I still remember the first time I played paintball. I was 18 years old, fresh out of school, and feeling that intoxicating sense of freedom that comes with the end of exams and the start of adulthood. A group of us—friends and acquaintances—had decided to go on a weekend trip, looking for something different, something that would challenge us physically but, more importantly, something fun.
One of the group suggested paintball. At the time, paintball wasn’t as widespread as it is today. It was still seen as a niche hobby, something only a handful of people really knew about. But that didn’t deter us—we were curious and all agreed it was worth a shot. The chosen venue was just outside Wetherby, a small place nestled in the Yorkshire countryside. Though the venue no longer exists, that day is etched in my memory like yesterday.
Discovering the World of Paintball
A few days before our planned trip, I came across something that would change the way I looked at paintball forever: Paintball Monthly, a magazine dedicated to the sport. I didn’t even know there was such a thing. In fact, the idea of paintball having its own publication intrigued me. Here was an entire community that existed beyond the fleeting mentions of paintball on TV or in the movies. Flipping through the pages, I saw vivid images of players dressed in camouflage, running through forests, crouching behind obstacles, paint splattering in vibrant colors across walls, trees, and uniforms. I could feel the energy and excitement through the pages. This wasn’t just some casual weekend hobby—this was a full-blown adrenaline-pumping sport with tactics, equipment, and dedicated enthusiasts.
Towards the back of the magazine was an ad for “Warpaint,” a paintball event company. The ad was simple, just a phone number and a description of the game: “Realistic warzone-style paintball.” Without hesitation, I called the mobile number. The man on the other end was friendly, explaining everything about the upcoming event in great detail. It sounded thrilling and intense—just what we were after.
The Big Day: Arrival and First Impressions
When the day of the event finally arrived, I could barely contain my excitement. It was early March 1988, around 8:30 in the morning, and there was a crisp, misty chill in the air. You know the kind of morning where the world seems quiet, almost waiting for something to happen? That’s how it felt.
We arrived at the venue, walking along a narrow stone path that crunched beneath our boots. The countryside stretched out around us, quiet and still, only occasionally broken by the sound of birds calling out from the nearby woods. It was the kind of place that made you feel like you were far from civilization, a perfect backdrop for what was about to unfold.
At the end of the path, we reached a small clearing that served as the base area. It wasn’t anything grand—just a few hay bales arranged for seating and a large wooden cabin that had clearly seen better days. A huge Rottweiler sat at the entrance, its massive head resting on its paws, watching everyone with an almost regal air of indifference. Despite the simplicity of the setup, there was an undeniable charm to the place. It felt like we had stumbled upon something special, a hidden gem tucked away from the rest of the world.
The instructors, dressed in full tactical gear, exuded a confident air. They joked among themselves, their holstered pistols catching the attention of everyone in our group. These weren’t the cheap rental guns we were about to use—these were high-end pieces of equipment, the kind of gear that made you realize just how serious some people were about paintball.
Getting Geared Up
After a quick but informative briefing about the rules of the game, safety procedures, and how to handle the equipment, we were given our gear. I still remember the red paintballs we were handed—packed into 10-shot tubes, with a faint, sweet smell that made them seem almost innocent. But we all knew that these small, round balls of paint were about to be anything but.
Next, we donned our coveralls. They were baggy, dark green with a camouflage pattern, and smelled faintly of sweat and dirt—clear signs of having been worn by many players before us. It didn’t matter though; as soon as I zipped mine up, I felt transformed. The mask and goggles completed the ensemble, and for the first time, I felt like a soldier preparing for battle.
We sized each other up, looking around at the 30 or so other participants. It was an interesting mix of people—mostly men in their 30s and 40s, with a few women scattered among them. Some looked like seasoned veterans, while others, like us, were clearly newcomers, unsure of what to expect but eager to dive in.
The First Game: Heart-Pounding Tension
The whistle blew for the first game, and chaos erupted. Without a plan, we scattered in all directions. It was every man for himself, the only clear objective being to capture the opposing team’s flag and return it to our base within 25 minutes.
After a short time, I found myself alone, deep in the woods. The air was thick with tension, every sound amplified in the silence. I could hear footsteps—the opposition was nearby. My heart began to race as adrenaline surged through my veins. Without thinking, I ducked into a bush, crouching low, my body pressed to the ground. I was trying to make myself as small and invisible as possible.
As the footsteps grew louder, I raised my pistol, aiming it toward the group leader. My mind was racing: should I take the shot and risk giving away my position, or stay hidden and hope they passed by without noticing me? My heart pounded so hard I thought they might hear it. At one point, a foot missed my hand by mere inches. It was a surreal moment—the thrill of being so close to getting caught, but still managing to stay hidden.
I stayed completely still, gripping the pistol tightly, watching as they moved past me, unaware of how close they had come to finding me. The elation I felt in that moment was indescribable. It was a rush unlike anything I’d ever experienced—equal parts fear and exhilaration. I knew then that I was hooked.
The First Victory
After what felt like an eternity, I broke cover and decided to pursue the group from a distance. There were nine of them, and I knew it would be foolish to engage, so instead, I made my way toward their base, hoping to catch them off guard.
Their base was a treehouse, high up among the branches with a single defender standing watch. I remember the scene so clearly: lining up my pistol, steadying my aim, and squeezing the trigger. The paintball arced through the air, hitting the defender squarely on the head. He was out of the game.
I couldn’t believe it. I had done it. My shot had landed perfectly. I stood there for a moment in shock, marveling at the accuracy of my PGP pistol. This wasn’t just luck—these paintball guns were incredibly precise, and I felt an immense sense of satisfaction knowing I had pulled off such a clean shot.
With no one else around, I grabbed the flag and ran. I didn’t just jog back to our base—I ran. Full speed, my heart pounding, my breath coming in gasps. I don’t think I took a single breath between grabbing the flag and delivering it back to our base. By the time I made it, I was nearly sick from the effort. If there’s one thing I learned that day, it’s this: in paintball, when you find yourself in the heat of the action, remember to breathe!
The Thrill of Paintball
That first game was the most intense and thrilling experience I had ever had. The rush of adrenaline, the sense of accomplishment, and the camaraderie I felt with my team were unmatched. Back at the base, I relived every moment, recounting the story to my teammates with growing excitement. In that moment, I felt like a hero, and I knew that I had found something special.
That single game was enough to make me a lifelong paintball fan. Just five months later, I set up my own paintball venue, and the rest, as they say, is history.
Paintball isn’t just a sport—it’s an experience. It’s about pushing yourself physically and mentally, about strategy and teamwork, and most of all, about the pure, unadulterated thrill of the game. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned pro, paintball offers something unique: an opportunity to immerse yourself in an intense, heart-pounding adventure that leaves you craving more.
