What A Summer Day Looks Like In Praia Do Pinho, The Birthplace Of Nudism In Brazil; See Photos NSC Total

Talking about Praia do Pinho arouses great curiosity. Although it is the birthplace of nudism in Brazil with a history of half a century, it still captures the imagination of many people. Who takes part, how does it work? And what happens when someone gets excited? These are common questions in conversation circles, and to answer them we spoke to those who chose to enjoy a summer day when they came into the world.

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But first let's talk about the beach. The water is clean and the light sand is super soft. It is about 500 meters long, so even people with limited physical fitness can take a walk to see it in its entirety. It is located on the banks of Avenida Rodesindo Pavan in the Balneário Camboriú district. Due to the vegetation, it is not visible from the street, which offers bathers even more privacy.

The beach is public and no entrance fee is required. To get there there are two ways. There is a path marked with a gate, so it is not unusual to see rows of cars parked along the road. There is also an access road for cars that leads to the parking lot of a complex with a hotel, campsite and restaurant so there is infrastructure for bathers.

The place even has an information center to answer tourists' questions. Data from the city's annual beach management report shows about 400 people pass through the site daily.

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Gilberto, 62 years old, gives a number of reasons why he chose to enjoy the summer at Praia do Pinho. The Balneário Camboriúbased real estate agent in the city of skyscrapers praises the lush nature, intimate space and democratic access. This is because it is no longer compulsory to take off your clothes when going to the sea or swimming in the sea.

Yes, but what if someone is upset? The Brazilian Naturism Association's recommendation states that this can happen, especially with newcomers. The advice is to be discreet, cover your private parts, swim in the sea or just think about something random until the erection disappears. “As with any social gathering, good manners must be used,” the company says.

View photos of Praia do Pinho

The pictures are by photographer Patrick Rodrigues and were taken with the permission of the bathers.

All naked?

According to Eduarda, 45, the mix of naked and clothed people ultimately caused discomfort. She and her husband have been enjoying summer at Praia do Pinho for a decade. They come from the time when everyone had to be naked to enter and there was a division: couples on one side and singles on the other. The tourist says that the change attracted curious people who only sexually look at those without clothes.

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Salvador, 48 years old, even visited Galheta beach, in Florianópolis, but without much infrastructure on the capital's nudist beach, he went to Balneário Camboriú, where he lives. He found a place close to home where he could enjoy the hot days when he was born. As a supporter of nudism for 15 years, he also didn't like the idea of allowing entry “to those who just come to look but don't want to be seen.”

Another problem raised by Eduarda and Salvador is the question of sexuality. For the Naturist codeThe lack of clothing should not have a sexual connotation. But for those who do not practice “philosophy,” nudity takes on a libidinal tone. Then comes the problem of the masturbation and sex scenes reported to city hall. They are reportedly found on the shore behind some rocks.

On the day the reporter visited Praia do Pinho, there were no blatant, shall we say “inappropriate” scenes. However, it is important to remember that this is a nudist beach and, according to municipal legislation, does not allow sex or similar scenes. Obscene and libidinal acts are criminal offenses under the Criminal Code, with penalties varying from three months to five years.

Code of Ethics for Tourism

A code of ethics from the Brazilian Naturism Association lists behavior considered inappropriate on beaches or in nudist clubs across the country. You can find some of them in the list below:

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Sexually conspicuous behavior and/or engaging in sexual or obscene acts in public areas;
Exercising physical violence as a means of attacking others;
possession or use of illegal toxic drugs;
Behaving in a disrespectful or discriminatory manner towards other naturists or visitors;
Cause embarrassment by practicing inappropriate attitudes.

Pinho Beach in the spotlight

Praia do Pinho brought Balneário Camboriú into the spotlight in the 1980s, the result of a strategy to promote the city on the basis of nudism, says Tourism Minister Thiago Veslasques. The current Master plan recognizes the location as an area for this practice. However, in recent years the place has become the target of frequent complaints about libidinal acts in public.

The military police say they have not been called for this reason in the past year and have not responded to inquiries. Still, nudity is in the spotlight at Praia do Pinho. A bill currently being worked on in the city council would see the nudist place ended and people without clothes banned. According to Veslasques, the matter will be subject to a public hearing so that a democratic decision can be made.

If approved, the proposal would allow nonnudists to visit the beach. On the other hand, abolishing nudism would be a step backwards, say those who attend it. Countries such as Germany, Greece, Spain, the United States and Portugal have beaches where nudity is allowed.

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