Paintball

Though it seems like everyone is playing and that its been around forever, paintball is a relatively recent addition to the sporting or recreation world, at least in this country. First played informally 1981 in New Hampshire, the fury has spread like wildfire and there are paintball fields as well as commercial indoor and outdoor facilities in nearly every city and town. Paintball is played as either a team sport, or an individual competition. It is easy to find paintball clubs and leagues to join. Many times the framework involves "war" or military style games, elimination games, or capture the flag types of scenarios.

The object of paintball is to avoid being hit by an opponent’s paintball fire. Paintballs are essentially small capsules filled with paint that are fired with a paintball gun or paintball marker. Originally the "paint" was oil based, but modern versions are a mineral oil that is biodegradable, and generally washes out of clothing and gear. Being hit with a paintball essentially means you are eliminated from that play series.

Paintball terrain can range from a muddy field filled with various constructed or natural bunkers and/or wooded areas, to organized indoor arena areas with artificial turf that are specifically designed for the games.

The cost of playing paintball varies widely. Players need to obtain proper gear and safety equipment for most endorsed play, though many groups choose to play "in the wild" or in a more renegade style in outdoor wooded areas. Commercial paintball areas have many specific rules and even have official referees, though they offer plenty of amenities, too, along with the organized play.