Paintball

[Old Man]

Originally Posted by Talfuchre

Odd. We were never called over the PA although other teams were called over the PA. I can't even remember being told we were late. However, you must understand the the Chronic field was about 45 minutes ahead and the Eclipse field was a little behind at one point.

In my opinion though that is that small and that cordial should wait for teams...

TF

Personally I was just making a point that there was alot of things that were inconsistant. And I would like to believe that if there was time they would give everybody a chance.

And I know what you mean. We were just getting to the field as they were calling us on to play. We did not hear being called over the PA. We were called by a friend on the phone telling us they were asking for us.

I'm sure that it was a learning experience for the promoters and next time things will go smoother..

[aqua_scummm]

While uncool and unfair that not all teams were fairly treated by the refs, I wouldn't expect any different. Sucks, and I hope one day we can have much more impartial reffing, but until opposite factions of paintball start seeing eye to eye, I don't see that happening. Pump is very anti-wiping, and while many speedballers and "trendy" ballers are anti-wiping, I doubt there would be many who disagree that it's much more "accepted" in their sector of the sport.

Same with the sideshow feel of the pump. It's actually why I asked about the crowds. I knew the NPPL would sideshow the old school players, no major pump manufacturers are really sponsoring the event, pump uses less paint which is bad for some sponsors, not having the latest and greatest technology goes against what most major sponsoring companies push each and every year, etc.

But pump is much more spectator friendly sport, so perhaps the bigger crowds would be able to offset these problems in the future. I don't think that will happen for awhile. This year, those in the know watched pump. Next year, if it's still around, it will gain more popularity, and maybe the next year. It won't be until a couple of years that it really draws enough of a crowd to be anything but a sideshow to the main event- the competition that shows off the money-makers in the industry, and those that sponsor the event.

[Old Man]

Originally Posted by aqua_scummm

Same with the sideshow feel of the pump. It's actually why I asked about the crowds. I knew the NPPL would sideshow the old school players, no major pump manufacturers are really sponsoring the event, pump uses less paint which is bad for some sponsors, not having the latest and greatest technology goes against what most major sponsoring companies push each and every year, etc.

But pump is much more spectator friendly sport, so perhaps the bigger crowds would be able to offset these problems in the future. I don't think that will happen for awhile. This year, those in the know watched pump. Next year, if it's still around, it will gain more popularity, and maybe the next year. It won't be until a couple of years that it really draws enough of a crowd to be anything but a sideshow to the main event- the competition that shows off the money-makers in the industry, and those that sponsor the event.

Yeah it was a dissapointment when we were told that they pulled the finals off center court.. At least maybe that could have got the pumps somewhat from out of the back ground.

And that was also what was so cool about having the pros playing pump also. it could have been a great way to promote pump to some of the younger kids by having names they see in vids and games all the time. What a missed opportunity..

[PumpMag]

Hey it was great meeting Carter himself!

I did manage to get back to watch the last 2 games. Yes, I was dissappointed that center court was not used. But still glad that I got to see after coming back from dinner.

Apparantly, some refs were recalled from the OSC fields to be used for the Semi games, which was a major factor of why the Pump Schedule fell behind. Had things gone as scheduled with a full staff, the Pump Event would have really gotten the recognition it should have.

Anyway, I think Kirsten and her crew did an outstanding job and I ending up really enjoying the event.

We had a team picture taken with the ocean to our backs and then invited the Yuma Rattlers to join us for the next shot. Team Rapture from Hawaii, got funny and tried to run through accross to ruin the shot, but we invited them to join it too. LA Suicide saw the big group and we called for them to jump into the photo too. We kept waving for more players and more teams to get it to the shot. It was great, even 2 NPPL staff guys on the golf cart jumped in.

At the end everyone piled in and chanted "PUMP! PUMP! PUMP! PUMP!" It was awesome. I'll never forget the comraderie and good spirit shared by all those there. Thanks to all for making it fun!

[dextrous]

Originally Posted by aqua_scummm

It won't be until a couple of years that it really draws enough of a crowd to be anything but a sideshow to the main event- the competition that shows off the money-makers in the industry, and those that sponsor the event.

Even the Main Event was a side show. I watched some of the Pro finals during the break between the pump qualifier and final rounds. I watched most of the grandstand crowd leave once Dynasty and Ironmen were done battling for third. It seemed like only half the crowd stuck around for the actual final match.

[Painthappy]

I had a blast... and honestly, I have nothing but positive things to say about it all.

I didn't care for one of the field set ups, but that's just personal preference, and nothing more.

Otherwise, yes...

The teams we played against were fantastic. Of all the teams, the team I played with (WMASS Regulators) were paired with who was considered the best out there. It was an honor to play against everyone, and get to talk to them too.

Everyone I met, had fantastic attitudes. We got to hang out with Pumpenstein prior to our game while the refs took a well deserved break.

We told stories, we joked, all the while knowing we would be going head to head in a few minutes.

These are the attitudes you dream about seeing in paintball, and the Huntington Beach event really showed how amazing a lot of these players really are.


I'll post up some pictures when I get a moment...


Great meeting everyone I did... Sorry I didn't get to see everyone. Once the tournament got rolling, we stayed busy!! Kudo's for running a good show. Looking forward to the next event.

[Shane-O]

Carter,

Did you use the KL?

[Painthappy]

No.. No KL. I got there and the piercing pin seal was gone. Didn't have an extra seal, didn't have a valve removal tool, etc.

It figured....

[sdawg]

What marker did you use!?!??

[Painthappy]

I had my CCM S5 Right Feed... Serial # 000