Despite a slight downturn in profits during 2020, the paintball industry is currently valued at a phenomenal $1.3 billion.
This fun, active game is a great way to burn off some steam, practice your strategizing and spend time with like-minded friends.
Are you tempted to sign up for a round of this popular sport, but wary about all the paintball myths you’ve heard? Keep reading to allay these needless fears.
Getting Hit Hurts Badly
Taking a direct hit during a round of paintball isn’t as painful as you think. Sure, a direct hit on bare skin at close range will sting a lot, but thanks to all the protective gear you’re wearing, you typically won’t feel much on impact.
Paintball venues implement strict safety rules and high-quality protective gear to ensure you enjoy yourself during the game. If you’re still feeling apprehensive, have a look at this guide to paintball attire.
Unless you’re playing paintball against a professional sniper, you’re unlikely to take a direct hit in any case. Paintball is a fast-moving game, and it’s not easy to hit someone on the run.
Besides, your opponent must give you the chance to surrender before they open fire.
The aim is to avoid getting shot, so pile on the layers and strategize with your teammates to avoid ending up in the line of fire. It’s also the best route to victory.
Paintball Isn’t Suited to Kids
Very small children might find all the activities involved in the average paintball game a little overwhelming. Yet, most children love joining in and their small stature and quick, nimble movements make them worthy opponents out on the field.
Since paintball isn’t a contact sport, the size of the players doesn’t matter. So, there’s no danger of larger kids harming your little one in the fray.
Most paintball establishments cater to children over the age of eight, although some offer games restricted to certain age groups. These instances use smaller types of paintball guns and extra-padded body protection and ensure the children receive supervision throughout.
You Need to Be in Good Shape to Play Paintball
Jumping and diving for cover is part of the fun when you play paintball, but you can get by on strategy alone. That means you can join according to your fitness and comfort levels.
The best teams always need strategists and analysts to work behind the scenes, too. Make sure you pick partners that complement your level of fitness, and you can still form part of a winning team.
Paintball is a blast regardless of your age, gender, and fitness.
You’ll End Up With Stains on Your Clothes
The vast majority of paintball paints are water-soluble. That means they wash out easily.
As soon as you return home from your game, toss your outfit into the washer. It’s best to avoid letting the paint dry out too much before you wash your clothes.
You might not have as much luck getting the paint off your car’s upholstery, though, so bring a change of clothing for the drive home.
It’s still not a good idea to arrive in white clothing for your match.
Firstly, the last thing you want is to stand out in these make-believe combat situations. Secondly, white clothes stain more easily than dark ones.
Going paintballing is an active pastime. Wear clothing that’s serviceable enough to cope with scrambling around in the dirt.
Paintball Myths About Equipment
You don’t need top-to-toe state-of-the-art combat gear and the best paintball guns to enjoy the game.
Often, heavy gear is more of a hindrance than a help. You can get by with basic paintball essentials like a helmet, goggles, and a gun.
Layers of thick-ish clothing will protect you from the brunt of the balls when you’re getting started, and most paintball arenas have gear for hire if you need any extras.
Once you’ve decided to become a regular combatant, you can invest in some top gear to enhance your enjoyment.
Enthusiasm, quick wits, and a good attitude will get you further than the latest, greatest professional paintball gear.
Paintball Is Dangerous
The thought of going to war with ‘armed’ combatants is a daunting one, but it’s safe to say that paintball isn’t a dangerous pastime.
Since paintballs have soft shells and disintegrate on impact, there’s no way they can harm you. What’s more, the low-energy guns used in paintball can’t fire one of these missiles at a speed that causes physical harm.
Like any active sport, paintball does include the risk of falling, colliding with other players, and over-straining yourself. Fortunately, these injuries are very rare in paintball.
As long as you follow the rules and wear the recommended protective gear, you’ll experience no ill effects from playing paintball.
The Pros Will Outgun You
Professional paintball players are daunting opponents, for sure, but you’ll probably never meet one of these icons in the field. The vast majority of players participate for enjoyment’s sake alone.
It’s not fun playing any sport when you’re outmatched, but there are levels of paintball to suit every type of enthusiast. If you bring two bands of brothers along, you needn’t worry about any unpleasant surprises.
If you can’t round up two teams, the paintball arena will match you up with players of a compatible skill level.
Make the Most of Your Leisure Time
Now that we’ve put these paintball myths to bed, do you feel more confident about getting out there and giving it a bash?
Round up some friends and book your spot for a fun, novel activity that’s great for building team spirit.
Are you looking for something a little lower-key? Browse our blog for more information on fun things to do in your spare time.