If you have never tried playing paintball, you may not know that paintball is a fun and exciting sport that people from all walks of life enjoy. There are groups who play paintball all over the country. So, how do you get started playing playing paintball?
Before we begin, there are a few things you should keep in mind. Paintballs DO hurt. When you get hit, it stings. This is why you should make sure that you have all the protective gear you need. Another thing to keep in mind is that, at first, you won’t be any good at it. But, if you decide to stick with it, you will become a pro in no time.
First, you have to find some folks to play with. One way to find a local paintball group is to simply look on the Web. Type "paintball" and the name of your hometown into a search engine and you will find websites for local groups. Another good option is to go to your local sporting goods shop and ask around. You may find information posted on when and where groups meet. You can also ask the clerk about paintball information.
Getting into paintball costs money, but it’s addictive. You won’t regret spending a little cash for something so fun.
Because you will be SHOOTING at people, and they will be shooting back, having the right protective gear is very important. Make sure have a mask and goggles. Paintball is quite safe, but you should never go out without your mask.
Next, you need the gun. Guns come in all sizes and prices, so you should shop around for a good one. If you are an absolute beginner, it might be a good idea to buy one on the cheap side. You can get one for under $200. When you are ready to make more of a commitment, you can upgrade. If you are serious about paintball, you should have a good weapon.
Clothing is another consideration. Wear something that covers you completely. Paintballs can hurt when they hit you, so you don’t want to have any exposed skin. Baggy clothes are best for this. You also might want to wear camouflage and, if you can, wear lots of layers.
Don’t wear anything too expensive. You will be in the dirt and mud, and you will also likely be splattered with paint. If you are concerned about bruising, it might be a good idea to wear extra padding underneath in certain areas.
Now we’ve got everything we need to get started. Watch out for flying paintballs
Paintball is most fun when you’re playing with some good friends. In many areas there are paintball fields where beginners can go, rent equipment and get a taste of paintball. You can find a list of paintball fields by state here: http://paintball.about.com/od/fieldinfo/a/USfields.htm. Here is a site where you can find paintball groups in your local area: http://paintball.meetup.com/.
Robert Scheer is a freelance writer and consultant for Paintballzilla.com, monster king of paintball gear.
Written By: Robert Scheer
