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Playing paintball for the first timeSo you've heard a lot about this sport/game/hobby called paintball. You've read the stories, talked to your friends that play, and have decided that now is a good time to try it. However, what should you expect as a first time player? You've heard the term newb or newbie by now and would hate to be classified as one right off the bat. What should you bring to that first game? Will you need a gun/marker? What is it going to be like? What kind of shape should you be in to play? Well, that's the purpose of this guide. It is to give you, the first time paintball player, an idea of what to expect and what to do for your first experience in this wonderful game we call paintball. Welcome! First, let me start off by welcoming you not just to this forum but the sport of paintball as well. While I use the term sport please understand that paintball is a sport to some, a game to others, and a hobby to most of us. No matter what any of us wants to call it, the overall purpose of this activity is to have fun. The idea that paintball "looks like a lot of fun" is probably why you're here. Perhaps the first thing I can tell you is to always remember "having fun" is what paintball is supposed to be all about. Yes you will find those that take their paintball VERY seriously and that's fine, but you will find it far more enjoyable if you keep in mind that we are all here to have fun. Let me begin by giving you a very broad definition of our hobby. Paintball is a very exciting game of team based tag. That's it. Everything else is based upon that very basic definition of the game. In some games you play what is called elimination where you are trying to tag every player on the other team. Another popular version is "Capture the Flag", a classic game of tag in the days before paintball where each team is trying to get to a certain flag. Sometimes each team has their own and the other team is trying to take it or there is a common flag in the center of the field that both teams are trying for. If you haven't done so already, I strongly suggest that you read over Koolaid's (from the Ariakon forums) Definitions for the new guys thread to get a better idea of the terms that are used in paintball. The rest of this guide makes the assumption that you have already done so. Expectations So what should you expect on your first day? First it depends if you are just going out to play in the woods with your buddies or if you are going to an actual paintball field. For first time players, I STRONGLY suggest you go to an actual paintball field for your first few games. Having a organized, well ran, safe first game is your number one priority. It will also give you a better idea of how a paintball game is SUPPOSED to be ran. So while this guide will cover what to expect if you go to a paintball field, read it anyway even if you are just heading out with your buddies to the woods because most of the things here SHOULD still be taking place out there. An ounce of preparation Yes, I know the saying is "An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure." but the idea is the same. Your first day of paintball should begin long before you actually reach the field. First thing to do is make sure you are going to bring plenty of water. You are going to be running, getting hot, sweating, and thus loosing fluids. Staying hydrated is perhaps one of the most important things next to a good mask. Since you will be there all day bring things to eat. While some fields may have a catering truck or snack bar for your eating needs, don't count on it your first time out. Make sure you have food as you will be working up an appetite. Besides, what event can't be made better with food...really? Next is clothing, what will you wear? I usually suggest long sleeved shirts and long pants. Paintballs hurt more when they hit exposed skin rather than clothed skin. Gloves and knee pads are also high on the list of safety items. Falls and spills with all that equipment are no fun on your knees and hands if you don't wear these items. They are not mandatory, but they can lead to you having more fun and less pain. Make sure you have a decent pair of shoes with a good sole as well. Something that gives you ankle support such as hiking boots, high top shoes, or even combat boots (if you got them) are perfect for paintball as they support your ankle very well. I would suggest not wearing something too nice. While the paint is washable and water based, you are going to get dirty and you may rip or tear your clothes on bunkers and brush that is on the field. Also, some paint can stain and you would want to avoid ruining some nice clothes. BDU's (camouflaged clothing) is always appropriate if you have it but not necessary. I'd also recommend a couple of scarfs...one for your neck and one for your head. the neck one will help protect your throat and neck from paintball hits while the head one will keep sweat out of your face and mask while you play. Of course you will want to bring money too. Most fields take only cash so you can, for once, leave the American Express Card at home. Research By doing a little research before the day you play can help too. Find out what field you are going to and visit their website or give them a call. If you call, remember that most fields are closed during the week so call on the weekend. Since field staff are busy during the morning and afternoon hours dealing with check in of players and the distribution of rental equipment it is best to call them either late in the morning or very early in the afternoon. Find