World Record Skinny Dip

I had mentioned for my goals in 2010 that to accomplish this thing on the 101 Things to Do Before You Die List, I would try to be the world’s largest blood donor.  Well, I have yet to begin that, although I’m not saying I won’t.  However, a new opportunity has presented itself and I’m thinking this one is just too awesome to pass up. 

It began with a post from Gina.  #83 on the list is to go Skinny Dipping (which I have done) and she recounted her experience of skinny dipping in Costa Rica.  At the end of her post she mentioned that she had discovered that a World Record for the largest number of skinny dippers was recorded last July.  I did some research and may or may not have signed up to receive e-newsletters from the American Association for Nude Recreation so that I would be alerted if they planned to do it again.  Lo and behold, the very first newsletter I get is about the 2010 World Record Skinny Dip Attempt, scheduled July 10, 2010.  Of course I have the date marked on my calendar and even contacted fellow TTDers Gina and Miranda to make sure they were aware of the date, in case they’d like to participate. 

I’m actually trying to get some friends to do it with me, as odd as that sounds, but I think I’d feel better doing it with people that I know rather than strangers.  And I know this must just sound crazy, but just think of the awesome story it would make.  As I continue the list, I think its the potential for awesome stories that keeps me going.

Here’s the info about last year and this year’s attempt:

On July 11, 2009, history was made when 13,648 people throughout North America celebrated the joys of skinny-dipping, and in doing so, set the first world record for this marvelous experience. 

At 3 p.m. Eastern Nudist Time, people gathered at 143 locations – beaches, pools, resorts, lakes and hot tubs – and happily shed clothes for the pure pleasures of sun, wind and water.  According to reports received, all participants – even the “newbies” – remained in this state of nature after the official count and proceeded to enjoy the day with new and old friends. 

Some of these thousands of participants were regulars at AANR clubs, campgrounds and resorts, and this was one more fun event they regularly enjoy at these locations.  Others were attracted by the widespread media coverage of the event, the novelty or the urging of friends and family to “try something different.”  The unanimous view of all was that this event should become a regular part of the celebration of Nude Recreation Week, and plans are already underway to break the 2009 record on July 10, 2010.

This exciting project was the brainchild of AANR marketing consultant Randy Savage, who suggested contacting the Guinness organization in April of 2009.  After lengthy discussions, in which Randy explained that the skinny-dip events would be held at dozens of locations, not at a single location such as Spencer Tunick uses for his fascinating photography.  With cooperative goodwill and mutual enjoyment, Randy and the Guinness representatives worked out the rules for validating events that ranged from 25 participants at one location to over 600 at another. 

Media enjoyed this original story and covered it in publications such as Sports Illustrated and USA Today, and on television and radio shows as far away as Australia.   

A question frequently asked by those who have not yet enjoyed skinny-dipping is, “Why?”  The answer was simply summed up by one of the first-timers splashing happily in a pool long after the 3 p.m. official count:  “Once you’ve felt how wonderful it is to be without a bathing suit, you’ll never want to wear one again!” 

So who’s with me?