Going to the field by yourself, and camo

[gnarlynick]

I started back up last year and have gone to the fields by myself. Tried to get my friends from back in the day to get back into it but we're all in our late 30's and they apparently feel that's too old to play paintball (I disagree).

My first time back I went to a field that appeared to only be frequented by equipment renters; I chose it because there aren't many fields around me within an hour's drive or less and they allowed walk-ons. Luckily, I only had a Tippmann 98 with me so bringing my own equipment didn't put me at much of an advantage over the rental equipment. It was a bit awkward at first but you get over it. Casually chatted with the renters as they cycled in and out throughout the day, overall, it was a fun and low stakes way to get back into the game. Primarily got to test out my marker after the long hiatus and find what needed addressed as I didn't have a way to fill my HPA tank otherwise.

I've since gone to another field that is frequented moreso by equipment owners so I got grouped with them to keep us away from the renters. It was a lot of fun. You all at least have one thing in common in that scenario and can break the ice chatting about each other's equipment.

[martix_agent]

I started back up last year and have gone to the fields by myself. Tried to get my friends from back in the day to get back into it but we're all in our late 30's and they apparently feel that's too old to play paintball (I disagree).

My first time back I went to a field that appeared to only be frequented by equipment renters; I chose it because there aren't many fields around me within an hour's drive or less and they allowed walk-ons. Luckily, I only had a Tippmann 98 with me so bringing my own equipment didn't put me at much of an advantage over the rental equipment. It was a bit awkward at first but you get over it. Casually chatted with the renters as they cycled in and out throughout the day, overall, it was a fun and low stakes way to get back into the game. Primarily got to test out my marker after the long hiatus and find what needed addressed as I didn't have a way to fill my HPA tank otherwise.

I've since gone to another field that is frequented moreso by equipment owners so I got grouped with them to keep us away from the renters. It was a lot of fun. You all at least have one thing in common in that scenario and can break the ice chatting about each other's equipment.

late 30's to too old to play paintball like you did in your 20's unless you're aggressively active in life.
However, it's still a lot of fun, if you know your limitations.

[gnarlynick]

late 30's to too old to play paintball like you did in your 20's unless you're aggressively active in life.
However, it's still a lot of fun, if you know your limitations.

Idk, I wouldn't say I'm a super fit person but I have 2 young kids that force me to stay in shape and keep active. Been exercising regularly since I restarted playing so there's that as well. I've been able to keep up with everyone on the field so far. Physical abilities aside, it's also in your mentality.

[Chappy]

I played in my late teens then dropped off for over a decade. Started back up at about 30 and had to be careful, threw my back out several times and had to learn to be more careful as well as get in better shape. I’m 50 now and on the rare occasion I hurt myself, I heal quicker than I did in my thirties. And sometimes I’m still the young guy in our crew. Keep moving.

Oh and the vast majority of my paintball buddies these days I met at the field or thru MCB. Making friends thru paintball is The Way.

[heit1_32]

Almost the same story for me! Played around 12-14 years old with a tippmann A5, then dropped off for TWO decades and started again in my late 30s 😅 I haven't tried speedball yet but I'm going to try once I get a scifi board in one of my autocockers. Wish me luck!

Also still own my original A5 from when they released, rebuilt it and threw tons of upgrades on it and it looks and shoots like brand new! Sorta... it's in the shop again at the moment but I've been too busy with cockers to give it any love.

[Cyberpyr8]

I turned 56 this week. I laugh at the "old guys" at the field in their 30's and 40's stretching and preparing to go play. I show up, get the gear ready and go. No warm up or stretching. I do play smart and I try not to slide or dive into anything. But I have had a few times where I got hurt by doing something on the field (like running into another player on the breakout and rolling!) but it's rare and I feel like paintball is the reason I am this age and still active. I think you have to know your limits but also need to be consistent with it to be sure your body can take it.

[heit1_32]

I've been playing again for a year now and went by myself the entire time until recently. Now I have a friend that lives nearby that I go with. It just took a long time to find a paintball friend, haha. I play at a field that's an hour from my house so even though I'm friends with most people at the field I can't hang out with them because they live an hour away.

Edit - About age, I'm in my late 30s and feel like I'm in the best health of my adult life. Paintball has really turned me around. I used to be non-active and paintball got me going again. I play on the aggressive side but also have to be careful. 3 herniated discs in my neck so I try to play with lighter weight setups (sometimes... autocockers can be heavy, haha) and I don't do any dives. Well I did do a dive recently and blew a knee out, lmao, that's why I have that rule! I've learned that sliding in feet first like done in baseball works much better at my age. I've even structured a physical therapy program designed to strengthen areas of my body that struggle while playing. Old injuries mostly, just takes awhile to re-strengthen the muscles.

[$L!mBo]

cheers to you
imo paintball is the best exercise you can do for mind body and soul
if you put enough effort into it