Outdoor Activities
Paintball
In less than a
decade, the sport of paintball has become one of the world's most
exciting outdoor participation sports. Paintball is played in over
two dozen countries by millions of men and women of all ages, races
and lifestyles.
Paintball is a combination of the childhood games of "Tag" and "Hide
and Seek", but much more challenging and sophisticated. Although
there are many different styles of games, typically a group of
players will divide into two teams to play "Capture the Flag". The
object of the game is to capture the opposing team's flag while
preventing them from capturing your own. As you attempt to capture
the flag, you can also eliminate opposing players by tagging them
with a paintball expelled from a special CO2-powered paintball gun.
Games usually have a time limit of 15 to 30 minutes depending on the
type of game being played. Win or lose, everyone has a great time
and there's always the next game waiting for you.
A paintball is a round, thin-skinned gelatin capsule with coloured
liquid inside it. When a player is tagged bye a paintball, the thin
gelatin skin splits open, and the liquid inside leaves a bright
"paint" mark (or a "splat" mark). A player who is marked by a
paintball is eliminated from the current game. The "paint", which is
non-toxic, non-caustic, water-soluble and biodegradable, rinses out
of clothing and off of skin with mild soap and water.
Paintball is a very safe sport when the safety rules are followed.
Players must always wear special goggles and masks, made
specifically for paintball, to protect their eyes and faces during
the game and while in any area where shooting of paintballs is
permitted, such as the target range. Paintball guns are tested with
a chronograph to ensure the paintballs do not exceed a safe speed
(generally 300 fps). Referees are on the field to control the game,
enforce rules of safety and fair play, and assist players with their
equipment.
Paintball is a sport played by people from all professions and
lifestyles. It is a sport where men and women compete equally, and
where age is not dominated by youth. Physical size and strength are
not nearly as important as cunning and determination. Being able to
think quickly and decisively and good sportsmanship is what makes
you a winner. Above all, paintball is fun. It's a chance to relax
from your day-to-day responsibilities and rekindle your spirit of
adventure.
