Couples of Naturism – Rachel and Russel
There’s a lot of noise out there about what naturism is supposed to look like, but for those of us living it, the reality is much quieter and more personal. We decided to sit down with some of the couples of naturism we’ve found and ask the questions that actually matter to us.
We skipped the “beginner’s guide” stuff and went straight for the deep end: emotional safety, the reality of aging bodies, and how physical transparency changes the way you communicate. It’s the kind of stuff you only talk about when you’ve truly reached a level of comfort with someone.
These aren’t your typical Q&As. They’re honest, sometimes funny, and occasionally raw reflections on what happens when you decide to stop hiding. We wanted to move away from the “curated” version of naturism and highlight the real people who are making this lifestyle work in their everyday lives.
Whether it’s navigating a moment of doubt or sharing a laugh over something silly, these stories are about the genuine connection that happens when you’re brave enough to be vulnerable. We’re sharing them not just to learn about others, but to help everyone understand the profound sense of freedom that comes from being loved exactly as you are.
Meeting the Naked Hikers
We’d like you to say hi to Rachel and Russell. We first came across them through their advocacy work online on Instagram, and we really appreciate them wanting to jump into the deep end with us for this series.
Before we move into our main questions, we asked them to introduce themselves and tell us a bit about their life together. They’ve been together for 14 years after meeting online and hitting it off instantly. About 6 or 7 years ago, they found their way into naturism, and it’s become a massive part of how they see the world. I found it interesting how closely their story matches ours, 11 years since meeting online and 6 years since discovering naturism.
They shared with us that they love the feeling of being naked, especially when swimming, and how it helps them connect with nature and each other. For them, it’s about making that closer bond as a couple and finding like-minded people along the way. They’ve been lucky enough to travel the world exploring beaches and resorts in Florida, the Caribbean, and even Thailand. Back home in the UK, they’ve built a community through campsites and festivals.
Rachel mentioned that she sees naturism as a “great leveler”… a place where no one makes assumptions about your clothes or class because everyone is equal. As a woman in her late fifties, she told us she’s proud of her body and has learned to love her curves.
Couples of Naturism
Now the main questions:
1. What first drew each of you to naturism, and who took the first step?
We’re both always looking to try new things. We’re both body confident and decided together to try naturism so we could connect more with each other and our surroundings.
Our first proper experience was on a trip to Orient Beach is St Martin. I remember it was quite nerve wracking the first time but as soon as I went for a swim I felt amazing!
We’ve never looked back since then.
2. You mentioned naturism being a “great leveller.” What does that mean in your real-life experiences?
Whenever we meet other naturists at festivals or resorts there’s no prejudices or presumptions. We’re all naked so not being judged on our clothes or background or jobs. We’re all there for the same reason, to enjoy naturism.
3. Rachel, you shared that naturism improved your self-confidence and body image. What changed for you personally?
I’ve always been body confident but as I approached my fifties I found my body changing which started to give me a negative body image.
Since exploring naturism I’ve seen all different ages,shapes and sizes and have come to realise that every body is unique and beautiful!
This has made me grateful for my body and I love my curves.
4. Russell, how has naturism affected you as a man… in terms of confidence, vulnerability, or identity?
I’ve always been confident and happy in my own skin.
5. How has being nude together in social spaces changed (or strengthened) your relationship?
It’s definitely strengthened our relationship as it’s made us feel closer and more connected. We’ve never had an issue getting naked in front of each other but it’s a very different feeling being naked in front of others as well.
Attending various workshops and social activities at naturist festivals has also brought us closer together. We’ve never had any jealousy issues and don’t compare ourselves or each other with other naturists.
6. You’ve travelled to naturist destinations around the world. Have you noticed cultural differences in how naturism is practiced?
Naturism is definitely accepted more in some countries. We only found one designated naturist beach in Thailand but there was a lovely naturist resort in Rawai. French Caribbean islands are very naturist friendly, as are France and Germany .
It’s very inexpensive to see how different cultures view naturism .
7. What misconceptions about naturism do you most wish people understood differently?
A lot of people we tell are shocked by our lifestyle.
Comments are mostly “ I’d be so embarrassed” or “is it all about sex?”
8. Have you ever faced judgment or awkward moments because of being naturists? How did you handle it?
Some friends disapprove as they don’t really understand.
We always try and explain how and why we do it and that it’s nothing to be embarrassed about and is totally non sexual .
I’ve nearly been caught naked a few times when filming for our Instagram but I always have a dry robe at hand just in case!
9. What would you say to someone, especially a woman later in life, who feels curious but unsure about trying naturism?
I’d say to definitely just give it a go! Try a day at a naturist resort or campsite and just chat to the other people… we’re just people who enjoy being naked.
10. If each of you had to describe what naturism gives you as a couple in one word each… what would it be, and why?
Rachel – togetherness. It’s a passion that we both share so it’s something we enjoy doing together.
Russell – connection. It’s brought closer as a couple as we’ve become more aware of ourselves and each other
One last question… what do you think needs to change in naturist spaces, especially to help more women feel safe and comfortable participating?
It’s always good to have someone with you who you feel comfortable with. It’s also good to have a few rules such as:
No single men soliciting women
No photography unless agreed by the individual
An organiser to talk to them if you felt uncomfortable
A women’s only space
We’re so grateful to Rachel and Russel for being willing to open up like this. It’s one thing to live this lifestyle privately, but it’s another thing entirely to let others peek behind the curtain at the hesitations and the quiet realizations that actually make a relationship work. Seeing the way they navigate their journey with such a deep sense of mutual respect really hits home for us.
It’s a great reminder that while every couple does naturism a little differently, the foundation is almost always the same: a willingness to be seen, flaws and all, by the person you love most.
If you’re just starting to explore the idea of naturism with your partner, we hope their story made the whole thing feel a bit more “human” and a lot less intimidating. And if you’ve been doing this for years, maybe you recognized some of your own history in their words.
You can find Rachel and Russel promting naturism on Instagram at “@thenakedhiker” and their backup “@thenakedhikeragain”.
If you enjoyed meeting Rachel and Russel , we invite you to meet another naturist couple, Andrew and Lisa… and experience how differently (and beautifully) this same philosophy can be lived.
We’d love to keep these conversations going, so if you and your partner have a story you’re still figuring out… or one that’s deeply settled… reach out to us. You don’t need to have a perfect “success story” to share… you just need to be willing to talk about how it actually feels to live this life together.
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