Life in the raw has its perks.

It is liberating. It builds self-esteem. It eliminates class distinctions, and, for that matter, tan lines.

In other words, advocates say, nudism is no longer just a wacky sideshow in Europe. It is taking off in America.

In September, a 1960s-inspired "Nudestock" festival will be held in Wilton, southeast of Sacramento. Hotel rooms and campsites are already fully booked.

"I think it's a real stress-reliever said the co-founder of the Diablo Sun Devils Naturist Club in Lafayette.

The travel club, founded by Marshall and his wife, Vera, in 1999, has swelled to about 1,000 members.

"It's a heck of a great time, dancing nude, going skinny-dipping, jumping in the hot tub -- all in a non-sexual atmosphere."

The American Association for Nude Recreation, based in Kissimmee, Fla., boasts nearly 50,000 individual members, a 76 percent surge in 10 years.

This "clothing-optional" lifestyle pushes a $400 million industry, including cruises, flights, train rides and oceanfront resorts.

In May, the first clothing-optional charter flight -- from Miami to Cancun -- had its 170 travelers buckling up very carefully.

Cruises are becoming a wildly popular pastime for those wearing nothing but carefully placed sunscreen. The first nude cruise lured 500 free souls in 1992; this year, seven such ships went to sea.

"The best part of it," says Carolyn Hawkins, spokeswoman for the national association, "is that you travel more and pack less."

________________________________

Reprinted with permission of Corey Lyons