Smith Point?

Does anyone know if the clothing optional status at Long Island's Smith Point beach been affected by the FINS changes at Lighthouse beach? We've been to Lighthouse several times in the past few years and need to find another location for this summer. Thanks.

State nudity laws will be enforced at Fire Island National Seashore. While state laws apply throughout the seashore, the park will focus its public education and enforcement efforts of the existing New York State law at the following federally-owned areas:
o Lighthouse Beach, from the western boundary of the park to the western boundary of Kismet.
o The federal tract of land in front of Sailors Haven, from the Point O’ Woods to Cherry Grove.
o One half mile on either side of the Barrett Beach boardwalk.
o One mile on either side of the Watch Hill lifeguard stand.
o From the Wilderness Visitor Center to the breach at Old Inlet

Thanks for the response, but we're not from the area and don't know if Smith Point is considered a federally owned area. Will Smith Point be open for clothing optional use this summer, or do we need to find another place to spend a few days this summer? Thanks again!

Smith Point it a Suffolk County Park.You were never allowed to use the park as clothing optional,BUT the same parking lot just west of the lot is Otis Pike Fire Island High Dune Wilderness and Wilderness Visitor Center.that is Fire Island National Seashore, this area is managed by the National Park Service. and for the past 25 or more years could be use as a clothing optional beach.
THIS YEAR YOU CAN NOT USE THE BEACH AS CLOTHING OPTIONAL

Take the Patchogue ferry to Watch Hill and walk 1 mile

We did this last year. Very nice and private, although remote

The former nude section west of the county's Smith's Point Park (commonly called Smith's Point) is on the FINS and nude use has been banned there as well.
You may want to try Gunnisons Beach located on the Gateway National Seashore at Sandy Hook in New Jersey.

Many years' ago (1989) I was on a second date with my future wife. We had gone to "The Hamptons" for a Sunday afternoon. Upon our return to Western Long Island, we stopped at Smith's Point. I had secreted a cooler in my trunk. I had a bottle of Chardonnay, some pate' and a baguette.

We approached the Fire Island Seashore Station at Smith's Point and parked. I asked if I could park in the 'fisherman's ' parking spaces, and take my GF for a walk on the beach. The Federal Park Ranger said, enjoy.

We walked west about a 1/2 a mile, and after awhile, found a piece of driftwood which looked like a good seat. We sat. opened the wine and proceeded to enjoy the pate' and the ocean.

While there, a man walked by, he was nude. While somewhat taken aback, we were asking each other, would you ever do this? Obviously, we were both intrigued

Several weeks later, we were faced with an unusually warm Columbus Day. We each offered to do a beach day. We met at my apartment and brought our separate but contributive offerings to our day. We brought beverages, eats, sunscreen and reading material.

When we arrived at our prior mentioned driftwood, and unpacked, we were suddenly aware that, in our haste, we forgot swimsuits! We found that we were gradually made comfortable by the surrounding, veteran naturists. This started our naturist encounters and has survived over twenty years.

Since then, we have been to Naturist venues in several States, Countries, and Islands. We have met others who are like minded and enjoyed their company in a variety of locations. We have been married for Twenty-One years and are going to be at Hidden Beach, next week.

We are sorry to see the demise of a natural beginning that created a lifetime.

I met my wife in the Hampton's in 1972. We loved going to Hot Dog Beach there until we discovered Smiths Point. Sad to see it lose it's c/o designation.

I am very sad and sorry to say, <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/cloud.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/cloud.gif" alt="" /> That I am going to Smith Point Thur. 5/2...I guess, I need to see the beach and how it weather the winter...Lunch offer still out there if anyone would like to join us.unfortunately clothing is not a option!!!!! <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/cry.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/cry.gif" alt="" />

Don't forget a trip report for us working folks.

Hopefully clothing will be an option by Memorial Day weekend. Any news or updates from the Naturist Society or any other organizations? Been writing to those in charge as requested by NAC.

It don't look good.
I sent a few letters and E-Mails
let hope for the best but it don't look good

<img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/cloud.gif" alt="" /><img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/duh.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/cry.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/cry.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/cry.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/duh.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/cloud.gif" alt="" />

Whatever the reasoning was about Lighthouse beach certainly does not apply to Smith Point. Yet Smith Point was closed as well. Why?

Remember motto of Obama administration: "Never let a crises go to waste". A crisis is just an opportunity to grab more power. The whole Obama apparatus and its apparatchiks understand this, down to the Fire Island NPS Kommissar.

