| The sport of paintball started in 1981. The first games | | | | dark in color. Looser type clothing is not as restrictive |
| of paintball were played with regular paint and have | | | | and lets you move at a faster pace on the field. Pants |
| now advanced to using water based capsules full of | | | | and long sleeve shirts help in protecting your skin. By |
| paint. These capsules are fired from guns at opposing | | | | staying with dark colored clothing, you can blend in |
| players. There are many different types of paintball | | | | more. Never wear colors which are bright or any |
| games. King of the Hill and Capture the Flag are two | | | | patterns. When you do this, you become a very |
| of the most common games. When ever you are hit | | | | obvious target. When playing in the cold, you can wear |
| by a pellet, you are eliminated. | | | | thermals under your clothes. Wear a hat to cover your |
| You must wear proper safety equipment to play | | | | ears and head and gloves to cover your hands. Never |
| paintball. A mask which fits correctly is important in | | | | play paintball without the correct clothing on. Gloves will |
| protecting your face and eyes. Paintball isn't like | | | | help protect your hands. Never engage in a game of |
| football; there is no contact with other players. The | | | | paintball without wearing the appropriate protective |
| injury rate is quite low. Statistics state that the injuries | | | | mask. |
| of paintball are .2 injuries per 1,000. Most of the injuries | | | | If you are a beginner at the game of paintball, do not |
| which occur are because a player didn't wear their | | | | buy and equipment or guns yet. You may not like |
| mask. Most all regulated paintball fields will not allow | | | | paintball. You should play several different games of |
| anyone to play if they do not have the correct gear. | | | | paintball before you make your decision. Most of the |
| Paintballs must travel below 300 feet each second. | | | | paintball guns on the market cost anywhere from $100 |
| Each person has a different threshold of pain so some | | | | to $300 each. Stay in this range to be sure you like the |
| may hurt when hit by a paintball. Whether or not your | | | | sport. Also, you should get yourself very familiar with |
| skin stings when hit depends on where you are hit. | | | | your gun before you clean it or use it on the field. Your |
| Sometimes if you are hit at a very close range, you | | | | first purchase should be buying a new mask. Buy your |
| may become bruised from the impact. Most people | | | | paintball gun after you are sure you will enjoy the |
| find the pain of the sting to make the game of paintball | | | | game. Always remember safety is very important to |
| more realistic. | | | | the game of paintball. Your paintball experience will be |
| If you are getting ready to play paintball for the very | | | | positive if you adhere to all safety precautions and |
| first time, you should wear clothes that are loose and | | | | practice your skills before hitting the field. |