Stay hydrated, for better games and better health!
Stay hydrated! Photo by Stephanie Prince
Drink water! You will need water before you feel thirsty. Drink water before, during, and after paintball, and that means drinking water the day before you play, too.
Don't allow yourself to get dehydrated. You won't play as well, and you can get sick. A person who does not drink enough water suffers, because toxins will build up in the body, and the person can get constipated-just two of the negative results of not drinking enough water. For someone trying to lose weight, not drinking enough water means fat does not metabolize and, on top of that, the person will feel hungry and eat too much. (Always consult your doctor before starting any new sport or weight loss program.)
And remember, you need to drink water in cold weather, not just when it's hot.
Keep your mask on, for protection from incoming paintballs
This mask took the hit, to protect the player. Photo by Dave Norman
A paintball mask's mission is to protect. Guarding your eyes from being hit with paintballs, the mask is the single most important piece of gear in paintball. The first rule every newbie must learn is "Keep your goggles on!"
The newest masks have chin straps. A few have added enhanced protection over the top of the head, and behind the head. Wearing fuller protection makes good sense. Hard hits to the head are not a good thing. Let the paintballs hit the mask instead!
Inspect the straps and lens every time you play. Keep the lens and the mask clean, and replace the lens regularly, following the manufacturer's instructions. Insist that everybody wear a paintball mask when they're in or near a paintball game. Masks on at the chrono, and at the target range. Safety first!