Live and let live is out.
Prohibitions and mandates are in.

Please leave the politics out of this.

Agreed!!

I like to give people the benefit of the doubt. If the ban was announced as temporary, due to the reason the Chief Ranger stated, limited to Lighthouse Beach, I would say fine.

But to make it permanent, to extend it to a completely unrelated Smith Point beach, that's just a complete head scratcher. There is absolutely no logical reason for it.

If you have a good reason for clothing optional ban at Smith Point, please let me know.

Smith Point is extremely low key, long beach, with very few people, spread out, minding their own business... I have never seen Park Rangers having to intervene in any way. They just drive from one end to another, perhaps 2-3 times per day.

So in absence of a logical reason for ban at Smith Point, what is behind it, Martians? Or perhaps politics. You tell me...

I really don't know the reason. All I know is that talking politics, naming specific people, etc. etc., just can't happen here.

You are right, I just read the terms of use.

So let's stay within the terms of use, let's just say it was the Unicorn, and we did not screwed, this was immaculate conception. <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Smile.gif" alt="" />

To me it was kind of obvious. With too much visibility at Lighthouse, they decided to close it. That being done, there is no way they could allow Smith's Point to be overwhelmed by that crowd.

I think there is more than enough room at Smith Point for those who decide to drive further. Parking lot has a lot of unused capacity even on the busiest days.

If the Old Inlet breach closes (naturally or by filling it with machines), Smith Point becomes virtually an endless beach...

There's going to be a nice warmup this Thursday. Maybe the GG can give us a beach update about conditions and beach goers. As far as Joe212 said, he makes a valid point about having an endless beach. But again, Smith Point is much more low-key and intimate than the wall to wall crowds at LightHouse. Let's keep it that way. <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Wink.gif" alt="" />

No one more then me would love to see Smith Point open to nude sunbathing again.
I have been to Smith Point a few times this year and on any good day there are 50 to 100 people walking down the beach to see the new Inlet.
As we get into the summer that number will definitely rise.
That is there argument <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/cloud.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/cloud.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/cloud.gif" alt="" />

Nice job Cool. That was exactly my point. Has nothing to do with parking.

There is no chance the new rule will be overturned this year. The only way you will be able to go nude is to keep a constant watch for the rangers or Suffolk County Cops and cover up until they leave. It's what we did in the 70's and you can see them coming from a couple of miles away. Because of the remoteness of this area they may cut you some slack and look the other way.

I guess the Inlet closing might help us get the Smith Point back...

But still, even without the inlet, there were always some joggers / beach walkers... There may be more, I guess, who knows how many more...

I doubt very much that they will close Old Inlet...
considering all the good it is doing for Great South Bay as far as flushing out what was a stagnating bay...
They are already seeing a return of the eel grass...
The opening of Old Inlet is the best thing to happen to that bay in centuries...

Just a thought, but the people of Mastic Beach might not agree with that statement. I've seen the pictures of that area at high tide.

SUNY Stony Brook has been monitoring the tides... they have not changed...
sometimes when there is the right winds and right moon phase and low atmospheric pressure, you just get higher than normal tides...
I have lived on the water on Eastern LI since 1954... I know the currents and tides...
The tide issue is just Chuck Schumer making uninformed noise...
"[color:"blue"]Despite the fact that the open breach is creating a cleaner, healthier bay that seems to align with disaster-preparedness goals created by the NYS 2100 commission, despite the fact that post-breach tide-levels in the Great South Bay have not risen, and despite the fact that it will cost taxpayers millions of dollars to fill it in, New York Senator Chuck Schumer is still committed to closing the “Old Inlet” breach, refusing to waver from the perspective he offered in a November Long Island Press article where he stated, “Allowing the breach to remain open puts communities all along the south shore of Long Island immediately at greater risk of flooding.[/color]”

Excerpt from WIRED...
http://www.wired.com/geekmom/2013/01/fire-island-breach-helpful/

This is not politics, but common sense. Let me be clear. Now that the Memorial day weekend is here, and the airshow has been cancelled for today due to the weather, Long Island loses millions in revenue,and stands to lose more if it continues its anti-naturist practices on Fire Island. I hope someone is listening!

Are you saying that if there is no economic impact, or if there are more visitors this year (perhaps due to good weather this summer) that it was the right decision?

No, it it not about economics. It is about "live and let live".

