spyderlover321
09-21-2003, 06:40 AM
I was looking through the paper today when on the cover of the weekend scection, I saw this big color photo of sombody wearing all blue dye gear, with an sto autococker and a revvie. He was playing on an airball field, not in the woods, and was snap shooting. In big bold letters across the top of the picture it said, PLAY PAINTBALL!
In the intereior page where the article was, there was a pic of a guy from bad company, who is the brother of the writer of the article.
Here is the article.
Play Paintball
Sunday, September 21, 2003; Page M06
Imagine playing Capture the Flag while dodging shots and trying to nail the opposing team. That's what paintball is -- a running-and-evading game played with air-powered guns that shoot dye-filled capsules instead of bullets.
The Sporting Goods Manufacturers Association estimates that 8.7 million people played paintball last year, ranking it third in "extreme sports," behind in-line skating and skateboarding. If you want to check it out, be prepared to run, sweat and incur occasional bruises and welts. The rules are simple: If you get hit in your quest for the flag, you're out. The first person to reach the flag without being hit wins for their team.
The game is played on two types of terrain: demarcated forest areas and "concept fields," open spaces about the size of a soccer field that feature inflatable or hard-plastic bunkers. The latter are often netted so spectators can watch in safety. Yes, paintball can be a spectator sport: My 26-year-old brother Chris is a professional paintball player. That's right -- it's his j-o-b. He's been in the business for nine years and now plays with top-ranked Bad Company, an Annapolis team that competes in tournaments all over the world.
What to Expect: Sessions run three to five hours, and most fields require you to sign a waiver. Age requirements vary. Each game lasts 10 to 15 minutes, and you play, on average, eight to 14 games per session. You can get more games in by taking fewer breaks, but you may savor the rest; getting smacked by paint capsules at close range hurts more than you think.
What to Bring: Be prepared to run. A lot. Wear comfortable shoes with lots of ankle support. Cleats are recommended. Wear layers; the more you have on, the less the paintballs hurt. Try to cover all exposed skin. (The paint is water-soluble, so it will wash out. The grass stains, however, might not.) Bring water and snacks, because some fields don't offer refreshments. If you own any knee or elbow pads, bring them, too.
Cost: Prices vary according to the day, the size of the party, and whether you are a rental or walk-on player. (Walk-ons -- those who have their own equipment and are not with a group -- pay lower fees.) Rental sessions cost $25 to $55 per person and include equipment -- gun, paintballs, goggles, C02 cartridges -- and a referee. Group reservations must be made in advance and require a deposit. Mary M. Remuz
In the intereior page where the article was, there was a pic of a guy from bad company, who is the brother of the writer of the article.
Here is the article.
Play Paintball
Sunday, September 21, 2003; Page M06
Imagine playing Capture the Flag while dodging shots and trying to nail the opposing team. That's what paintball is -- a running-and-evading game played with air-powered guns that shoot dye-filled capsules instead of bullets.
The Sporting Goods Manufacturers Association estimates that 8.7 million people played paintball last year, ranking it third in "extreme sports," behind in-line skating and skateboarding. If you want to check it out, be prepared to run, sweat and incur occasional bruises and welts. The rules are simple: If you get hit in your quest for the flag, you're out. The first person to reach the flag without being hit wins for their team.
The game is played on two types of terrain: demarcated forest areas and "concept fields," open spaces about the size of a soccer field that feature inflatable or hard-plastic bunkers. The latter are often netted so spectators can watch in safety. Yes, paintball can be a spectator sport: My 26-year-old brother Chris is a professional paintball player. That's right -- it's his j-o-b. He's been in the business for nine years and now plays with top-ranked Bad Company, an Annapolis team that competes in tournaments all over the world.
What to Expect: Sessions run three to five hours, and most fields require you to sign a waiver. Age requirements vary. Each game lasts 10 to 15 minutes, and you play, on average, eight to 14 games per session. You can get more games in by taking fewer breaks, but you may savor the rest; getting smacked by paint capsules at close range hurts more than you think.
What to Bring: Be prepared to run. A lot. Wear comfortable shoes with lots of ankle support. Cleats are recommended. Wear layers; the more you have on, the less the paintballs hurt. Try to cover all exposed skin. (The paint is water-soluble, so it will wash out. The grass stains, however, might not.) Bring water and snacks, because some fields don't offer refreshments. If you own any knee or elbow pads, bring them, too.
Cost: Prices vary according to the day, the size of the party, and whether you are a rental or walk-on player. (Walk-ons -- those who have their own equipment and are not with a group -- pay lower fees.) Rental sessions cost $25 to $55 per person and include equipment -- gun, paintballs, goggles, C02 cartridges -- and a referee. Group reservations must be made in advance and require a deposit. Mary M. Remuz