Is Ballito ready to bare it all with ‘Starker’s Bay’ nude beach proposal

In a likely controversial move, North Coast Tourism will on Friday, April 1, submit an application to provincial government to demarcate a potion of Thompson’s Bay as a nudist beach.

This will allow the North Coast to tap into an unexplored tourism segment, significantly boosting the local economy, they say.

Nudism is big business elsewhere in South Africa, notably in Cape Town where the naturist industry has blossomed.

“There is no reason why the North Coast should not feel out nudism as a valuable additional income-generating venture,” said spokesperson, Andrew Niss.

While an unofficial remote nudist beach is apparently available off Umhlanga’s main beach, North Coast Tourism wants to make things official for marketing purposes.

Once approval is granted, the erection of a sign delineating the beach is the likely next step.

Research has shown that while the domestic tourism market may still be hesitant to fully embrace the concept, the bottom-line remains that it draws in holidaymakers, especially from Europe.

“Given time, locals will no doubt get used to the idea and rise to the occasion. Nudism is a profitable and sexy business,” said Niss.

While research on local public opinion will be conducted once approval is granted, a snap poll by the Courier revealed stiff disregard for the plans.

“Ridiculous idea,” said disgruntled grandmother Mavis Williams. “Who wants to sit on the beach watching fat bouncing bums and boobs all day. Send them to Sandy Bay in Cape Town.”

“Well, look, economic growth is a priority, so perhaps there is merit in the idea,” said pensioner Wessel “Disselboom” van Zyl, whose home overlooks Thompson’s Bay.

Visiting British marketing expert Percival Harrington-Smythe suggested a name change to give promotional initiatives more thrust. “Starker’s Bay has a nice ring to it, I think.”

Niss stressed that strict rules will apply to ensure harmonious intertwining on Thompson’s Bay Beach and that the public should not overreact at this stage.

“Strict rules will be applied. The KwaZulu-Natal Naturist Association (KZNNA) has a set of sensible rules which can be adopted.”

One of the key nudist rules listed on KZNNA’s website states: “No sexual content of any kind is allowed”. (Swaying of the hips is allowed, but pole dancing wouldn’t be, if you get our point).

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