First up. I should admit I spent quite a lot of time over summer in my birthday suit. It's been hot. I have a pool. I'm home alone quite a bit. And, believe it or not, celebrating my 50th birthday at the start of summer as I did, I'm kind of owning this wobbly old body at the moment. Me and Lady Gaga, one and the same.
It's easy enough to be naked alone. More fun if there's company.
But could I be naked in public?
Fortuitously, or not, Canberra has a place where you can test the theory. Kambah Pool was designated as a nude bathing area back in the 1970s. There was a Nudity Act passed in 1976 which provided protection from arrest for appearing naked in public places and ever since naturists - which is the family friendly term - have been frequenting the picturesque spot.
I've never actually been to Kambah Pool before, even the non nude bit, but it's a lovely spot. Easily accessible, amenities available, plenty of places to throw down a picnic rug and spend a lovely day relaxing on the banks of the Murrumbidgee River.
But we're here to get my gear off so we turn right. That's the trick. Nude bathing ahead, 200m.
There are a few cars in the carpark and I'm a little worried I'll have company.
But apart from photographer Karleen Minney there's no one around. I think she's a little shocked by how quick I nude up and clamber over the rocks to find a good place to immerse myself in the water. Note to self: clambering over rocks while naked is not a good look for those standing behind you.
I find a spot deep enough to stretch out in the water. I'm loving it. The sun is hot on my skin. The water, surprisingly warm too, swirls around my body, dragonflies spin around my head. I'm kind of disappointed when Karleen says she's got the shot and it's time to go.
I think naturists is a good term for it. It's about being one with nature. It's not about displaying your bits to the guy up the beach. I've loved, this summer, feeling the sun on my skin. I know we should be protecting ourselves from all those harmful rays, but there's something about the heat that has warmed me. The same with water running across my belly. It soothes me. At one with the world. Sometimes it's too easy, when you have a pool, or easy access to a public pool, to forget how great it is to swim wild and free.
I wrote a story a while back when the National Gallery of Australia held the naked tours for the James Turrell: A retrospective exhibition back in March, 2015. I didn't condone the tours, or indeed being naked at all.
As I stripped off and slipped into the water at Kambah Pool I wondered what had changed. Whatever it is I'm glad. Don't tell anyone but I'll go back there, wild and free.
Verdict: I did go back. I thought it only right to try this experience by going the full monty, so to speak. About a dozen people were in the main pool. I stripped off and walked confidently into the water. Everyone was friendly, but not overly so, if you get my drift. There was a real sense of community and nothing sexual about it at all, which was a worry. Take the plunge.
Details: Kambah Pool is located off Kambah Pool Road via Sulwood Drive in Kambah. The nude bathing area is clearly signposted. Gates are closed during daylight saving from 9pm to 8am.
0 comments
New User? Sign up