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Paintball F.A.Q.
Frequently Asked Questions regarding Paintball


  1. What is paintball?
  2. Is it safe?
  3. Doesn't it hurt when you get shot?
  4. How can I play if I don't own equipment?
  5. What do I need to bring with if I am renting?
  6. What safety equipment do I need?
  7. How can I play safe?
  8. Do I need to be physically fit to play?
  9. Can I get the paint out of my clothes?
  1. What is paintball?

    Paintball is recognized as one of the world's most exciting outdoor participation sports.

    Paintball is played in over 50 countries by millions of people of different ages and lifestyles. Whether high-school students or homemakers, professionals or retirees, all paintball players share a love for adventure and a strong competitive spirit.

    Paintball is a combination of tag, hide & seek, and capture the flag. Paintball is challenging and extremely fast paced. Each player is equipped with a paintball marker that shoot paintballs as well as a paintball mask for safety. The object of most games is to eliminate your opponent from the game by "tagging" them with a paintball. Being "tagged" refers to having been hit by a paintball. There are many (almost infinite) game variations, but most games revolve around a "cature the flag" theme.

  2. Is it safe?

    Like all action sports (football, basket ball, etc.) paintball can be very dangerous unless adequate protection is worn and safety rules are understood and followed.

    Most paintball guns shoot 68 caliber (0.68 inch diameter) paintballs. A paintball is essentially a paint pellet. The pellet is composed of a thin plastic shell filled with a water soluble, vegetable based dye. Paintball guns, offen referred to as "markers", shoot paintballs at a speed of 200 to 300 feet per second.

    Paintball players must *always* wear protective goggles to protect their eyes and usually wear masks covering the rest of their face as well. A paintball impact with the face can easily cause seriuos injury to the eyes and ears.

    Safety at Gun Lake Paintball is highly stressed! If all the safety rules for paintball are followed, paintball can be a very safe sport.

  3. Doesn't it hurt when you get shot?

    Paintballs are designed to break open upon impact, and generally cause very little pain. What pain is experienced is more of a stinging sensation from the pellet's impact against the skin or through clothing. In most cases, the stinging pain goes away after a few seconds and almost always within a few minutes.

  4. How can I play if I don't own equipment?

    Gun Lake Paintball will gladly supply rental guns, goggles, and everything else you need to enjoy a fun day of paintball without purchasing any equipment.

  5. What do I need to bring with if I am renting?

    Old, sturdy, dark clothes and shoes or boots with ankle support are recommended. Many players wear camoflauge military BDU's (basic dress uniforms) that can be purchased from a local army surplus store.

  6. What safety equipment do I need?

    The minimum safety equipment necessary to play includes a pair of paintball approved goggles, which is a facemask with adequate eye and ear protection. Gloves, elbow pads, and knee pads are a good idea for the ambitious player. For men, don't forget a protective cup.

  7. How can I play safe?

    • Do not fire your paintgun anywhere except on the field during the game or in the designated chronograph area/shooting range.

    • Inspect the lens of your goggles for cracks or signs of weakness.

    • Make sure your mask is well seated and will not come off during the game.

    • Make sure the velocity of your paintgun is in compliance with the field's velocity standard.

    • Always assume the gun is loaded; even if you know otherwise.

    • Unload the gun when not in use.

    • Upon receiving or retrieving a gun check if it's loaded.

    • Never look down the barrel of a paintball gun! Not even with protection. If barrel needs checking remove from the gun and check. If the barrel cannot be removed, disconnect all CO2/CA equipment, test fire the gun downrange until no more gas is left in the gun, clear the breech or ball loading area, and then, carefully and while wearing goggles, glance down the barrel.

    • Anytime you are carrying a paintgun in a 'safe zone' such as the parking lot or staging area where people are not wearing goggles, you MUST have a barrel plug in the barrel.

    • Know the rules of the game and abide by them.

    • Never remove facemasks or goggles while on the field.

    • Do not shoot animals or wildlife.

    • Do not play when very tired, injured, feeling faint, hungry, or otherwise. Bring food or money to buy food from field. Most injuries occur at the end of the day when players are exhausted.

    • Notify the field owner or manager of any medical conditions, allergies etc.

    * This is not a complete listing of safety rules. Players should always read and abide by the rules set by the paintball field as well as adhere to all safety warnings and instructions provided by the manufacturer of any equipment they are using. Use common sense at all times.

  8. Do I need to be physically fit to play?

    Not really, but it will help. As with all strenuous exercise, participants should stretch and warm up before playing. Since typical games require occasional quick sprints, good aerobic fitness is beneficial.

    Players should gauge their play to their level of fitness.

    Proper footwear is very important. Some players find that lightweight canvas topped army boots or leather workboots protect feet and ankles in the woods. Other players prefer the support that sneakers give as paintball does involve running. Personal preferences vary, but footwear should not be overlooked.

  9. Can I get the paint out of my clothes?

    Most brands of paint are water soluble and should wash out of normal clothes. Paintballs, for the most part, are vegetable based dyes in a colored gelatin shell. However, it is recommened you wear old clothes or clothes that you don't mind seeing a few stains in. Some professional grade paints are harder to clean from clothes, but most paint will wash out.