Monday, June 22, 2009

Skinny-Dipping In The Silly Season

Yesterday was the first day of summer, and the silly season is officially here. The Guinness World Records Organization has just created a new category for the largest number of people simultaneously skinny-dipping. "In conformance with the stated rules of The Guinness World RecordsTM Organization, all participants to be counted must be completely nude during the skinny-dip. In addition, and as with all Guinness World Records events, all record attempts will be witnessed by a designated 'member in standing' of the local community."

On July 11th at 12:00, "the largest skinny-dip Across North America" will be held at Crescent Rock Beach in South Surrey. You can read more about it here. And no, I won't be participating. Anyway, it's all in good fun.

I think everyone should have the experience of skinny-dipping at least once in their lives. When we were kids, we used to skinny-dip at this swimming hole in the Englishman River on Vancouver Island. Due to a weird anomaly of the weather, the town where I grew up is often the hottest place in Canada during the summer months, and is definitely the hottest place on Vancouver Island, getting up to 100 degrees Fahrenheit and more. So there was nothing salacious about skinny-dipping, we just thought it felt so much better to go sans bathing suits.

Well, I wish them luck with their attempt to set a world record for skinny-dipping on July 11th. I have a feeling they will have a lot of fun ... and I wonder if it will make the 6:00 news.

27 comments:

robert said...

Good morning from Athens.
As I'm about to leave for a six day break hotel will surely have this post in mind and my camera with me ;)
Well, let me think, last time was probably 1993 Lloret de Mar, Spain - see time to enjoy it again.
Please have a nice week.

Alissa Grosso said...

I have to say, I've never been skinny dipping. If I lived closer, I might consider taking part in the record setting event. It sounds like fun!

Owen said...

I didn't get my invitation yet !
:-(
Maybe they could make it a worldwide event, and all 7 billion of us could get naked and jump in the nearest body of water on the same date at about the same time...
:-)

Lone Grey Squirrel said...

Ah, I wish I had a swimming hole like that when I was growing up. Heck! I wish I had a swimming hole like that now! You are one blessed individual.

KathyB. said...

I think I will pass on the opportunity to skinny dip, although there have been some pretty hot days when skinny dipping sounded tempting!

I do have a picture of me as a baby , skinny dipping in a very big bucket....and eating water melon at the same time!

lovelyprism said...

Skinny dipping feels like such a guilty pleasure, but it's soooo nice. I however could not be naked with that many people around me, especially if they were all naked too. I just do not want to see that! lol

Leah Fry said...

I think part of the appeal is the fact that it's slightly scandalous. It's the same kind of thrill you get having sex in places where there's a chance you'll be caught.

Country Girl said...

You are right, Josie. Everyone needs to skinny dip at least once in their lives. It just feels good. And a little naughty, too!

I love the painting of the woman in the lake. That's a beauty.

the walking man said...

By not participating Jo if they fail at the record by 1...you do realize that it will be your fault right? I wouldn't want that on my conscience. Would you?

Russell said...

The Paul Chabas 1912 painting, Matinee de Septembre -- or as we know it, September Morn -- has a fascinating history. I am sure you know it.

The artist was given the Medal of Honor for his work in France upon its completion at a Paris art show. However, when he sent it to New York the head of the Society for the Suppression of Vice (yes, there was such a group) demanded that the painting be removed.

Of course, the censor's attempt to have the painting removed only made it all the more desirable (some things never change and such people never seem to figure it out -- but I won't get into the religion thing again here - heh!!).

Soon September Morn was being displayed on calendars and all sorts of advertising and people were becoming rich selling this allegedly scandalous image!

Have fun on July 11th at noon! Um, are people taking cameras??! Inquiring minds want to know!

The Bug said...

There is a picture of me around age 4 trying to head to our wading pool in my all-together - but I was intercepted before I made it in the water. That was the closest I ever came to skinny dipping - & at this last date it's probably not going to happen now!

TC said...

It's good to know some things never go out of style. Our swimming hole was Uncle Sam's Creek, named after Uncle Sam White, not the real Uncle Sam. I have skinny dipped there and it is by a highway, that's all I'm saying.

Brenda said...

This is the second naked event I have heard about on the blogs. The other was bike riding. Skinny dipping is an adventure. Bike riding naked is.....I just don't know why someone would do that?! It seems much more dangerous and not very comfortable.

Patty said...

Thanks for your visit. Skinny dipping is one thing I have never done and doubt I would unless my body is in flames and the water is right there. LOL Even the once or twice I went to a swimming hole, I always wore a bathing suit. Myself i preferred a pool over the swimming hole. But since I never liked to be out in the sun for any long period of time, I didn't even go to a pool often. Time to think of something to fix for lunchtime.

PhilipH said...

Nowadays there are beaches and resorts where naturists, nudists or anynoddy, err anybody can shed their clobber and run, play and swim free.

I've never actually found one. Not that I've ever searched for one, well, not knowlingly.

Some of the bathing costumes, especially the ladies, are so skimpy as to leave little to the imagination. As near nude as dammit! Lubberly...

Phil

Swetha said...

ha ha ha:) i have never heard of such an event in my life! its sounds like fun .. but my mom would kill me if i participate !

Marguerite said...

Skinny dipping, yes, I love it! I've been skinny dipping many times in my life and since I have a pool, I still do, on occasion. Happy Summer, Jo!

Leslie: said...

I think I'll head on down to take part - NOT...lol

I did skinny dip once in my life - it was during our honeymoon and we took the boat waaaaay out into Shuswap Lake and jumped in. Not so sure I'd be into skinny dipping en masse though. ;)

Nancy said...

I remember those days. I must have at least one more (maybe a little more discreet).

Charles Gramlich said...

Did a lot of skinny dipping in my day. Growing up on a farm.

TheChicGeek said...

I love skinny dipping :D Something about the water next to your skin...it just feels so free. I love your pictures too, Jo.
Have a Happy Day!

Deedee said...

P.S. - beautiful painting-is it a Maxfield Parrish? I love his work.

larkspur said...

Never have, but I think it's about time!

Mark and Patty of Crystal Pyramid Productions in San Diego said...

There are a few swimming holes around here that I love to baptize myself in. You don't baptize yourself wearing clothes, now do ya? The only way to get the full effects of these "fountains of youth" is by allowing the skin to touch the water. Good thing nobody else knows about these places; I'm not so inclined to go nude around too many pairs of eyes.

Patsy said...

I haven't skinny dipped, but I once jumped into my girlfriend's pool fully clothed. It was great fun until I realized that I had been wearing a watch, and of course it was ruined.

I might skinny dip in the pool though.

~Lorna

Anonymous said...

Well I couldn't have done it even when I did have a thin taut body and the self-confidence of youth, but you just have to admire people who have the ability to cast off inhibition like little children and allow others to see them in their birthday suits. I say go for it!!

Paula Slade said...

I'm sure this will make the evening news! :)