| I am sitting here at my keyboard looking out at six | | | | not shooting someone if they are too close to you to |
| inches of snow and a wind chill of 15 degrees | | | | reduce the possibility of an injury occurring that could |
| wondering where the 72 degrees went that we were | | | | be avoided. |
| experiencing just two days ago. My nimble mind then | | | | You are probably wondering how a 62-year-old kid |
| jumped to the thought of paintball, so in the natural | | | | can compete with 11-16 year olds. Well I'm here to tell |
| progression of things I thought I'd try to convey my | | | | you that I can't outrun them since speed is not a part |
| thoughts to you on the sport of paintball. | | | | of my makeup anymore. What I end up doing is trying |
| My theory about why paintball is so much fun stems | | | | to outsmart them. My only problem is that they are too |
| back 56 years, to when I was 6 and got my first | | | | quick of learners and I sometimes run out of new |
| Daisy BB gun. I distinctly remember my dad saying | | | | ideas, so I end up being on the receiving end of a lot of |
| "Don't ever point or shoot at anybody or you will shoot | | | | target practice by the end of the day. This ends up |
| their eye out!" I took this to heart for at least two | | | | being OK in my book since they are learning from me |
| weeks before my brother and I made shields out of | | | | and gaining from some of my experience. But the |
| old plywood to "protect" ourselves while we peppered | | | | really big plus is that we are spending time together |
| each other with BBs. Now I can, and do, actively play a | | | | doing something that we all enjoy and at the end of |
| game where you can shoot a paintball at another | | | | the day we have a multitude of stories and battles to |
| person without having to worry about losing an eye. | | | | discuss for weeks to come. |
| Safety is important to me since I am the grandfather | | | | I think I will now get my Tippmann A5 paintball marker |
| to six wonderful grandchildren who also enjoy playing | | | | out and make sure it is ready for our next outing and |
| a game of paintball with their grandfather. We never | | | | clean the lenses on my Dye I4 paintball mask so I can |
| play unless everyone involved is properly equipped | | | | see the barrage of paintballs coming my way when I |
| with a paintball mask to protect the face and eyes. In | | | | am once again out maneuvered by a bunch of eager |
| addition we will all wear long sleeved shirts (some | | | | "young-guns". |
| even opt for additional layers) to reduce the slight sting | | | | Have fun but Play safe! |
| of being hit by a paintball. We set definite rules about | | | | |