Are you new to paintball, or do you have some experience but want to get a better idea of what is paintball? If so, this guide will give you the nuts and bolts of one of the most engaging team games in the world. While some players take the sport seriously and enter competitions, others enjoy paintball just as a hobby to share with friends and family. After all, paintball can be an adrenaline-pumping activity that will leave you wanting more, no matter how much time and energy you put into it.
Surely, paintball is a popular sport a lot of people talk about, but I’d rather learn from someone who feels like he is inside a first-person shooter video game every single time. Yes, that’s me, you got it right. In this post, I’ll explain what paintball is and how it got started. Additionally, I’ll lay down the ground rules for playing safely, and share some of my favorite tips for keeping the good times rolling.
What Is Paintball Game?
Are you wondering “What is paintball like”? Have you ever played any video games and imagined what they would be like in real life? The typical settings for paintball games are either an indoor space scattered with natural or artificial obstacles or a specially-made outdoor arena. The gameplay may take the form of elimination rounds, concepts like “capture the flag,” or even simulations of real-world scenarios. The game is fast-paced, and winning demands both collaboration and smart strategy.
The idea of paintball as a game started back in the 80s when three friends, Bob Gurnsey, Hayes Noel, and Charles Gaines. The three friends had an argument over survival, which they settled using Nelson’s paintball markers. The original purpose of those markers was for agricultural use, i.e., to mark trees and livestock. However, it changed into an activity that quickly became prevalent among people of all ages.
Does Paintball Require Skill?
Paintball is a sport that can be played at a competitive level, e.g., in leagues, tournaments, and professional teams. Even though it can be played by anyone, to become a skilled player it requires the ability to think quickly and decisively. Although paintball rewards the most athletic guys, it’s not just about being strong or fast. Paintball players who can outsmart their opponents are often the ones who come out on top.
Moreover, being able to make quick decisions, adapt to unexpected changes, and cooperate, are your best weapons. So, if you’re looking for a sport that requires real skills, paintball might be the perfect fit for you. But, don’t forget; you have to work hard practive your aim and learn everything you need to get better at paintball.
Is Paintball Dangerous?
Paintball is brilliant because it simulates combat so realistically. Players must constantly move, sometimes even on all fours, to avoid detection or attack upon the opposing team’s area. However, some first-timers are unable to control their boundless energy and imagination and may put themselves in dangerous situations. Consequently, there is always the probability of tripping, falling, twisting your ankle, spraining your wrist, or hitting your head.
But the above injuries are not as common as welts and bruises. So, it’s fair to ask “Is paintball dangerous?”, and “Does paintball hurt?” before you even try it out. As with any physical activity, there are risks involved, so the answer will always be:
- follow the rules precisely
- wear and use protective gear correctly
Following the above tips will significantly reduce the risk of you being injured. People also ask “Does getting hit by a paintball hurt?”. As for the pain that paintballs cause, it is typically brief and comparable to a small bruise.
Paintball Rules
In order to take the most out of what is paintball, you should know some general paintball rules:
- Always wear an approved face mask or goggles.
- Chronograph your marker at 285 FPS or less.
- Use a barrel sock when not playing.
- You cannot bring your own paintballs.
- Follow the instructions and rules provided by the referee.
- If a paintball hits you and does not burst, you are in play.
- Call for a paint check if you are not sure you have been shot.
- At a distance less than 6 meters, i.e., 20 feet, offer the player a chance to surrender.
- Do you get shot? You’re out! Fair and square!
- Call yourself out when you are hit by a paintball and exit the playing area with your gun pointed upwards.
And if you ask “What not to do in paintball?”, below you can actually see what you should never do in paintball in order to keep it safe:
- Don’t remove your mask. Never!
- Don’t shoot people in the head. It doesn’t count.
- Don’t fire blindly.
- Don’t touch enemy players.
- Don’t curse! For god’s sake, it’s just a game.
- Don’t argue with the referee during the game. Clarifications are made after the game.
- Don’t drink alcohol before or during
- Don’t climb on bunkers or other obstacles.
What Age Is Good for Paintball?
Parents usually ask what age is good for paintball. Generally, the lowest age limit you’re likely to come across is 7 or 8 years old. Depending on the accommodations, though, this number can range from 7 to 12. Usually, children under the age of 12 should always bring an adult with them to the facility.
Luckily, some paintball fields have low-impact paintballs available for youngsters under 12 years old. Low-impact paintballs are less painful than conventional paintballs because they are smaller and less powerful. If you’re terrified of getting struck with a paintball and need extra time to adapt, low-impact paintball is the way to go. Contact the facilities about their special requirements before taking a child paintballing or organizing a paintball party (excellent idea!). Don’t miss the fun!
Why Is Paintball So Fun?
There are three main reasons that make paintball so fun and worth trying. Firstly, if you love strategic thinking and planning to outsmart opponents, then paintball is a must. Second, shooting, running, and avoiding paintballs whizzing by can make you a paintball addict in no time. Third, working with your team towards a common goal can make paintball a live performance of non-stop laughter.
Many beginners, also, ask “Is paintball messy?”. Yes, it can be messy, and that’s another fun part. Have a change of outfit, take a shower after, and you’re done. Don’t worry about stains. Paint is non-toxic, dissolves in water, and can be easily removed from skin and clothes with water and mild soap.
But after all this, you might be wondering, “What are the benefits of paintball?”. Fortunately, all this fun is combined with major benefits:
- Stress relief
- Improved cardiovascular health through running
- Better team communication
- Socializing
- A better understanding of strategy and planning
What Do You Wear to Paintball?
If you play paintball for the first time, proper apparel is highly important, and knowing what to wear for paintball can save you a lot of trouble.
Before I show you what to wear to paintball for the first time, I have to share with you some tips in order to play with more comfort and less pain:
- Less skin exposure means fewer pain points.
- Wear as many layers as you can, considering the weather conditions.
- Wear baggy and sporty clothes for better mobility.
- Wear casual clothes, not new clothes.
- The extra thickness is a plus.
Below, you can see exactly what to wear for paintball, if you are a beginner:
Is It Expensive To Play Paintball?
Paintball is an exciting and intense sport that requires specialized equipment to play. But is it expensive to get started? If you are a total beginner in paintball, you don’t want to spend money before ensuring that this sport is what you want. Luckily, many paintball fields and shops offer rental equipment. Normally, the rental cost can be about $10-$25 for a certain amount of time.
As soon as you decide that this sport is for you, you can start investing. Basic equipment, including a marker, a tank, a hopper, and a mask, can be found for around $100-$150, making it affordable to play casually. However, for those who want high-end gear, such as a marker or mask with thermal lenses, the cost can be upwards of $1,000. Ultimately, paintball can be expensive to play and that’s why you should know how to choose a paintball gun.
Conclusion
Do you miss the excitement of your childhood when everything was about playing and having fun? Or maybe you’re simply looking for a hobby that never fails to send shivers up your spine. Now that you know what is paintball, it is going to be one of the best games you’ve ever tried. Falling in love with it is irreversible.
Don’t forget that for the first time, you should take it easy. Getting prepared, following the rules, and not acting recklessly is the only way to have a good laugh. Don’t wait! Get together with your pals, locate a nearby paintball field, and… have a blast!