Clothing optional

Get your nude on at these events where like-minded people meet in the buff.

From mass moonings and clothing-optional restaurants to nude canoeing (canuding) and bare golf, Sarah Roberts examines naked recreation around the world.

Seamless cycling. Vancouver is a regular host of World Naked Bike Ride events, which aim to “put a stop to the indecent exposure of people and the planet to cars and the pollution they create.” Organizers claim cycling naked isn't much different to pedalling while clothed: “When riding with clothes on you’re often rubbing against the seams, so in some ways naked riding is comfier.” Saddle up for the next local ride on June 18.

Other Olympics. Tug of war, three-legged race and best bum are among the disciplines at the annual Maslin Beach Nude Olympics, near Adelaide, Australia. Also closely contested is the Bare Buns Run at Vancouver’s Wreck Beach.

No bull. To highlight animal welfare concerns at Pamplona’s famous Running of the Bulls, hundreds of activists—most wearing only red scarves and plastic horns—sprint through the Spanish city in the Running of the Nudes.

Double dipping. The American Association for Nude Recreation coordinates the annual World Record Skinny Dip, in which bare bathers from all over North America—including Wreck Beach—simultaneously take to the water. Last year’s total was 14,110.

Anatomic art. Skin becomes a canvas at the World Bodypainting Festival, a major showcase for international body artists. More than 30,000 visitors, including Shaggy, are expected at this year’s event in Austria.

Straight flush. With strict rules governing both cards and clothing, contestants at the Strip Poker World Championships start with five wardrobe items and finish with just a towel to sit on.

Words | Sarah Roberts