What happens when naturism becomes more than being naked and opens the door to art, creativity, movement, and community?

In this episode of Hiking Without a Stitch, I’m joined by Isla, also known as Naturista Isla, to talk about her journey into naturism, her experiences as a nude art model, life in a clothing-optional community, and her work organizing the AcroNatural Festival at Lake Como Family Nudist Resort in Florida.

Isla shares how a life-drawing session in 2023 introduced her to art modeling and led to new experiences, friendships, and a deeper appreciation for body acceptance. We talk about what everyday life looks like in a nudist community, from gardening and walking her dog to potlucks, bonfires, and finding connection with people from different backgrounds.

We also discuss AcroNatural, an event bringing together naturism, acro yoga, circus arts, dance, meditation, music, and other creative activities. Isla shares her vision for creating a welcoming space where people can try something new, connect with others, and feel comfortable showing up as themselves, regardless of age, experience, or whether they arrive alone or with a partner.

Throughout our conversation, we explore body confidence, overcoming the fear of being judged, and the importance of respecting and protecting the clothing-optional spaces that allow these communities to thrive.

Naturism can be about so much more than taking your clothes off. It can be about friendship, self-acceptance, creativity, and discovering that you have more in common with others than you might expect.

AcroNatural Festival

Join Isla and the Lake Como community for AcroNatural, a festival celebrating naturism, movement, creative expression, and connection.

Featured activities include:

• Circus and flow arts workshops
• Latin dance lesson and social
• Fire handling and fire dancing
• Acro yoga
• Dragon staff and poi
• Aerial hammocks
• Drum circle
• Nature walks
• Silk fan dancing and poetry
• Hypnotic meditation
• Morning yoga and sound bath
• Talent show
• UV body painting
• Glow dance party

Registration details

• Online registration: $100
• Online registration period: October 8–November 4
• Online registration closes: November 4
• Tickets may still be purchased in person after online registration closes.

Location:

Lake Como Family Nudist Resort
20500 Cot Road
Lutz, FL 33558

Festival registration:
https://lakecomonaturally.com/acro/

Additional registration form:
https://form.jotform.com/lakecomonaturally/acro-g?utm_id=97760_v0_s00_e0_tv4&fbclid=PAVERFWAVPdj5leHRuA2FlbQIxMABwZG9mAmZkaWQWURPk7ktNk16c7xXy6TJ4B57EjNmfTHNydGMGYXBwX2lkDzEyNDAyNDU3NDI4NzQxNAABp68xOpjabCEICpLhvI_Lk6s6jifj_2dygv7Tohae43qq0fPUV-hLtF2F3tFg_aem_gzEmEKw8uOBOLqxbNyGFkQ

Connect with Isla and AcroNatural

• Isla / Naturista Isla: Instagram @naturistaisla
• Lake Como Community Life Drawing: Instagram @lakecomocommunitylifedrawing
• AcroNatural Festival: Instagram @acronaturalfestival

Join us for an honest conversation about finding your people, stepping outside your comfort zone, and building a community where everyone has room to be themselves.

Thanks for listening to Hiking Without a Stitch.

Get NAKED + Be Free + Be Kind

Follow the journey on Instagram: @HikingWithoutAStitch

Nudity is just the beginning. In this episode of Hiking Without a Stitch, Jon sits down with Captain Amy, joining from her colorful canal boat, to talk about naturism, body confidence, emotional regulation, and learning to live with intention.

Amy shares her journey toward feeling more comfortable in her own skin, along with practical ways to navigate difficult emotions, set boundaries, and shift your mindset toward what you want out of life.

We talk about stepping outside your comfort zone, the differences between naturism in the UK and Arizona, and some of Amy’s unique experiences, including naked fire performances and watching the sunrise at Glastonbury Tor.

Amy also shares her work creating welcoming, clothing-optional communities, including Bare Bun Boaty, Nudeventurous Camp, and the Naturally Curious Women panel. We discuss her podcast, Get Royally Unfucked, and her Body Confidence Upgrade challenge.

This conversation is about more than nudity. It’s about self-trust, communication, personal growth, and finding the freedom to be yourself.

Connect with Captain Amy:

• Website: https://barebumboaty.com
• Instagram / TikTok / Facebook: @barebumboaty
• YouTube / Instagram: @nudeventurous

Get NAKED + Be Free + Be Kind

Follow the journey on Instagram: @HikingWithoutAStitch

In this episode, I’m sitting down with my friend Julian to talk about how he got into naturism and what it’s been like finding community along the way.

Julian and I have hiked naked and spent time together in nature here in Arizona, so this is a pretty personal conversation. We talk about his first experiences, his wife’s part in his journey, and how social media and mutual connections helped him meet other people interested in non-sexual nudity.

We also get into something I think is really important: how do you meet people safely when you’re getting into this? Julian shares what he’s learned about setting boundaries, getting to know people beforehand, meeting in comfortable environments, and making sure everyone is on the same page.

And we talk about one of his more unique experiences—traveling to Australia with his wife and taking part in a clothing-optional afternoon boat trip.

This conversation is about getting more comfortable with yourself, finding community, trying new things, and learning how to do it in a way that feels right for you.

If you’ve been curious about naturism or meeting other people who enjoy non-sexual nudity, I hope Julian’s story gives you something to think about.

SHOW NOTES

Mira Vista Resort — Tucson, Arizona
Mira Vista is a clothing-optional resort in the Tucson area where Julian and I recorded this conversation. Their website has information about day visits, accommodations, events, and the resort’s policies.

Mira Vista Resort

A reminder about meeting people:
If you’re meeting someone new through social media or online, take your time. Talk beforehand, make sure you’re looking for the same kind of experience, set your boundaries, meet somewhere you’re comfortable, let someone you trust know where you’ll be, and make sure you have your own way home. And as always, do what you’re comfortable with.

Thanks for listening to Hiking Without a Stitch.

Get NAKED + Be Free + Be Kind

Follow the journey on Instagram: @HikingWithoutAStitch