Eshin Direct

What is Paintball?

Essentially, paintball is a sport in which two teams try and achieve an objective and prevent the other team from completing theirs. Each team is helped in their goals by being armed with paintball guns loaded with gelatine capsules filled with water-soluble dye (paintballs). Once you have been shot and marked (the paintball has broken), you are out of the game and must wait for the next game to begin.

Of course, the rules of being marked and the conditions of victory might vary from game to game, even site to site.

Is it Safe?

Since paintball is an action sport, safety precautions must be made. Adequate protection and safety rules must be followed at all times. So long as these precautions are followed, a game of paintball is very safe.

Paintballs are made up of thin gelatine and water, making them very light. So although the paintballs are travelling at a velocity of 300 feet/second, they have very little momentum and are not lethal or harmful so long as the appropriate protective gear is worn.

Appropriate protection means the wearing of facemasks and goggles. These should protect the wearer from damage to the eyes, ears and mouth by the paintballs.

All good paintballs sites should run through the safety protocols before you even fire a single paintball in the day. If they don’t, ask for them to do so! Also, make sure that if you are going to rent equipment from the site that you check to make sure that its in good condition.

Does it Hurt?

The paintballs are designed to break on impact and in principle, do not cause any real pain. You may fee a stinging sensation on impact but this disappears after a couple of seconds. Naturally, if you are shot at a closer range, you are likely to feel it more. Most sites employ a “surrender” rule to prevent shots being fired at close range. Curiously, while you may have some bruises from paintballs, the more “severe” injuries occur from the local terrain.

How Fit do I need to be o Play?

Fitness is not a prerequisite for the game. It does help but it is not the essential element to having fun on the day. Of course, you should determine your play accordingly to your level of fitness. If you are in poor physical condition, or have any physically limiting conditions, consult a physician before playing.

Can I get the Paint out of my Clothes?

The paint is water-soluble and should wash out as normal.

What do I need to play?

A site should normally provide all the safety equipment. This means that the appropriate goggles and facemasks are provided. While it is an important element to the site’s reputation to maintain a high level of safety, you should always check the equipment you have been given for signs of damage/breakage or wear and tear. If you are not satisfied, ask them to replace the equipment.

Most sites provide camouflage overalls to protect your clothing. These ensure that your clothes remain clean and undamaged. It is strongly recommended that you bring clothes that you don’t mind getting dirty and even damaged. Please also try and make sure that you bring footwear that has some ankle support – hiking boots are preferable.

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Where Can I Play?

We recommend Skirmish Lasham in the UK.

Tags: Paintball