[RedShirt2008]

Over the course of 8 years that I've been playing, and every field I've been to, I've been asked, "What do I expect when I play for the first time?". Mostly by parents but often by kids as well. This is usully what I tell them.

I have never played before. What do I do first?
Well, first thing you should do is check in at the front desk and get your liability waivers started so we can get you or your group logged in.​

It's a good idea to grab a table as soon as you can. The table is for staging, refilling, eating, and holding your stuff. You may also bring your own table & chairs if you don't like the possibility of sharing.

You can bring your own paintball gun. If it's your first time, we need to do a couple of safety checks and ask a few questions.

Next you'll receive a safety briefing which takes about 5 minutes.

After the safety briefing, we'll issue those who are renting our equipment a rental paintball gun, mask, and 200 paintballs

Once you or your group is ready... It's TIME TO PAINTBALL!

Next question I usually get asked is,
Does it Hurt?
Has anyone ever snapped you with a rubber band? It sorta feels like that. Although, sometimes you don't even realize you've been hit. Preparation is part of it as well. Although not required, it's a good idea to wear a shirt that has long sleeves- hoodies are very popular. Pants that aren't skin tight are good too, such as loose jeans or cargo pants. Many people find that gloves are good to have and many will cut off a couple fingers to use the trigger more efficiently. We also sell the gloves, in case you find you want some. Players also find it useful to wear soccer or football cleats.

At my field in Alaska we have Different skill levels so we divide the playing levels into 4 different groups. So typically people ask,
Will I be playing with everyone or just my group?
My simple answer is, YES but here is how we split it up at my field.

We host 4 main types of game "BEGINNER", "OPEN", "COMPETITION", and "PRIVATE".


BEGINNER games are limited to players with rental guns and players with a lower skill level.

OPEN games are open to anyone. We do our best to ensure the teams are fair. (We don't allow all of the experienced player to play on one team).

COMPETITION games are for players who want no holds barred extreme paintballing action. Fast paced, high speed rates of fire, and no fear.

PRIVATE GAMES will be hosted upon request for you if you like, but after a few games we encourage you to play against other groups within your skill level. This keeps the games flowing in a way that allows more people to play at once.

This is the most common question from anyone,
Is it one shot and I'm out?

Yes, ONE SHOT that breaks and leaves paint on you, your gun, or your mask, will eliminate you for that game. So if you get taken out... Clean up! Fill up! Suit up! Get ready for the next game!

In a nut shell, most games go until one team has been eliminated

Now for you clean freaks here is the question you might ask.
Does the paint wash out?

Yes. Paintballs are water soluble. Just be sure to wash it out when you get home. It's also not a bad idea to bring a trash bag for your clothes because Mom doesn't usually like a vehicle full of paintballed people.


I hope this helps all the new players who are on this board for the first time.

[bhotz]

Someone should sticky this

[TylerBurlingame]

Yeah, I could have really used this for my first time...

[whitecow1000]

sticky pursuit challenge lmao

[EpikYummeh]

Well put! One thing I would add to expect is that there will be people that are better than you there, and playing with them is a learning experience.

Most people in the paintball community are very nice people and, when asked, will gladly share some tips and tricks with you. After all, if we're all dicks to new people, the sport would eventually die out because there's nobody to help new people get into the sport!

If you get shot out by somebody, learn from that. What were you doing wrong? Could you have avoided getting shot out by playing differently?

I know this is a little out of scope for those who just want to go once and see what it's all about, but I think many people may get discouraged playing with a Tippman 98C and playing an open game with a guy with an Ego or Luxe or whatever on the other team laning and hitting you off the break.

[JAxis11]

I agree with everything that is was said above. ^^^^^

I would like to add for those overly competitive people (like myself). Try your best to keep a level head! You will beaten, shot, and taken out of numerous game; it is inevitable. Just remember that is it a game and everyone is there to have a great time, and you will do just fine!