Are you looking to try paintball for the first time ever? We understand if you’re nervous, and we’re sure you have many questions. Keep reading to learn answers and information that help with those questions, and hopefully your new-found knowledge will tamp down your jitters a bit.

The Fundamentals

At Action Paintball, we know all about having a satisfying, quality game. At our 2 locations in Rouse Hill and Yarramundi, we have 78 acres of land, 28 battlefields, 10 kinds of paintball guns and 20 years of experience working in this space! We also work fast on the turnarounds to keep the play going as much as possible. Our equipment is top-notch, and you’ll see the difference if you’ve played elsewhere in Australia.

What You Should Wear

Shoes that have good traction are a must, such as hiking boots and cross-country running shoes. We ask that you please wear proper footwear, because there are lots of things to step on, including stumps and rocks, among other things.

According to the boutique apparel store owner at Tierra Alma, pants and a long-sleeve shirt are probably the most suitable, although these certainly aren’t mandatory. Paula explains “Breathable apparel is a good choice in the summertime, since it can get a bit hot outside.”

We advise against cleats, given how many different wooden structures are present for you to run on.

Headbands and hats certainly help. Not only do they absorb sweat, but they also take some of the brunt of a paintball when you get shot in the head.

We’re frequently asked whether or not participants should wear a cup. To be honest, people rarely only get shot down there. Hopefully, your first day will give you beginners luck. So, the decision is really yours.

If you want additional protection, chest protectors are certainly available to cover that area as well.

The Safety Briefing

Once you and your group all get checked in, you’re going to get a detailed safety briefing. This is when you are going to learn the safety rules about paintball, as well as everything else you need to know. If you’re here with a private group, then you’re going to get assigned a referee who will guide you through the fields and makes sure that your group has a memorable day.

Walk-On Play: Is It Really Intimidating?

Once you gear up and start scouting the field, you’re going to see players of all sorts of skill levels. Don’t let this scare you. We take pride in having some of the most gracious ‘regulars’ in the local sport. Our player community at Action Paintball is better than anyone around. The regulars aren’t here to ‘annihilate you’. They’re competitive, and they play to win, but they also want you to have a good time, with the hopes that you might become a regular like they are. They’re actually great resources, as our players and referees will be happy to help you out with things.

Your First-Ever Game

Once you’ve gone through the safety briefing, and your paintball gun gets chronographed (that’s what we call calibrating the speed of the paintballs coming out it), the referee will lay down the rules of the specific game you’re about to engage in. This is your starting point. Hopefully, your heart is beating hard and the adrenaline is starting to flow. It’s time for paintball…LET’S GO!

Will It Hurt?

It’s not a great feeling, but it’s never as bad as first-timers imagine. You’re not getting hit with a rock, as it doesn’t take much for a paintball to go splat. If you can handle getting snapped with a rubber-band, you’re going to be fine. Actually, those might be worse, come to think of it.

Once you get hit once, you’ll calm down quite a bit, and hopefully have one of the best days of your life. In fact, the sports massage therapist at Peak Performance Massage says a little hurt is never a bad thing. Jason says “if you end up all achy, all you’ll have to do is get a good massage to relieve the pain.”

If all this information hasn’t calmed you down a little by now, why not start off with one of our starter paintball sessions at Action Paintball? Learn more about those here.

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Written by: Mike Bird