Yes—nude pickleball is officially a thing! One of the quirkier aspects of pickleball is that playing the sport in the nude is now a common and ever-more popular version of the sport. Several clothing-optional resorts have pickleball courts, and some nude pickleball fans are even asking when a national nude pickleball day will be announced!
What Is Nude Pickleball?
Nude pickleball is exactly what it says it is. You only wear a hat (or visor), tennis shoes, and socks!
It isn’t easy to find exactly where nude pickleball originated, but the most likely answer is Florida given its prominence in the pickleball world. Florida has the highest number of nude or clothing-optional pickleball courts.
The first time nude pickleball was reported in the U.S. was when an English couple visited the Cypress Cove nudist resort in Kissimmee, Florida. They laid down pickleball lines over the tennis courts and began playing. The nude variation of the sport caught on from there.
Mike Sullivan, a USA pickleball ambassador and resident of Cypress Cove, says, “Pickleball is the biggest sport here – nothing else comes close.”
Where Can You Play Nude Pickleball?
A lot of clothing-optional resorts have been adding courts and holding tournaments. The Cypress Cove Resort in Kissimmee, Florida, now has more than 170 dues-paying members who play naked seven days a week. The resort also holds a nude pickleball tournament yearly. It is known as the “Clothing Independence Day Tournament.”
Florida is the center of nude pickleball, with Orlando and Tampa Bay having resorts and clubs that offer the opportunity to play in the nude.
The Eden RV Resort in Pasco County, Florida, is a clothing-optional resort offering nude pickleball. The Lake Bronson Club in Sultan, Washington, also allows visitors to participate in naked pickleball games.
Here are two other resorts that offer nude pickleball:
Pros/Cons Of Nude Pickleball
Pros of nude pickleball:
- The feeling of liberation and enjoyment playing naked.
- More comfortable to play while nude with no sweaty or sticky clothing to hamper your movement.
- Improved body image and self-esteem
- Increased confidence and self-acceptance
- Improved mental health and reduced stress
- Greater appreciation for the human body and its diversity
- Sense of community and social connection
- Greater connection with nature and the outdoors
Cons of nude pickleball:
- The danger of sun damage to the skin increases, especially in the southern states. Sunblock is highly recommended!
- Injury due to bare skin colliding with wood, concrete, shale, or astroturf is more likely.
- Some people may feel uncomfortable or self-conscious participating in sports while naked, especially if they are not used to being naked in social settings.
- Naturist pickleball may not be suitable for people who are uncomfortable being naked around others or who may feel vulnerable or exposed to such an environment.
- There may be issues related to hygiene and cleanliness, as people may sweat and engage in physical activity while naked.
- Naked pickleball may not be suitable for people who have certain physical conditions or disabilities that make it difficult or impossible for them to participate in sports while naked.
- Some people may perceive nudity as inappropriate or offensive, which may be met with criticism or backlash.
Other Sports Often Played Nude
A wide variety of sports and physical activities can be enjoyed in a naturist or nudist setting. Some popular naturist sports include:
- Swimming: Naturist swimming is popular at many nudist resorts and beaches.
- Volleyball: Naturist volleyball is a popular team sport that can be played on a beach or at a nudist resort.
- Tennis: Naturist tennis is another popular team sport that can be enjoyed in a nudist setting.
- Hiking: Some naturists enjoy hiking and exploring the outdoors while naked.
- Yoga: Nude yoga classes are often offered at nudist resorts and retreats.
- Frisbee: Naturist frisbee is a fun and casual outdoor activity that people of all ages can enjoy.
- Nude cornhole: Cornhole is a lawn game in which players throw small bags filled with corn or beans at a raised platform with a hole in the middle.
- Ping Pong: Ping-pong or table tennis is a popular indoor nudist sport played on a rectangular table divided by a net.
