Before you head out into the field for the first time, you’ll 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 fully cover your body for added protection from paintball fire. It definitely hurts to take a hit and will leave a dark colored bruise if it hits directly against the skin; Loose-fitting clothing helps dissipate some of the sting and adds extra protection from your gaming environment. However, clothing that is too baggy can get caught on branches or low-lying 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 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 pro-style uniforms. While the type of clothing you choose is up to you, a protective mask is mandatory. It is not allowed to play paintball without goggles to protect the eyes. A direct hit to the eye or even a paint splatter can cause serious permanent injuries, which is why a paintball mask is mandatory equipment. 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 minimum equipment you’ll need to play; a paintball marker, hopper, air tank and mask. If you’re playing at a commercial park, you can rent this equipment for a minimal cost, or perhaps borrow it from a friend. You can also buy good beginner paintball equipment in a bundle at a cheap price from many online stores. However, it’s best to play your first game or two on rental gear, so it doesn’t cost much to try the game out to see if you like it and can play again. Once you’ve decided you’ll be playing paintball again, start with the basic gear to learn and you can always upgrade to more advanced weapons and supplies later.
Once you have the gear you’ll be using, it’s smart to get comfortable with it before the game begins. Have someone show you how the paintball marker works, including how to take it apart, clean it, and how to safely change the air tank when empty. Shoot the marker a few times before going out on the field so you can get an idea of how to aim and shoot and to make sure there aren’t any glitches that could interrupt your game. Snorkeling can be a great experience, unless you have equipment issues like a fogging up mask or a leaking snorkel; then it’s terrifying! Paintball is the same way. Make sure everything is working before the game starts or you will just be a target for all the other players.
Once the game starts, try to stay in cover, but don’t just camp behind the bunker too scared to move. Move from cover to cover as needed, but be careful when changing places; that’s when you’re most vulnerable. Choose the place you are going to move to, fire a couple of shots just to clear the way and move fast 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 your first time on the course, don’t stress too much, just get familiar with the game and most of all, have fun! If you’re really nervous, try following a more experienced player through a few games to see what he does and how he moves.
Most paintball games are non-stop, 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 play at a retail 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 on the 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 take a towel with you. If you’re playing on an indoor course, at the very least you’ll be sweaty by the end of the day and want cool/dry clothes to go home with.
Before you head out for a day of paintball fun, take some time to decide what you’re going to take with you before you leave. The last thing you want to do is show up at the paintball field (usually located in out-of-the-way areas) and realize 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’ll find paintball fun, exciting, and well worth the time and money to play, right from the very first game. Prepare for your game in advance and you will surely have a memorable experience every time you play.