I am a 35-year-old woman who has been a Tyagarah clothing-optional beach (COB) regular since 2018. In summer, I am there numerous times a week… and in winter, any opportunity the weather permits. This is my happy place.
Most times, I visit Tyagarah solo, as a female… because that’s how safe I feel at this beach!
If we are to discuss women’s safety with regard to the COB, I feel it’s imperative to learn about the beach culture from a woman, such as myself, who has first-hand experience at Tyagarah on a REGULAR basis.
As a female, I have been on the receiving end of constantly feeling sexualised in society… and mostly when I am clothed, I’ll have you know! On the contrary to what many may assume, the truth is that I feel less sexualised at the COB (when I am stark naked!) than I do when I am walking down the street with my clothes on.
As a female living in a world that upholds unrealistic body image standards where the human body is also hyper-sexualised, getting involved with the naturist community and having the opportunity to experience non-sexual social nudity at the COB has been a truly transformative and healing experience.
And I want for every woman (and man!) to have this opportunity if they so choose!
For four decades The Echo has printed the stories some people loved, some people hated, and some pretended not to read. If you want us to keep telling the truth, the real truth, not the sugar-coated version. We’ll need your support to keep the presses rolling. 
