As Vancouver continues to be lambasted by foreign press that have dubbed these Olympics the “Calamity Games,” Australia has failed to field enough volunteers to properly organize their annual naked version. Basically, they lacked the proper support.

“The…Nude Olympics won’t be happening in 2010, basically due to a manpower problem,” organizer Stephen P — who didn’t want his full name used — told QMI Agency.

The Southern United Naturists have run their bare-bottom Olympiad since the club was founded in the South Australia coastal suburb of Maslin Beach, more than 20 years ago.

The event gained worldwide attention.

Instead of toned athletes speeding down an icy bobsled run, the Nude Olympics featured often middle-aged beach goers taking part in egg and spoon races on hot sand. You wouldn’t find ice hockey, but there was a three-legged race in the 40C heat. And let’s not forget the full-on glory that came with winning the best bum competition.

However, like the original competitions in Greece — where male athletes would often compete without clothes — the Nude Olympics have also hit a snag in old traditions.

“In (the club’s) peak we would have had at least a couple of hundred active members…however times have changed,” said Stephen, a 47-year-old defence satellite communications expert.

They now have only twenty financial members.

He lamented a changing world, where people expect others to do all the work of organizing a massive event like the Olympics, as well as the social taboos that see naturists deal with society’s unease over being naked around children.

A church leader and French horn musician, Stephen does have faith though, that the Olympic spirit will one day rise again over his local beach.

He vowed: “We are confident that the Maslin Nude Olympics will be resurrected one day.”

Until then, he can at least watch the Vancouver Games in the buff.

OR

Take a vacation to Fort Lauderdale in sunny South Florida instead! The Cabanas Guesthouse & Spa is a mens only clothing optional resort, located in Wilton Manors (gay Fort Lauderdale) the gay mecca of Florida. The cabanas is close to everything including nightlife, shopping, the gayborhood, the beach and more. The Cabanas has been voted “best gay clothing optional resort” and it’s no wonder why. For more info, or to plan your mid-winter trip to South Florida, visit the cabanas website at www.thecabanasguesthouse.com

And remember, if you forget your shorts, it wont be an issue.

Fort Lauderdale Beach
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Fort Lauderdale Beach lies along State Route A1A. (also known as Fort Lauderdale Beach Blvd. and Seabreeze Blvd), and is divided into two main sections, North and South.

The more popular area is the southern section, which is the area from Sunrise Blvd south to the Las Olas Blvd area. One can’t help but to take a stroll up and down the golden sandy beaches that provided the setting for the now famous movie “Where    The Boys Are.” You’ll probably find that most of the gays and lesbians hang out in the area between Las Olas Blvd up to Sunrise Blvd. at Sebastian Street, since there are a lot of gay owned and gay friendly resorts/hotels located near here. There is a cross walk signal right at Sebastian with a City parking lot just West of the Gay Section of the Beach.

Although not as popular, the northern beach is just as beautiful, and provides a nice escape from the crowds.  This section of the beach begins at Sunrise Blvd and continues to Oakland Park Blvd.

Parking: Limited and Pricey beachside parking in southern section; Free parking on A1A north of Sunrise Blvd and $3.25 per car all day at Hugh Taylor Birch State Rec Area, located just west of A1A on Sunrise Blvd.
Food: Numerous restaurants and bars along southern section, none along northern section
Facilities: Restrooms and Private establishments along southern section, No restrooms along northern section except for Hugh Taylor Birch State Rec Area (accessible by tunnel from beach)
Lifeguards: 10am to 5pm daily along southern section, none along the northern section

Haulover Beach
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Although not actually in Fort Lauderdale or Broward County, Haulover Beach is a favorite spot for many gays and lesbians. The northern part of the beach is clothing optional (nude). If you prefer to stick with family, go to the northern part of the clothing optional area. No matter where you go, you will be welcome, as everyone here seems to have a live and let live attitude.

Haulover beach is located just about 1 mile south of North Miami Beach Dr (State Route 826) on Collins Ave (State Route A1A) Driving time from Fort Lauderdale is approx. 35 minutes.

Parking: $4.00 for cars and motorcycles at 2 large lots across from beach on west side of Collins Ave – A1A (Park in the north lot if possible – it is closer to the gay beach)
Food: Usually vendors on weekends, or Marina at south parking lot. No glass bottles or containers are allowed.
Facilities: Beachside restrooms, outside shower, lounge chair and umbrella rentals.
Lifeguards: 9am to 5pm daily
Pets: Pets are not allowed on the beach or within the park.

Thank you for visiting our blog! Come visit us!
Bill and John

The Cabanas Guesthouse