Did you know paintball is a 1 billion dollar industry?
If you are new to paintballing, you may not know all the rules, gear, and fun in store for you as you get involved with the game.
There may be a bit of a learning curve, but it will be worth it as you pick up a new hobby to enjoy and keep you active.
Read on for a beginner’s guide to playing paintballing.
Paintballing Equipment
Before you get started playing, you will want to gather some basic paintballing gear. These will include items to keep you safe as well as the gear you will need to shoot the actual paintballs. Here’s a quick list:
Paintball Mask
These masks come in different sizes, as well as weights, so be sure to choose one that fits comfortably. You can also customize your mask with colors, graphics, stickers, or whatever creative ideas you have.
Paintball Marker
The piece of equipment that “shoots” paintballs is called a marker. When you buy your marker, such as those found here, https://paintballdeals.com/blogs/paintball-blog/top-10-best-paintball-guns-under-200, you will also need to buy a barrel, which helps guide the paintball to your intended target. You will also need a mandatory barrel blocker, which keeps you from accidentally firing paintballs and hurting yourself or others.
Paintball Hopper
The hopper is what holds your paintballs and feeds them into your paintball marker. There are gravity-fed hoppers, which allow gravity to pull the paintballs down into the marker to be shot. And there are electric hoppers that have a small motor that shakes the paintballs into the marker.
Airtank
You will need an air tank to attach to your marker. The air tank supplies the release of pressure needed that, when released in small bursts, launches a paintball out of your marker.
Paintballs
There are different types of paintballs, so you will want to be sure to purchase paintballs that are the correct size for your marker. You can find paintballs in many different colors and patterns; another way to express yourself while enjoying paintballing.
Basic Paintball Rules
There are some ground rules to follow when playing paintball. Above all, safety is most important. Each paintball field you play at will have its own rules, so be sure to read those before you begin playing there.
Outside of these things, here are some basic paintball rules to follow:
- If you are hit by a paintball, and the paintball broke, you are out. If the paintball did not break, you are not out.
- Raise your hand and yell, “Out,” when you are hit by a paintball. This will allow you to walk safely off the paintball field.
- Don’t cheat – if you are out, do not wipe off the paint or cheat in other ways.
- Stick to the boundaries set on the field. If you are unsure of any boundaries, ask.
- Respect the referee’s calls.
Are You Ready to Have Fun Paintballing?
Now that you know what gear you will need and how to get started playing the game, it is time to get out there and play.
You can find paintballing gear and get a team together or join a team that is already playing regularly. No matter your skill level, enjoy your new hobby.