Oxford Dictionaries' definition of paintball:
NOUN
- a game in which participants simulate military combat using air guns to shoot capsules of paint at each other.
My definition of paintball: A sport, lifestyle, and community.
When new friends find out that I enjoy playing paintball, they are usually shocked. Completely and utterly, visually shocked.
Sometimes I wonder why this is. Is it because I'm a 5 foot 4 inch tall, slim female who's super sweet and who laughs a lot? Would people react differently if I was a 6 foot tall male with his own DLX Luxe and Empire EVS or a DYE I5? I think I already know that answer.
Now, don't get me wrong, people's opinions of me playing paintball does not, and will never, affect my passion for the sport. But lets be real, even some of the guys at the field underestimate me. And that's okay; that's their decision. One thing this sport has taught me is to ignore a lot of negativity, within the sport or out. If I'm shot out first or if I'm the last (wo)man standing, it doesn't make me a better human than the person next to me.
Something you should know about me, is I was always the girl to be around "the guys". Girl drama was never interesting to me, and even though I don't know much about football or what it's like to get kicked in the nuts, I generally like the company of guys a lot more.
One thing I am always asked by parents, or friends of those playing is, "Doesn't that hurt?" I kindly reply, "Well, it doesn't feel nice", as they shriek. I mean, you are getting shot with a ball at 300 FPS, is that supposed to feel nice?
Another saying I always get is, "Wow you play good for a girl!" Well, I mean thanks ... I guess? As if they've never seen a girl play paintball! Let me tell you, there are some amazing female paintball players, and all-women teams that totally kick ass!
One thing about paintball that drew me in was the sense of community, comradery and passion the players have for the sport. If there's a young beginner player at the field and there isn't a tournament or team practice, often times, you'll see seasoned players inviting them in their group for a few games. Not only this, but a bunch of paintball players are genuine guys.
The majority of players will show respect towards other players. We all know that if there's an 8-year-old on the opposing team and you have the chance to bunker him, you shoot one or two into his pod pack and call it a day.
The sport is pure exhilaration. When I'm on the field I never think about home life, or work, or friends. I think about the layout of the field, player's positions, my teammate's voices, and if I could make it to my bunker.
Yeah, it took me some time to learn about what the ASA was and how to lube a bolt, and I would mistake the "beer can" with the "cylinder". And sometimes I still mess up, but the only way to improve is to practice, get out there and play, or watch a really close gun battle on the snake side.
If you've never played before, I highly suggest getting a small group of friends and going to a field. And lets hope this guy is never you:
Happy Balling!
