So you’re going to your first scenario? A bit scared? Worried? Anxious? Well don’t fret because I’m going to try and make your first big game a little less stressful this week! I’m going to touch base on a few of the BIG things you should worry about when going to your first game. So lets pull the masks on and get started!

First things first. You need to be ready way ahead of time. Pack your gear 2-3 days before you’re going to the game! You can’t hastily pack everything the night before and truly expect not to forget something, trust me...every time I’ve ever tried to pack in a hurry I’ve forgotten things. Sometimes things as common as my mask. Yea yea...I know. Anyways lets move on to the packing list! This list is going to vary depending on how much stuff you actually own, but in all honesty these are the things you should aspire to own.

-Marker
-Hopper
-Air source(HPA/CO2)
-Barrel kit/Barrel
-Barrel condom
-Mask-Tool kit
-Vest/Pod belt
-Mask cleaner
-Rags to clean gear

That pretty much sums up the BASICS of what equipment you’ll need! Another word of advice is to make sure that in your tool kit you have the proper sized Allen wrenches so that you can adjust your velocity. Nothing more frustrating than having to track down an Allen wrench when you’re all geared up and ready to chrono! The next thing that is a of HUGE importance and this is something that I can’t stress enough. Stay HYDRATED AND FUELED! By this I mean, make sure that you bring at least a case of water with you so that you can constantly be pushing fluids. And also bring some quick munching food. I like to bring granola bars because they’re quick and easy to grab, and they give you a nice little energy boost. Try and avoid drinking sugar filled drinks. Now this doesn’t apply to everyone, one of my old teammates used to drink Pepsi during games. Yea it’s great sugar and good for energy, but I’ve had bad experiences drinking sugar filled drinks. I was playing an outlaw game down in some backwoods hick town and a younger me decided that I was going to bring a few gallons of sweet tea to keep myself hydrated. That was the worst mistake I’v ever made, that beverage was nearly the end of me, I was sweating excessively, white as a ghost and about ready to pass out! It was just an all around bad experience.

Another thing is, is this a 1 day or 2 day event? If it’s a one day the next things don’t really apply, but if it’s a 2 day event then pay attention. You’re going to need to bring food. And make sure you bring enough. Nothing worse than having to find your way into a town at 8 at night to locate some grub because you didn’t prepare. Also, if you pack the proper amount of food and drink, you won’t have to spend as much money. Now another thing to consider at a 2 day event is your sleep arrangement. I know a lot of guys who at their first big game they just sleep in their vehicle, but personally I’d rather sleep comfy than crammed into the back seat of a car or in the bed of a truck! Get yourself a tent. I don’t care how you get it. Beg, borrow, or steal it, just don’t forget to show up with a tent! OH! I almost forgot, one of the most important things you will ever bring to a game with you, is a folding chair. I say this because you’re more than likely going to meet some people on the field that day, and be hanging out with them that night, and there is nothing that sucks more than having to pop a squat on the ground when everyone else is sitting in fancy chairs.

Now that we’ve got the gear, grub, and sleeping figured out, lets move on. The next order of business is what to expect! You’re going to pull up in your vehicle. And as you’re looking for a spot you’re going to see lots and lots of people. Polishing gear, trading stories, or just sitting around waiting. The parking is going to be crammed and more than likely you’re going to have to park in the grass somewhere. Once you’ve found a parking spot, get to know the guys parked around you. Since you’re car is most likely going to be your own personal base, it’s good to know that the guys next to you aren’t going to steal your loot! Once you’ve established a good base for yourself, head on up to the pro shop. Every field is going to require you sign a waiver, that basically releases them from liability in the event of an accident. Just fill it out, pick your paint, pick your team side, and head back to your car to get your gear ready. Another word of advice, if you don’t know anyone there, try picking the same team as those guys you just talked to parked next to you. This way you can have a common thing to spur a bit more conversation between ya! The next few things you’re going to wanna do once you’ve paid, chosen a team, and got your gear all ready is to fill your tank, and chrono. Now if you’re not familiar with pay fields, then you may not be familiar with fill stations. Usually located up near the pro-shop is a fill station to fill up your HPA/Co2 tanks. If you have HPA there is going to be 2 stations, one for 3,000 psi fills, and one for 4,500 psi fills. Choose the correct station for tank and go to it. If you’re unsure of how to operate it, just ask someone! Most paintballers are more than willing to help you, we’re a good bunch. Now if you have Co2 you’re going to have to find out where the Co2 gets filled at, and normally have to have a member of staff fill it for you. Co2 tanks have to be completely drained before they can be filled again.

Once you’re tank is full, head back to your base camp, grab your gun, tank, barrel condom, mask, hopper, paintballs, and that Allen wrench for adjusting your velocity. Once you’ve gotten all these things together, head on over to the chrono station! Put your mask on, barrel condom on, gas up your marker, pour the balls into the hopper, and then play the waiting game. There is going to be a long line of people waiting to chrono, so it’s all a matter of just waiting. When the time comes and the ref signals you to come up, walk up to the table, place the tip of your marker about 1-2 inches over the end of the chrono, fire off 3 shots, each time giving the ref enough time to look at your speed between shots. If you’re way off, then step to the side, and adjust it, and then step back in. Once you’re good to go the ref will usually punch a player card that you got when you paid.

Alright so...what’s next? Stop by next week and we’ll pick up where we left off!