Before you go out into the field for the first time, you will need to find something appropriate to wear. The weather may slightly influence your decision, but despite the warm temperatures, you’ll want to wear long sleeves to completely cover your body for added protection against being shot by a paintball. It definitely hurts to get hit and will leave a dark colored bruise if it hits the skin directly; Loose fitting clothing helps spread some of the sting and adds extra protection against your play environment. However, clothing that is too baggy can snag on low branches or brush when playing in the woods. On the other hand, tight clothing is a no-no; you want to wear clothing that you can move around in without much resistance or discomfort.
The type of paintball clothing you choose is up to you and often depends on the type of game you play. Camouflage clothing that blends in with its surroundings is best for woodsball-type games, while tournament players often wear paintball jerseys or professional-style uniforms. While the type of clothing you choose is up to you, a protective mask is a must. You are not allowed to play paintball without goggles to protect your eyes. A direct hit to the eye or even a paint splatter can cause serious permanent injury, which is why a paintball mask is mandatory gear. Paintball goggles come in many shapes and sizes, however they must be ASTM rated and approved for the sport so they should only be purchased from an authorized dealer.
To get started, bring the bare minimum of equipment you will need to play; a paintball marker, hopper, air tank and mask. If you are playing at a commercial park, you can rent this equipment for a minimal cost, or you may be able to borrow it from a friend. You can also buy good beginner paintball equipment in an inexpensive package from many online stores. However, it’s best to play your first game or two with rental gear, so it doesn’t take much to test the game to see if you like it and can play again. Once you’ve decided that paintball is something you’ll be playing again, start with the basic gear to learn and you can always upgrade to more advanced weapons and supplies later on.
Once you’ve got the gear you’ll be wearing, it’s smart to get comfortable with it before the game starts. Have someone show you how the paintball marker works, including taking it apart, cleaning it, and how to safely change your air tank when it’s empty. Shoot the marker several times before heading out onto the field so you can get an idea of how to aim and shoot and to make sure there are no glitches that could interrupt your game. Snorkeling can be a great experience, unless you are plagued with gear issues, like a fogging mask or a leaking snorkel; then it’s terrible! Paintball is the same way. Make sure everything works before the game starts or you will just be a target for all the other players.
Once the game starts, try to stay under cover, but don’t camp behind the bunker too scared to move. Move from place to place as needed, but be careful when changing places; that’s when you are most vulnerable. Choose where you will move to, fire a couple shots just to clear the way, and move quickly without stopping. Staying alive the longest and being the most successful often depends on good communication with your teammates, careful but bold movement, and well-thought-out strategy. For the first time on the field, do not stress too much, just feel the game and most of all, have fun! If you are really nervous, try following a more experienced player during a few games to see what he does and how he moves.
Most paintball games are non-stop action, so it’s easy to get dehydrated without even realizing it. Bring plenty of water and / or Gatorade to drink. It’s also smart to pack a lunch or some snacks so you don’t have to end the day when you’re hungry. If you are playing in a commercial park, remember to bring money as they often have a snack center, however you may also want to bring a lunch as paintball park food is often expensive and / or heavy for stomach. It’s also a good idea to bring a change of clothes for when you’re done playing. Expect to get dirty when playing paintball, especially if the conditions are damp or wet. You may even want to bring a towel. If you are playing on an indoor field, at the very least you will be sweaty at the end of the day and want cool / dry clothes to go home.
Before heading off for a day of paintball fun, take some time to decide what to take with you before you go. The last thing you want to do is show up at the paintball field (usually located in secluded areas) and realize that you forgot something that will affect your entire day. Play safe, but play hard! Whether you play speedball or a military war simulation Woodsball game, you will find paintball fun, exhilarating, and worth the time and money to play, right from the very first game. Prepare for your game in advance and you are sure to have a memorable experience every time you play.