Naturism means many things to many different people. The American Heritage Dictionary's definition of naturism is simply: nudism. Nudism in term is defined as: "The belief in or practice of going nude, especially in secluded, sexually mixed groups for reasons of health"
A clinical definition doesn't really cut it, another view is necessary to convey what naturism is really about.

There are two leading organizations promoting naturism or nude recreation in the US, The Naturist Society and the American Association of Nude Recreation (AANR). Each of these organizations offer a more personable view.

The Naturist Society's view is to:
"Promote a culture of body acceptance through clothing-optional recreation, using the tools of education and community outreach. They celebrate the nude human form as inherently wholesome and natural; promote attitudes of tolerance and respect toward the body, and reject the exploitation of the body for commercial or sexual purposes. They view clothing-optional recreation as essential to body acceptance. Through clothing-optional recreation participants, be they individuals, couples or families, learn to appreciate the diversity of body types, gain a better understanding and acceptance of their own bodies, and reap the social, psychological, and physical benefits of a healthy and natural way of life."

AANR's philosophy is:
"Nude recreation is a form of self expression. It embraces the joy of living and experiencing nature in the most natural way possible. To relax and be nude is to let yourself be totally free. Although we enjoy clothing-free activities in appropriate settings, we also choose to wear clothes when practical.

Naturists respect each other's individuality. Our own self-esteem is enhanced by our ability to accept ourselves as we really are. Social class distinctions stated by clothing disappear. We find it easy to accept others regardless of physical size, shape, or body condition. People who enjoy nude recreation distinguish between nudity and sex and keep the two in their proper perspective."

Our Philosophy
The Paddling Bares Canoe Club is a group of singles, couples, and families that are both naturists and canoeists. We desire the ability to combine canoeing with naturism. When we canoe, we want to also practice naturism. Most of our trips will have people who canoe nude, or at least are nude when we stop to skinnydip or camp. When on one of our trips we want to:
Swim without a clammy, clingy swim suit
Experience the freedom of being unencumbered by clothing
Feel the warm sun on our bodies
Lounge around camp in comfort
Not have to worry about changing clothes in a small confined tent
Enjoy a wholesome, family environment

We do not want to offend anyone who is uncomfortable with the concepts of naturism. When we encounter other individuals on our trips, we make a concerted effort to avoid offending them by covering up.
We do not require you to be nude when on our trips. In fact, there are many times when it is not practical- other people are around, it is cold, buggy, etc. We are considered pro-choice when it comes to clothing. We support your choice to wear or not wear clothes when with us, and when the situation permits. At the same time, we expect you to understand that naturism and being nude does not equate to sex or sexual stimulation. We expect you to behave as if you were in a family environment- because you are.