out what their field fee is, if they are a BYOP field or if you must use their paint, find out what their rental fees are for markers and if they have any package deals that include paint and goggles that might save you some money. Make sure that a hopper and bottle come with the rental (most do but just to be safe). Be sure to find out about the cost of air fills or if air fills are free with the rental equipment. Ask when the games begin and what time you should be there considering this is your first time. Once you get that information, coordinate with your buddies to make sure you have a place to meet and all know what time everyone is supposed to be there. See if anyone is planning on bringing a cooler or if more than one cooler is necessary if you can bring one too. Some people opt to bring a chair and table as well so they have a place to set their stuff during breaks. Some go so far as to set up easy ups to have some shade. Check the local forecast for the day as well. If it is going to be really sunny you may want to bring sunglasses or sunscreen. If it is going to be cold and rainy (yes, we do play in the rain short of thunder, lightning, and enough water coming down to make someone consider building an Arc) be sure to plan on bringing clothes to be warm and dry. The Field The paintball field is a commercial business that has a significantly large area of land where the game of paintball can be played. A paintball field usually isn't just one big field but rather it is broken down into smaller individual fields. This allows players who show up (known as walk-ons as opposed to private parties where a group of 20 or more players that have made a reservation for their group ahead of time) to be separated by their skill level. Generally you have novice, intermediate, and advanced if there are enough players for each level. The first thing you will want to do when you get to the field is to find out where you sign up and pay for the day. Usually this includes signing a waiver form as well. If you are under 18 years of age, your parent or guardian will have to sign the form as well. Usually the waivers are in the same area as where you pay your fees. Fees for play vary from field to field. All fields will charge you to play there...usually from $10-$25 for the whole day. Some fields will also require that you use only paint that is purchased at their field while others will allow you to Bring Your Own Paint (BYOP). It is usually cheaper to play at a BYOP field as the cost of paint at a local shop is much less than at a field. Expect to pay $40-$100 per case of paint (2000 rounds) at the field and $25-$60 per case of paint at a local shop. (Price varies on location and paint quality.) Since this is your first time out you should rent goggles and a marker rather than buying them outright. Every field will have gun and equipment rentals available on site for a small charge (about $15-$50/day for the marker and $5-$7/day for the goggles). Gun prices vary by site and by type of marker rented if applicable. Rental markers come with a hopper and air tank included. Usually the first tank fill is also included with the marker rental but all additional fills must be paid for by the player at anywhere from $4-$10 per fill. Again, prices will vary by bottle size and field. You will find that you will normally pay for your field fee, gun rental, and equipment rental all at the same time. Paint purchases and air purchases (they call them Air fills regardless if you are getting CO2 or Compressed Air) are usually done elsewhere but that will also vary from field to field. Once that is done and you have picked up your rental equipment it is time to head over to the Chrono Station. The Chrono Station is an area set up to "clock" the speed at which your marker is shooting. Every field will have a regulated speed limit measured in Feet Per Second (FPS). The highest allowed speed a marker may shoot is 300 FPS but every field usually has their limit set lower to provide an extra margin of safety. Find out what the field speed limit is when you pick up your rental marker. Some fields do not require the rental markers to be Chronoed while others will require it. Visiting the Chrono Station is a good habit to get into so I would suggest doing it regardless of what the field requires. Don't go when the line is long if the field doesn't require you to chrono the rental gun as you don't want to hold up the line for those who brought their own markers, but do make a point to stop by there during the course of the day. When you enter the Chrono Station you must have your goggles on. Once they are on and you enter the station, walk up to one of the chronographs. Some stations will be maned and the referees there will help you Chrono your markers. Others use an "on your honor" system where you are required to make sure your maker passes. If the system is an "on your honor" system, find an experienced player, explain to them it is your first time and if they would mind assisting you in Chronoing your marker. While most experienced players will gladly help you chrono your marker, some may tell you that you don't need to because it is a rental or just blow you off. Don't get discouraged...keep asking and soon you will find someone who will gladly help you. Once you get done Chronoing it will be time for the morning meeting. Be sure to have all your gear ready to go before the morning rules start. This is a mandatory meeting for every player. Go and listen carefully, you'll have plenty of time to chat and joke with your friends and other players later. During this meeting the head ref will go