2010 Skinny-Dip at Wreck Beach. Photo: Darryl Dyck/The Canadian Press

Of all the gorgeous Vancouver beaches, Wreck Beach consistently tops most Vancouverites’ list of  “best Vancouver beaches.” Wreck Beach is loved for its rugged, natural beauty, its laid-back, hippie vibe, and for its famous status as one of the world’s greatest clothing-optional beaches—it’s liberating to know that, if you ever want to swim in the ocean naked, there’s a place to do that right here in the city.

Since the beach is clothing-optional, one could argue that every day is skinny-dipping day at Wreck Beach. But since 2009, Wreck Beach has made organized skinny-dipping an annual event.

In 2009 and 2010, Wreck Beach participated in a simultaneous North American skinny-dipping day to establish a world-record in skinny-dipping. This year, the Wreck Beach SkinnyDip 2011 isn’t about making it into the Guinness Book of World Records; instead, its a chance to fundraise for the Wreck Beach Preservation Society (WBPS), the non-profit group that keeps Wreck Beach pristine and natural: If over 1,000 people participate in Wreck Beach SkinnyDip 2011, an anonymous donor will give $5 per person to the WBPS!

So why not be bold this Canada Day weekend and skinny-dip with hundreds (hopefully, over a thousand) of your friends and neighbours at the Wreck Beach SkinnyDip 2011 on July 2, at 2pm? I mean, how often do you get to get naked—and wet—for a great cause?