What is Paintball?

Paintball is a fast, exciting outdoor activity, enjoyed worldwide by hundreds of thousands of people from all different walks of life. The game essentially involves two opposing teams, each with a given objective.

Every player gets a paintball gun or marker which fires paintballs which are gelatine capsules filled with a water soluble paint. You have to try to eliminate the other team by 'marking' them with paint. If you are shot and 'marked' with paint then you lose a life. The team which completes their objectives most successfully wins the game. Sounds fun?

Is it safe?

Yes. It's as safe as any active sport can be so long as you observe the basic safety rules and regulations. Safety is highly stressed at CROSSFIRE. Basic safety rules include always wearing a protective paintball mask in designated areas and keeping guns out of the reception area and designated dead zones.. During play it is very important to keep your mask on at all times. Paintballs travel at speeds of up to 300 fps (feet per second) and while they are very light they could easily damage an unprotected eye.

Does it hurt when you get shot?

Honestly, sometimes. It depends on how fast the ball is travelling, where it hits, whether it breaks or not (balls that just bounce of tend to be more painful) and how many layers of clothing you are wearing. Sometimes you won’t even feel a hit. But even when it does hurt, it’s usually just a quick sting – the kind of thing you forget about a few seconds later.

Can anybody play?

Yes. So long as you are 16 or older.

Do you have to be fit?

It helps.  Most people play to their own individual fitness level. Just remember that your paintball gun fires far, far faster than anyone can run and paintball is seldom won on fitness alone. Being able to think quickly and decisively is what makes the real difference in paintball. Intelligence and determination, not merely speed or agility, are keys to success in the sport.

So do you need to be experienced?

No one is born playing paintball. We all start somewhere. You will probably find that it takes a game or two to come to terms with the basic tactics. However, our friendly CROSSFIRE marshals are there to advise you and point you in the right direction.

What do you need to play?

We supply almost everything you'll need including all your safety equipment. You need to bring comfortable clothing which you can run around in as well as some footwear. Suitable footwear is very important. Some players find that lightweight canvas topped army boots or leather work boots protect feet and ankles in the woods and give good ankle support. It's most important to wear what feels comfortable. As the game is played in woodland conditions we would recommend anything sturdy.

Does the paint stain your clothes?

No. The paint is non-staining and will wash easily out of clothing. At CROSSFIRE use only premium grade paintballs which are non-toxic and bio-degradable to protect the environment.

How do you get more information about playing?

Simply contact us by email, phone, fax; you can download our information pack here