Questions and Answers

What do I need to bring with me?
Well apart from yourself and some sensible clothing nothing really. Obviously you won't want to play Paintball with a Rolex on your arm. Try to bring something to eat and drink, and if it is very hot splash on some sunblock. Unlike overseas most South African fields don't really have the throughput of players or established facilities to offer catering so bring some lunch, or arrange catering with the field owner. Everything else from paintguns to goggles should be supplied by the field.

Do I need to be fit?
Lets put it this way, you don't need to be fit, but you do need to be healthy. What I mean is, that if you have a congenital heart problem and start running round a field chased by a dozen Paintballs- you are asking for trouble.If you are just unfit, well it is all part of the fun, and next time you will know that you should rather play in defense. NB. Most Paintball fields will ask you to sign an indemnity stating that you have no physical or mental problems which would preclude you from playing the game.

What is the point of the game?
In the traditional Paintball game of capture the flag, players are split into two teams who each start at opposite ends of the playing area. Each team has a base which has a 'steal' flag. The objective is to get to the opposing teams base and steal their flag(which is why we call it a steal flag), and return it to their own base. The team that manages to get this right is the winning team.

How many people can play at a time?
This differs from range to range, and is a function of the type of terrain and the amount of available guns. bear in mind that a range owner will not find it financially viable to run a range for 4 people. At Dye Hard we have a minimum level of 12 players and no maximum.

Does it hurt?
Well it all depends. Certainly it hurts no worse than the sting from a squash ball, but even so our experience has shown that with the amount of adrenaline flowing through the players bodies, they hardly feel it.

Is it safe?
Yes, very. American insurance statistics have shown that it is safer to play Paintball than to play golf or go fishing. Safety rules are strictly enforced at all reputable playing fields worldwide. Obviously if a player is out of sight of a referee and removes his goggles then he is looking for trouble.

What should I wear?
Long trousers and long sleeved shirts are highly recommended. Bright colours should be avoided purely because the more visible you are the easier it will be to shoot you. Good quality hiking or trail boots with ankle support are also a good idea to protect feet and ankles.

Does the sport attract people with paramilitary lunatic tendencies?
No not at all. ( And any player with such tendencies would be sent away) Players from all walks of life play the sport, and all of them are here to have a good time and work off some stress

Does the sport glorify war?
Not at all. It is an old Paintball adage that the sport actually proves how easy it is to get shot. We prefer to think of the sport as a tactical game of skill, rather like a big chess game. (With more sweat)

Will I be made to feel welcome?
Without a doubt. It always amazes me to find just how welcoming old hands at the sport are to 'newbies'. Some great friendships have been formed on the Paintball field. It makes no difference what profession you are in, or how much money you have. On the Paintball field everyone is equal and knows it.