Meet the “New Guy”
I’ll be your guide to all things naked sailing, as the newsletter and blog writer for Everything To Sea. My name is Darren Johnson – I’d like to introduce myself to all of you here.
When Dave and Max put out the call for someone to help write and gather content for their platforms, I was intrigued. I don’t consider myself a nudist, but I was on their mailing list, so I must have an interest, right?
I have dabbled with being nude in groups. I’ve been to nude beaches and have been naked in front of other men in public settings before (legally, of course). The thought of going on a nude sailing adventure sounded like something I’d want to experience.
In full disclosure, I have not been on an Everything To Sea adventure yet, but hope to soon.
I’m a newly 45-year-old gay man. I grew up dating women and almost went the traditional marriage route. Why? Because in a traditional Irish and Italian household, that’s what you do.
With that said, coming out was not easy. To add to the (sometimes) difficult process of coming out, I grew up overweight and had self-esteem issues that ran my life. Was I bullied for my weight? Almost daily.
You may be wondering, how is a guy that has self-esteem issues comfortable being nude in front of others? Truth be told, I’m not. At least, I’m not 100% comfortable. That’s something I’m going to be working on and working towards. My Everything To Sea journey will be a part of this process.
I still battle with gaining and losing weight, but I have learned to not let it run my life. I like to think of myself as a fun guy who has accomplished a lot after living in the shadows for so long (thanks to the bullies of the world). I became an on-camera reporter, and a professor in journalism. I guess after being quiet for so long, I had a lot to say publicly. 🙂
Being comfortable with my body is a struggle many men can relate to. I admire those men who find being nude in public to be just as comfortable as walking down the street in a pair of jeans or shorts.
I look forward to researching and writing more about the human body, and the normalcy of nudity, and how important nudity is for our peace of mind and spirit. I also aim to write more about the journeys we’ll plan for you in the future.
Have you struggled with body image issues or been a victim of bullying? Feel free to comment below.
Naked cheers to you. And thanks for reading.
It can be a process. I used to occasionally struggle with body image and being naked in groups, but for the most part am now rather comfortable being naked with others. For me, and I think most guys, it is more about the person himself. I have naked friends with very large, less than ideal bodies, but I love them because of the personality/kindness of the person. It’s really not so much about body shape! So if you have a less than perfect body, remember that it’s not an issue with most guys. The one thing that I think most guys worry about is getting a boner. It really hasn’t been an issue for me but it has happened on occasion and the other guys would just laugh and say to just relax, they weren’t offended and it was normal to happen here and there and not to worry, so that would depend on the group, I guess, but if everyone is naked then it is usually rather chill atmosphere. l did a naked cruise with a different group last year and the experience was so much fun. I would love to do Everything to Sea but it will be a while before I can.
Hi CB Morton, This is Darren. Thanks for the thoughtful reply. I’m looking forward to getting more comfortable in my own skin. I love your line about personality/kindness. That is what does it for me. Personality first, that’s what sparks my interest. I hope to see you someday on a naked sailing!
Thanks so much for your thoughts, CB. I think the more people speak out (like you just did) it will help to ease the minds of many who worry about body image.
We’re excited to hear you are thinking of a cruise with us. We just got back from our first sail since the pandemic. It was safe and a lot of fun. We’ll have photos and blog posts on the trip coming soon. Stay tuned! -Darren
I have also struggled with body image. you know – “I’m not muscular enough; Not hairy enough, my dick is not big enough” – the usual crap we tell ourselves, and believe. But when I’ve had the opportunity to be naked with other men (and it’s not often enough), I’ve found that no one cares. Every guy has been genuinely glad to be in the company of other naked men, no matter what shape their body is in.
I’ve also found that, while there is something erotic about being naked with other naked men, that’s not at all the main focus. Sure, we all look at each other’s dicks – that’s what we do. But there’s much more. For me, there was a bonding element that was much stronger, more freeing and truly spiritual. It’s something that touched me deeply – inside. And I came away from the experience more whole, and a better man for having shared my nakedness with other naked guys.
I would LOVE to travel with EVERYTHING TO SEA. Unfortunately, for the time being, that has to remain a fantasy
on my bucket list.
Hi MF Clark,
You are so right about “freeing” and “spiritual”. I know it’s not for everyone, but I have to admit it was some of the most fun I had (being nude with others) Of course, it took me a while to do it (imagine me in the parking lot of my first nude beach, should I go, should I not go) It was almost like the first time I got the courage to go into a gay bar (I sat in my car for over an hour lol) Thanks for the reply and for reading! -Darren