Extreme Sports
Beginner adventure

Ron Fowler said it feels like being hit with a wet towel. Bryan Vasaris said it’s like being snapped with a rubber band or stung by a bee. Being shot by a paintball gun doesn’t sound very fun. So why is paintball one of the fastest growing sports in America, according to the National Sporting Goods Association? “It’s a stress relief, because you can go out and shoot at people and not dangerously hit them,” Vasaris said. “But it’s also being with a group of guys that you like to hang around with.”

The most commonly played paintball game is “capture the flag.” There are rules variations, but the object is for a team to capture the opposing team’s flag while protecting its own. Players eliminate opponents by shooting them with their paintball guns.
The games can be played outside in an open field or forest, or inside at a specially designed facility with inflatable bunkers and other obstacles. “It’s not the hide-and-seek game everyone thinks,” Vasaris said. “It’s really action-packed and fast-paced.” Players use carbon dioxide- or nitrogen-powered guns that fire thin, gelatin capsules filled with non-toxic paint - the “paintballs.”

Vasaris, 22, who has been playing paintball since he was in high school, will be a senior at the University of Cincinnati this year and is the president of the school’s paintball team. He said getting shot isn’t as bad as it seems. “After the first time, I didn’t even think about getting hit,” Vasaris said. “There is such an adrenaline rush that you don’t even feel it.”

For those who want to experience that rush, there are plenty of paintball facilities around Cincinnati. A good place to start for beginners is the Hueston Woods Paintball Club at Hueston Woods State Park.

Tom Arvan, who has been the paintball club’s general manager for 12 years, likes to promote the game to new players. “My personal enjoyment is seeing the kids play and seeing first-time players come off the field with a grin on their face,” Arvan said.
Hueston Woods is open every Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m.-6 p.m. and offers two fields, including one that is wooded with some constructed obstacles. The cost to play is $27, which includes a gun, a carbon dioxide tank, 200 paintballs and protective gear. Players who have their own equipment pay $12. The fields are open Monday through Friday by reservation for groups of 15 or more. Arvan said Hueston Woods has catered to birthday parties, bachelor parties, fraternity and sorority parties and corporate outings. “We have had high praises from corporate groups for team-building,” Arvan said. “It’s a game that really fosters some friendship and sportsmanship.”

Arvan said his paintball field is open to players of all skill levels. “Paintball is a sport that isn’t dominated by youth and physical size,” Arvan said. “We’ve had mom, dad, grandma and grandpa out here.”

Having the best gear helps having an advantage over your opponent when playing paintball. Little things like lighter vests, goggles, helmets, gloves and of course your gun. If you take your paintball seriously you�ll know what I�m on about. Having lighter gear means more movability, more energy and smarter thinking. But you must choose your gear carefully some paintball gear looks good but in actual fact could slow you down or won�t provide you with the stealth or accuracy you will need to win the game.

How can you tell which gear is right for you. Well it will all be determine by your level of game play if you are a beginner start of with the basic rented gear. Doing this gives you a better idea about the gear associated with paintball. Playing with rented paintball gear for the first time will provide you with information on which things are uncomfortable, to heavy or just won�t fit you right. This is a great way to find out about paintball gear and the way the game is played.

Experienced Players know that paintball guns are an important factor. Prices can range from hundreds to thousands of dollars. So let�s talk about paintball guns there are hundreds of different guns on the market but which ones give you that big advantage. Obviously having a lighter gun will increase your moveability but what about the length of the gun barrel? In my opinion the ideal length of your paintball gun should be around 8 to 14 inches having a barrel any longer really doesn�t provide any advantages. It does not give you more accuracy, makes movability a lot harder and of course the gun it self will be heavier. Take your time when finding a paintball gun ask other gamers which gun they prefer best for there style of game.

The right gear can mean the difference of winning and losing but also more importantly safety. Make sure you find good strong safety gear. Your safety gear should fit your body Comfortably having lose paintball gear can be dangerous especially goggles and your helmet. So make sure you find the right gear to protect yourself and give you the best possible advantage over your opponent, but please remember have fun!! Your, not going to win every game, it�s a team sport you can�t win it by yourself.

I wish you and your friends the best on your next paintball game experience and hope you enjoy the adrenaline rush playing paintball provides.