Tips for Your First Paintball Outing

Paintball is a fun outdoor activity to do with your friends but it can also be intimidating for the beginner. The sport isn’t as painful as it looks, so follow these tips to ensure a great time.

Roll With the Punches

Paintballs might sting and leave a welt, but for the most part they are painless in the heat of combat. Just remember to raise your hands and leave the field after you’re hit so people stop shooting at you. Pretending you weren’t hit is frowned upon and considered to be the biggest offense of the sport.

Practice Safety First

Make sure the safety is on while off the field and be sure to point it toward the sky and away from anyone — basic gun safety 101. While playing, it is important to never remove your mask no matter what. While bare skin can handle a shot, nothing is worth losing an eye to a paintball.

Watch Your Shot

Look for the mark where you got shot before you declare yourself dead. Some balls will just bounce off so you’re still in, while others might hit a wall and splatter you with paint, in which case you are also in. A shot that takes you out will be on your body (maybe limbs depending on the field) and leave a nickel-sized splotch from the paint capsule.

Move and Look

Hiding behind cover is tempting but you’re putting yourself at a disadvantage by allowing the enemy to gain a more advantageous spot. Paintball is all about finding your target and getting a good position to take them out. Face shots usually don’t count so don’t be afraid to pop your head out for a look.