If you can have an administrator installed from Washington, with no roots on Long Island, if this administrator thinks (or should I say knows) she has tyranical power, then this is no longer a country where "live and let live" applies.

And if some lowly bureaucrats are empowered with tyranical powers, then no, no one is listening.

Re; Joe212, I'd like to believe in a live and let live idea of democracy but life experience, and the news has taught me otherwise. Unless NAC or AANR or any other organization is using its power to convince these politicians, then yes naturism in these places on Fire Island is dead. Money is to politicians what garbage is to rats; you only hear from them when they smell money. To the politicos, it is about economic impact. To the rest of us, it's an awful decision, and it is NOT fair! If nothing is done by July4th, then it's game over and Koschmann wins. <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/cloud.gif" alt="" />

Has anybody been to Smith Point this year yet? Any news about enforcement of the ban so far this year?

Heard some people are being very discreet about nude sunbathing behind screens etc and dressing quickly when the troops come around. What a ridiculous waste of time and money. Thank you Lena K beaches are deserted. <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/cloud.gif" alt="" />

Saw a woman laying naked out in the open last week. On July fourth, there she was again, even closer to the populated area. Yes, she got a ticket. This was from the county park police, who I have never seen on the National Seashore end. I guess even the Park Service is out sourcing. Even saw a helicopter flying real low over the dune line. Have never seen that either. Could they be on nudie patrol? I would hate to believe that.

Its not worth the ticket.
As bad as I want to be nude on the beach .
Been there a few times this year from Smith Point to Old Inlet did not see anyone nude few topless but no one nude.
<img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/cry.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/cry.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/cry.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/cloud.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/cloud.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/cry.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/cry.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/cry.gif" alt="" />

The Mrs. and I were there. We were ordered by the rangers to put on our bottoms. They were not aholes about it, but they have their orders to follow.

It is sad to see this country becoming a police state. And the speed it is happening it kind of shocking...

Yeah, Kommissar Koschmann wins. Perfect beach weekend, and Smith Point to Old Inlet nearly deserted...

In reference to the woman who recieved a ticket. I applaud her for her bravery. I'd like to believe she is protesting in her own way, an unfair law. I'd be more than happy to help her pay her fine. Perhaps we all should pitch in. Let's take a stand and let those in charge know this is an unfair law. Even though I wasn't there, it appears she was minding her own business and just enjoying the beach. Only naked. Was any damage done to persons or property? What's the crime?

I'm with you Joecool. Laws will not be changed until there are those who are willing to risk arrest, and then willing to publicly challenge that arrest.

the ancestors of many Americans, the Pilgrims, probably brought that anti nude culture to the US, but I am not an Historian

why is it that just the heterosexual CO beaches are being ticketed/laws enforced not the rest of Fire Island? Are we being discriminated against?

Interesting; I was unaware that beaches were catagorized by sexuality. <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Yikes.gif" alt="" />

I'm a bit confused also, what beaches on Fire Island don't allow heterosexuals, not even considering the nude aspect???
and even if you do consider the nude aspect, what beaches are you referring to?

The pines, cherry grove , the "meat rack" are all Ok to go nude, even with the problems of overt sexual activity, but light house beach and Smith point...NOT. Maybe just afraid of the blowback from the gay community?

Was just at Cherry Grove today and it is predominately gay women and topless, that's it. There were no nude couples heterosexual that we saw. Left early there really is no place for straight couples to go nude on Long Island anymore. I am really disgusted with this police state and plan to move to Florida in a few yrs when we retire. This island is a rock. The only thing left to enjoy was Lighthouse Beach and Smith Point. Everyone is paranoid now. Deadly Catch Koschmann has ruined our naturism for good. <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/cloud.gif" alt="" /> I do not like her.

No none really likes her or her policies. Don't bail out on this, go to the NAC and follow their guidelines. Write to these politicians. Demand something be done. Let them know, that New York is losing money to New Jersey because of this. We have to stay united.

She is now GONE! She is being replaced! The Rangers never wanted any part of enforcing this nudity ban and they want nothing to do with it now! It is time for everyone to go back to those beaches and make them clothing optional again! There is now nude use at some of the locations she carried on her crusade to close. Go back everyone! Loss the clothes! We need to show a presence and defy this rule that was made by one tyrannical administrator from the Midwest trying to force her value system upon a local population which has been using Fire Island Beaches for nude bathing for generations!

OK, as Carol pointed out this thread has degenerated into politics and name calling...

It's locked.