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Paintball - Beginner Section

Dictionary

Things you need to play

Buying your first gear

General advice

Game types

There are some basic things you need to know before you can play paintball effectively. If you are new to the sport of paintball, then this section is for you!

The links to the left will take you to articles which I hope you will find useful. But first.....

What is paintball?

Paintball is a combination of the childhood games of "Tag" and "Hide and Seek", but much more challenging and sophisticated. There are many different styles of game (see game types), but generally the players divide into two teams to play "Capture the Flag."

The object of this style of game is to capture the opposition's flag, while defending yours. As the game prgoresses you can eliminate opposing players by "painting" other players with a paintball shot from a special paintball gun, or marker. Remember to duck when others try and paint you :-) Games usually last 15-30 minutes. Win or lose, everyone has a great time!!

The paintball itself is a round, thin-skinned gelatin capsule with coloured liquid inside it. When a player is hit by a paintball, it breaks open and the liquid inside leaves a bright paint mark (or "splat" mark). When a player is marked by a paintball, he or she is eliminated from the current game. And by the way, it does not hurt all that much! Football will get you much more badly hurt :-)

Paintball is an extremely safe sport, because of the strict safety rules which must be adhered to. Players must always wear special goggles and masks, made specifically for paintball. These will protect the eyes and face during the game, and anywhere that the shooting of paintballs is permitted.

Paintball guns, or markers, are tested with a chronograph to ensure that the paintballs do not exceed a safe speed (generally 300 fps). Referees are on the field to control the game, enforce rules of safety and fair play, and assist players with their equipment.

Paintball is a sport played by people from all professions and lifestyles. Men and women can compete equally (yes, I really mean that!) and physical strength and fitness are not as important as cunning and determination. Above all, paintball is fun! It's a chance to relax from your day-to-day responsibilities and rekindle your spirit of adventure.

Paintball is NOT for rambo wannabes and paramilitary commandos. It does not promote violence or unneccesary aggression. Paintball is not mock war. If anything, it should discourage you from using real weapons because you will soon see just how easy it is to get shot.

As Napolean said "It's maginficant, but it's not war!" In short, it is just a really fun outdoor sport.