Why paintball?

As a thirty-something, mother of three, I can still remember my first paintball experience. I took my son and his friends for his birthday to On Target. There was no way you were getting me onto the field to be shot at! Instead, I bundled up, with camera in hand, face mask on of course for safety and decided to head out to the field to at least bring back some decent shots of the kids and they're day of fun. I found a location out of the line of fire where I could get some good shots of the game and I laughed as they got hit by paint and left the field. After all, they think it's great that they just took a shot to the mask! Well let me just say that if you don’t want to get shot you should stay off the fields! My dad, of all people, thought I had enough shots with my camera and decided I needed to be shot instead. The funny part was that it wasn't as bad as I thought it would be, I mean it stung but I actually think it was more shock than pain! Once that sting instant passed, I headed back and suited up because now the war was on!! And like that I was hooked!

After that day, paintball became our family outing. Where else can you get a legal and safe adrenaline rush that last long past your time on the field? Now you may say, "safe?" but yes SAFE. When played at a good paintball field, there are actually less injuries on the field then in any other sport you or your kids normally play. But for those of you who are still not sure what the benefits would be, I've listed a few things I believe paintball bring to you, your family and or company. Team building- One of the first things I learned is that this is a team sport! Yeah, sure you could go out there with the "Army of One" attitude but you’re probably going to be the first to walk off the field while the others are still in the fight. It's all about the strategy and helping your fellow team mates get to where you’re going on the field. Which brings me to my next benefit...

Critical thinking- Now anyone can get from one side of the field to the other with no obstacles, but when you have three guys on one side, two up ahead to your right and a flag in the middle that you need to get to, you’re going to have to figure out the best scenario for the capture. Not only before the game with your team mates, but as an individual on the field making the proper movements without being taken out.

Pride- A victory is a victory no matter how you look at it! But I can honestly tell you that a loss with an awesome shot against the other team still holds bragging rights at the end of the day! Not to mention the awesome ducks, dives and shots you take on the field. It’s all you think and talk about when someone brings up paintball.

Exercise- In our world of technology, gadgets and video games, people just don’t move like they used to. For those of you with kids, or spouses that act like one, paintball is a great escape from the technology and can be enjoyed by all. I can say that after a day of paintball you will discover muscles that you never knew you had. No, I don’t mean like the kind you can show off, but the ones that will hurt like heck for the next week until you get used to playing, running, jumping, diving, crawling, ducking and laughing about the fun you had all day.

And of course...
Fun- The exciting game of paintball is exactly that- a game! It is a game about winning and losing but either way it can be the best time you’ve ever had in one day! It’s all about spending the day with your friends and making new ones. Learning how to work with others and how to improve yourself. While it does help build self confidence, provide great exercise, encourage team work, communication and responsibility, you’re doing it while having a blast!


Who plays paintball?

Well you already know that a woman in her thirties plays along with her children, husband and father, if you read the above subject, but the list does not stop there. You will see all walks of life on the field, in every shape, size and color. Take a look at some of our past event pictures and you’ll see what a span of age and background come out to play. Come out and you may play with anyone from your next door neighbor, to federal judges and other government officials. From the kids at school to active US military. From the men and women you work with, to doctors, lawyers and so many more. Teams are formed by church groups, youth groups and different work places. The list goes on and on. And I’ve read that Chelsea Clinton played at Camp David for her 16th birthday!

In 2001, an estimated 11,600,000 people played paintball at least once that year. This number included players from all walks of life, income levels, races and age groups. The percentage of female players has also grown over the last decade.