'Nude dudes' - and ladies - wanted for Tauranga naked swim for breast cancer charity

Tauranga will host a mass skinny dip next year to raise money for a breast cancer charity. Photo/supplied

Tauranga will host a mass skinny dip for a good cause next year.

Registrations have opened for the inaugural "Nude Dude" charity swim to be held on March 15, 2018, at an unnamed Western Bay beach.

After registering, nude dudes - who can be of any gender - must fundraise a certain amount - $300 for individuals and $1000 for groups of up to four - to make the cut for the R18 birthday suit 100m splash in the surf.

Only those competing will be given access to the beach, and there will be no spectators allowed.

The swim will be a fundraiser for Tauranga's Breast Cancer Support Service, which provides emotional and practical support for women with breast cancer and their families, and receives no government funding.

Service manager Helen Alice said the event was partly inspired by footage her team saw from the hugely successful Sydney Skinny nude swim in Australia.

"There were a number of women who had mastectomies without reconstruction taking part, and they all looked so beautiful and happy.

"There is something quite special about celebrating 'just being alive' and accepting the skin you are in."

She said anyone over 18 was welcome to take part, no matter their size, shape or gender.

There will be prizes for the best fundraisers and social media sharers.

Register at breastcancerbop.org.nz