Paintball Safety Tips

There are many safety tips to follow in paintball. A lot of them are common sense, but even experienced players forget some of them once in a while. Paintball is a very safe sport, but the potential is there for injury, just like any other physical outdoor activity. Here are some paintball safety tips for beginners and experienced players alike.

Probably the single most important safety rule is to never, under any circumstances, take your mask off on the field during play. If you cannot see and are afraid someone could get hurt because you cannot see, call a time out if you are allowed. If it is an emergency and you absolutely have to remove your paintball mask or goggles, call yourself dead and get off the field.

Paintballs travel upwards of 280 feet per second. You could do permanent injury to your eye if you get a direct hit. It is not worth the risk for one game. You are better off fixing the problem and then joining in the next game.

Make sure you do some stretches prior to a paintball game. Because of lots of fast starting and stopping, quick sprinting, and outdoor terrain, there is always a chance of a sprain or a muscle strain. Taking a few minutes to stretch before a game, and even after a game can reduce this chance.

Wear shoes that are appropriate for the game. A lot of players wear cleats. While this is not necessary, keep in mind that you do not want to be slipping and sliding. Not only is it bad for play, it could be dangerous as well. Good hiking shoes or boots that have good traction are fine to wear on the paintball field.

Know how your gun works. If it is a rental or a borrowed paintball marker, take a few minutes to familiarize your self with it. This will improve your game and it will also help keep paintball safe for you and others around you. If there is something about the gun that you are not sure, take a minute to ask someone. You do not want any doubts about how to use your weapon after play starts.

Lastly, make sure to pay attention to your surroundings. This will be important if you want to win the game, but more importantly, if you want to prevent falling, tripping, or running into things you need to know what is around you. It is very easy to get so focused during the game that you do not see the log lying in front of you or the rock sticking up out of the ground. Keep your head and you’ll not only have a better chance of winning, you’ll also be safer.

Get out on the field and have some fun, but remember these paintball safety tips.