My Spanish Ex Helped Me Embrace Body Positivity by Visiting Nude Beaches

Hello fabulous folks, wanderers, and wild-hearted beachcombers! Ever wondered how ditching your swimwear can lead to a life-changing journey? Well, let me tell you about the time my Spanish ex — let’s call him Señor Mystery — turned my world upside down at a nude beach.

First Dip into Freedom

Picture this: me, a typical Joe, always rocking long surfer shorts and growing up feeling a bit self-conscious. I was over in Spain to get some honey from my Spanish bear, and after a few days in Madrid, we decided to head to Sitges. It’s a picturesque, gay-friendly town close to Barcelona. We arrived on a Thursday evening and partied late into the night, first at Bears Bar, then at one of the clubs that stay open until the early morning.

The next day, we were both exhausted, so we decided to have a beach day.

There was a great gay beach just across the street from our hotel, but my ex suggested we visit Balmins Beach. I was like, sure — it’s just a short walk from our hotel, so I was game. Little did I know it was a well-known nude beach. My initial reaction? Absolute horror. There was no way I was baring it all in front of strangers. But then my ex, with his charming smile, mentioned that it was totally cool to wear my surfer shorts if I wanted. That little detail made all the difference.

Stepping onto Balmins Beach for the first time felt like I was an extra in a surreal movie — ‘Surfer Dude in the Land of the Bare.’ My long swim shorts felt like a flag marking me as the odd one out. But my ex, with his newfound body positivity, took my hand and led me to the water. His confidence was contagious. One of the funniest moments was when I realized my surfer shorts were basically an American flag — talk about standing out! My ex found it hilarious and teased me about being “Captain America” on a nude beach. That bit of humor helped ease my nerves, and soon enough, I was laughing along.

Surf’s Down, Skins Out!

The mix of people on the beach and the body positivity I saw made me transition from wearing my long swim shorts to enjoying the freedom of swimming without swimwear the very next day. The sun on my skin, the cool water, and the non-judgmental atmosphere were liberating. I began to appreciate my body for what it was and not what I thought it should be.

One day, I forgot to reapply sunscreen and ended up with a sunburn in the most awkward places. My ex joked that I looked like a lobster who forgot his shell. It hurt to laugh, but that moment made me realize how much I had lightened up about my body. Speaking of sun, let’s talk about Vitamin D. It’s vital for our health, and what better way to get it than by soaking up some rays? However, balance is essential. Overexposure can lead to skin damage, so lather up with that high SPF sunscreen and take breaks in the shade. I use my SPF 50 with pride!

The Gay Section and Camaraderie

Not every beach is like Balmins. For other beaches, I do prefer to go to the gay section. If you’ve never been, imagine a place where everyone is free to be themselves, and the camaraderie is off the charts. There’s a special kind of bond that forms when you’re all basking in the sun together, sharing stories, laughs, and maybe a disco playlist or two. It’s a beautiful mix of acceptance, freedom, and community.

One particularly memorable day, someone brought a portable speaker and started blasting ABBA at another gay nude beach in Catalonia. We were at a beach called El Torn. Before long, a group of bears next to us were reenacting scenes from “Mamma Mia!” on the beach. I may or may not have nailed the high notes of “Dancing Queen” — my ex would argue otherwise. We didn’t know the bear group next to us, but we made friends that day, and they invited us to share their barbecue on the beach in the evening. Unfortunately, we had dinner reservations in Sitges.

The North European Approach to Body Positivity

Speaking of body acceptance, let’s talk about the North European way of demystifying the body. While I was still with my Spanish bear, we went to Bear Week in Cologne. The first day, we went to a spa outside of Cologne that was open to everyone. Everyone was chilled and respectful to each other, and being naked outside in the pool was perfectly normal. We also went to a German spa that was for all. And everyone was naked as the most normal thing. My Finnish friend has told me that this is common in Finland too. It was different when we went to a gay sauna in Cologne, but that is a different story.

This cultural norm of communal nudity helps people accept their bodies better by normalizing the human form in a non-sexualized way. Growing up with such practices can make a world of difference in how comfortable you feel in your own skin, much like my experience with my ex at Balmins Beach.

Embracing Body Positivity Everywhere

Across the globe, more people are embracing body positivity in various forms. Whether it’s nude beaches, clothing-optional resorts, or even just practicing self-love at home, the movement is empowering individuals to feel comfortable and confident in their bodies. It’s about celebrating diversity and realizing that beauty comes in all shapes, sizes, and colors.

First-Timer’s Guide to Stripping Down Without Frowning

Thinking of stripping down to your birthday suit for the first time? Here’s how to keep it classy and comfortable on your first nude beach adventure:

Do:

• Check the Vibe: Each beach has its own flavor. Some are like a disco without the clothes, others more like a quiet retreat. Know before you go!
• Pack the Necessities: Sunscreen (for parts that haven’t seen the sun in years!), a big towel (sit on it, trust me), and shades (for sun protection, not for sneaky peeks!).
• Embrace Your Body: Nude beaches are the perfect spot to celebrate every roll, fold, and fur patch. Skinny, muscular or chubby? Be proud and be accepting of others!
• Space it Out: Keep a comfy distance towards strangers. This isn’t a crowded elevator; everyone should have room to spread their paws.

Don’t:

• Be a Goggle-Eyed Tourist: Eyes up here, buddy! Or better yet, on the horizon. It’s all about respect. A smile is always nice, but staring like a mad clown is just freaky.
• Turn Into a Paparazzi: Keep your camera tucked away. This isn’t a photo op — it’s a privacy must! Snap selfies if you must, but respect the privacy of others around you.
• Get Frisky: This isn’t the place for your best bear moves. Keep it PG and polite. If you find the love of your life, they’re worth waiting a few minutes for so you can find the privacy of a room.
• Stress Out: First time? Breathe in, breathe out. It’s just you, the sea breeze, and a bunch of people forgetting their laundry day. Relax and enjoy the liberating experience.

By diving into these culturally rich waters and adhering to the beachy protocol, you’re all set for a splendid, sun-kissed adventure that celebrates diversity and skin in all its glory. So fluff up your fur, toss those threads, and let’s make some waves, beach-style!

Conclusion

My journey from a self-conscious American guy to a body-positive beach lover is a testament to the power of self-acceptance and the joy of new experiences. Thanks to my ex’s support, I discovered a newfound love for nude beaches and body positivity.

So, whether you’re a seasoned nude beachgoer or a curious newbie, remember to stay hydrated, protect your skin, respect others, and, most importantly, have fun! Life’s too short to be anything but fabulous, so embrace your body, enjoy the sun, and make some unforgettable memories. So go forth, my fabulous beachcombers! Embrace the sun, the sand, and your beautiful selves.

A Special recommendations for My Fellow Bears in Provincetown for the Bear week

If you are planning to hit the nude beaches close to Provincetown during Bear Week, here are some tips to keep in mind:

Stay Hydrated: It’s a bit of a walk to Boy Beach, so pack plenty of water to stay refreshed during the trek and while you relax on the beach.

Choose Your Challenge: If mobility is an issue, consider opting for Herring Cove Beach instead.

Watch Out for Poison Ivy: The dunes can be a tricky terrain, so keep an eye out for poison ivy.

Beware of Wildlife and Currents: Provincetown’s beaches are beautiful, but remember, you’re sharing the space with wildlife, and the currents can be strong. Don’t swim alone.