. To be safe and considerate of those not participating, wear your swimsuit into the water, then stealthily take it off once you’re neck-deep. You can also make your secluded spot by setting up a blow-up or above-ground pool. International Skinny Dip Day Activities
5 Facts About Skinny Dipping That Will Blow Your Socks Off
Why We Love International Skinny Dip Day
International Skinny Dip Day dates
|