over the rules of the field. He'll tell you where the staging area is, what areas are "hot" and require that you wear your mask while in these "hot" areas, what the groups will be such as beginner, intermediate, etc. They will cover items like barrel tags, surrender rules, boundary markers, dead zones, and other items that are specific for that field. Listen and if you have any questions do not feel ashamed to raise your hand and ask them. Better to ask and find out for sure than do something on the field that may be very unsafe. Game on! Usually the first game of the day will start about 5 minutes after morning rules finishes so you should have your gear ready to go by this point. Depending on the field, games usually are 10-30 minutes long. Elimination games are usually shorter than capture the flag games. The refs will divide you up into two teams. If you are playing with friends, be sure to let the refs know how many are in your party (I would assume that the more experienced players with you would know this but it's good for you to be aware too). Once divided, the refs will mark the teams. Sometimes one team will have a colored band on while the other team will not. Other times one team will wear a band of one color and the second team will wear a band of a different color. However your field does it, pay attention to both how your team is marked and how the other team is marked. Your team-mates will help tie on your band (if that is what is used) so be sure to help them with theirs. The Refs will then take each team to its starting point. They will usually give you a warning that the game will be starting in so many seconds once everyone is in position. The refs will call game on with a whistle blow or similar signal. Once the game is started, move up with the experienced guys, play and have fun. You may be eliminated very quickly. Don't worry about it if it happens (and it will happen) and don't get frustrated that you're out so early. The more you play the more you'll learn and the more you learn the longer you'll be in the game. Each field has their own rules about what makes an elimination (remember I said how important morning rules are?). Some fields say any break larger than a quarter and your out. Others have it the size of a nickle or larger. Some fields count gun hits as an elimination while others don't. If you feel yourself get hit, get behind a bunker and check yourself. Sometimes the rounds bounce and for most fields that is not an elimination. Have another player check you if in doubt or, better yet, call for a paint check from a ref is one is nearby. Once eliminated, raise your hand (preferably the one you hold your marker with) HIGH above your head and in a clear, loud voice say "Dead Man" and begin to walk off the field. As you get out of the immediate area, put your barrel cover back on and put your marker on safe. You'll then walk over to the dead zone and wait until the next game starts. Some fields have dead zones that are still "hot" and thus you need to keep your mask on while you are in there. Others may have them in "safe" areas allowing you to remove your mask. Games will continue one after the other for the day until you reach the lunch break. It occurs around noon and will usually last 30 mins to an hour. Announcements will be made over the PA when your group will go back to playing. If there are more than one group, each group may not take lunch at the same time so when you are at lunch, pay attention as to when your group gets called back to the field. Sometimes catering trucks will be available at the field for lunch and drinks, but generally it is a good idea to bring your own the first time out. You don't have to play every game. Once a game starts you cannot usually join it but if you need to leave the field for whatever reason you may. Call yourself out as though you were eliminated and walk off the field. Reasons you may need to leave would be out of paint, out of air, or a mechanical problem with your marker. If the latter occurs, fields will usually have an air-smith on site to assist you in repairing your marker, especially if it is a rental. Usually there is no charge for the repair of a rental marker. If you have to miss a game or two for whatever reason, just ask any ref what field your group is on and they can radio your ref to find out that information. You can go to that field and check in with your ref so that you can play the next game. End of the day At the end of the day you will need to turn in all of your rental gear. Help your friends get their stuff packed up after you've done that and, other than the trip home, you're done. And that is a basic overview of how your day is going to go. Conclusion That should about cover it. While your exact day may vary, you now how some idea of how a typical day of playing will go. Be prepared for people to refer to you as a Newbie...after all, you are. Most players will tell you though that the good Newbie is the one that asks questions, listens to the answers, applies what he learns, and takes in everything going on around him to make him a better player. I still consider myself a Newbie since I've only been playing again since June and I'm constantly learning something. By keeping yourself humble, following the rules, keeping a good attitude, and remembering that paintball is all about having fun it is very doubtful that people will ever call you a newbie and mean it as a negative thing. Prepare for your day, follow the rules, and your first day of paintballing will be a very fun and rewarding experience.
- Robotech
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