What to Expect When Playing Paintball
What to Wear
The best thing to do is play in clothing that you don't mind getting dirty and that is comfortable. It is better to wear things that are loose fitting as it can help reduce any sting from being shot and also increase the possibility that a paintball may not break on you (thus being able to still play).
Many new and/or recreational players wear jeans and layer shirts. Depending on the weather one may choose to wear a hoodie over a longsleeve shirt and a t-shirt; layering allows you to at least take them off if you get hot as opposed to being cold without any more layers to put on.
Generally speaking, you want to wear shoes that will have good traction on grass as most places play on grass at some point. For more flat or leveled fields, sports cleats are a good choice. Side note: avoid track spikes! Many places prohibit the use of track spikes because they can ruin bunkers (particularly air bunkers). For more rugged scenario fields, some sort of more protective outdoor boot may be a better option. You will want to consider doing some research about the field you're going to before you make your footwear decisions. However, when in doubt, you can never go wrong with old gym shoes as they are probably the most universal of all options. If you know you are injury prone, wear whatever support you need, especially if you have bad ankles or knees.
Other optional items to consider are gloves (mainly for cold weather as opposed to actual hand protection) and some form of headgear such as a hat, headband, or beanie to keep sweat and hair out of your face.
Many new and/or recreational players wear jeans and layer shirts. Depending on the weather one may choose to wear a hoodie over a longsleeve shirt and a t-shirt; layering allows you to at least take them off if you get hot as opposed to being cold without any more layers to put on.
Generally speaking, you want to wear shoes that will have good traction on grass as most places play on grass at some point. For more flat or leveled fields, sports cleats are a good choice. Side note: avoid track spikes! Many places prohibit the use of track spikes because they can ruin bunkers (particularly air bunkers). For more rugged scenario fields, some sort of more protective outdoor boot may be a better option. You will want to consider doing some research about the field you're going to before you make your footwear decisions. However, when in doubt, you can never go wrong with old gym shoes as they are probably the most universal of all options. If you know you are injury prone, wear whatever support you need, especially if you have bad ankles or knees.
Other optional items to consider are gloves (mainly for cold weather as opposed to actual hand protection) and some form of headgear such as a hat, headband, or beanie to keep sweat and hair out of your face.
Equipment
Rental Equipment is always available at any paintball field you go to. The field will provide you with a mask, marker, loader, air source, and barrel plug/sock. If you have your own feel free to bring it along and rent whatever else you need.
When your air source runs out, rental marker setups will be refilled for free. Some places charge a small fee for players with their own equipment and want all-day air fills. There are two types of air sources commonly found in paintball CO2 (recreational) and Compressed Air (recreational and competitive). Many places fill both types, but it's always important to check with the specific field to make sure.
When your air source runs out, rental marker setups will be refilled for free. Some places charge a small fee for players with their own equipment and want all-day air fills. There are two types of air sources commonly found in paintball CO2 (recreational) and Compressed Air (recreational and competitive). Many places fill both types, but it's always important to check with the specific field to make sure.
Safety
Before you play your first game the field will give you an overview of the safety rules. Some fields provide this with a brief video while most will provide a verbal overview from one of the field managers or from one of the referees. It is important to follow these rules as your safety in the sport is the top priority!
At the very least, remember these two things...
At the very least, remember these two things...
- Never, ever, ever take off your mask during a game! This applies even if you are eliminated from a game and are still on the field.
- Always put your barrel sock or plug in before exiting the paintball field, and make sure you leave it there until you are about to start another game!
The Game
There are a variety of games in recreational paintball. Referees will explain the rules of the specific game that you will play and assigning teams. Once the objective of the game has been established and teams are in position, the referee will start the game through some kind of call (ex: "Go, go, go!").
During the game, players will try to obtain the objective that has been set while trying to eliminate the other team, and any players that are hit with a paintball and the paintball breaks are eliminated. Players are to call themselves out. If you are unsure of where you might have been hit ask for a paint check and leave the game if a referee calls you out.
When a game is finished, the referees will lead people off the field and allow for a break to get ready for the next game. Then referees will announce a call for the next game.
During the game, players will try to obtain the objective that has been set while trying to eliminate the other team, and any players that are hit with a paintball and the paintball breaks are eliminated. Players are to call themselves out. If you are unsure of where you might have been hit ask for a paint check and leave the game if a referee calls you out.
When a game is finished, the referees will lead people off the field and allow for a break to get ready for the next game. Then referees will announce a call for the next game.
Elimination
Someone is deemed eliminated when hit by a paintball and the splatter is about the size of a quarter. By being hit with a paintball must move to the “dead area" or exit the field depending on the rules of the game. This area will vary by field and type of game being played.