I always believe in being just a little prepared when I go to a field for the first time. If you have booked the day, try and get out and see the field the week before. Most operators of paintball sites will welcome you and in most cases if there is no game on let you have a walk around. Check out the terrain, look for things like how hilly is the field, how rocky, is there a lot of moisture lying around, is it bushy, are there heaps of trails, things like this. Just notice the environment as you walk around.

If you can't get out to the field to have a good look around or maybe you didn't book the game, then ask the person in charge of the booking if they know what the site is like. Allow for some exageration with the explanation, everyone remebers things differently. The other sure bet is to call the field and ask what the place is like, ask if they have any recomendations for clothing, etc. This way you can't go wrong, well maybe.....

On to what gear to take along to your first game. Most fields supply the rental players with everything they need to get out and have a go. You'll usually get a marker, some paintballs, a pair of goggles and mask, and in most cases for a little extra cash, a pair of cammies. So in the end the most important thing left off the above list is your foot wear. Good footwear can make or break a day on the paintball field. Good boots with ankle support and fairly generaous cleats on the bottom are the way to go. Waterproofing helps also as paintball is played in all weather conditions. Now by saying this I dont mean you should rush out before the big day and buy a pair of 1 million dollar whiz bang boots, but if you already have them take them.

If you don't have a good pair of boots, well you want to go for sports shoes, wear something with good support and comfort. The old lawn mowing sneakers with the holes in the toes may be fine for their current occupation, but they wont do on the field. Comfort is the number one consideration. Walking off the field at the end of the game with aching sore feet in not a good way to have fun. Remember you will probably walk a few kilometres while playing, the great part is that you probably wont even notice it! Except the next day.....

Now after you have kitted out you feet in an appropriate pair of clod hoppers, we move onto clothing in general. The thing to remember is weather. Check out the weather before the big day. While most of know we can't trust the weather man ( sorry to any weather men or women out their), especially if you live like I do in a place where its sunny today and six inches of rain falls tomorrow, but we can be a little sensible about the way we dress for the big day out. In coldish wettish climates I would suggest a Short sleeved T-Shirt, A jumper or long sleeved sweat shirt and track pants or jeans. Remember comfort is once again all important. Of course this also depends on if you are wearing the cammies the field hires out.

Always pack a spare set of clothes to change into at the end of the day. No matter what you do, or how good you think you are, you will get paint all over yourself, and then you can mix this with all of those wonderful products of nature that abound out in the bundi. So clean and most importantly on wet days, dry clothes and shoes to change into on the way home are all important. Oh it is also a good idea to have a nice big plastic bag to chuck those dirty disgusting and smelly clothes into for the trip home.

The next item that comes on the recomended first timers playing tackle list is drinks. This is especially important on hot dry days. Now the fields generally supply drinks over the counter to players, but at a price. The problem is most players spend all of their money on those wonderful little multicoloured spheriods that are so important to our game. Unfortunately this leaves very little money left for anything else, and liquids, (non alcoholic that is), are vitally important to our well being. If you do decide to take along a bit of something to drink, nowadays we have several options. For hot sweaty days you can go for a sports drink of some sort. You know the ones, there everywhere now, in 57 different varieties and all claiming to be better than the rest. You can buy the stuff in the little bottles or do what I do and buy a can of the powdered stuff and mix it up myself. This way I can get it to taste as strong or weak as I want. Cordials are good, and once again they come in about a million flavours, and best of all you can mix it up to the way you want it to taste. Finally you just can't go past plain old water. It never fails to satisfy a thirst. So after choosing a drink, remember you also want to keep it cool, there is nothing worse than luke warm liquids when you are dying for an nice cool drink. Oh and lastly remember to pack heaps of it, because not only will you be thirsty but you can bet all of your mates will be as well....

Lastly I would like to look at incidentals. You know the little things we all take for granted. A towel to dry off either the rain, or the sweat at the end of the day. Sunscreen and a hat, who really needs sunstroke on a hot day. A handkerchief, or bandana, to wipe sweat, paint, mud and you name it off during the games, they also make a great neck protector if worn around there. A cup or protector for all you guys out their. It is most definitely the one place you never ever want to be hit, so take precautions. For the ladies they should have vests or special padded garments to protect those sensitive parts available at the field. Just in case pack an extra jumper, it may come in handy. Critter repelent also can come in very handy. Most of us vetrans are now immune from the persistant buzzing of the mozzie or fly in ones ear, but why endure it if you don't have to, plus the bites can be real annoying.

Probably the most important things to take along on your first game of paintball are your sense of adventure and your sense of humour. Paintball is all about having fun, enjoying some heathy competition and hanging out with some friends. Afterwards you will still be thinking and talking about it for at the least a week. So get out there have a go and enjoy it!........

Mic Bradshaw
redlizard@burwood.starway.net.au

Paint site design and contents Copyright Mike Wallis