Looking For That Perfect Field To Host Your Event?

We realize that we are not the only paintball field in town. When searching for the perfect place to host your event, be it a birthday party, youth group, corporate bonding or just a group of friends/family getting together, it is important to compare apples to apples.

Twisted is one of the oldest professionally run paintball fields in the area and we take tremendous pride in our staff, customer service and diversity of playing fields. We have been blessed to offer a fun and safe paintball environment for literally thousands of players over the past 10 years which is saying a lot in this industry where other paintball fields constantly "come and go".

*Our prices are competitive yet fair. Honestly, you "get what you pay for".

*We do not limit private groups to a specific amount of play time (many other fields typically limit groups two to three hours) but allow groups to play all day or just as long as they would like.

*We have numerous playing fields that appeal to the "speed ball" players and "rec-ball" players alike (with plans on adding additional fields in the coming months).

*We allow private equipment owners to bring "outside" paint but reward those who purchase their paint at Twisted by extending a $10.00 discount on entry fees.

*Our professional staff has over 50 years of combined experience as a majority of our referees have been with us for over seven years. Many have national competitive tournament experience which translates to an advanced knowledge of the game. Our referees are mature young adults (not inexperienced youngsters) who provide our guests with a higher level of safety and extend excellent customer service.

*We are the only paintball field in the Houston area to offer Smart Parts VIBES electronic rental guns with 3000 psi compressed air tanks. Many of our guests prefer using our rental equipment over their own guns!

*Although we specialize in new players, we also offer more experienced players a great day of paintball as well. We want each and every guest to leave our facility at the end of the day with a huge smile on their face!

*Our playing fields are always dry despite any recent rain. You may find a puddle or two but rest assured you will never be ankle deep in mud or muck.

*We are the only field in the area that is "mom-owned". We are strict when enforcing rules as safety is our number one priority - along with providing our guests with a FUN paintball experience!

We would appreciate the opportunity to host your next paintball event and guarantee that you will not be disappointed in your day of play! Please give us a call at 832-372-7953 if you would like further information.

Merry Christmas And Happy New Year!

Wishing each of you a very Merry Christmas and a wonderful 2010!

We will be open our normal business hours :

Saturday 12/26 9:00a - 5:00p
Sunday 12/27 11:00a - 5:00p

and

Saturday 1/2 9:00a -5:00p
Sunday 1/3 11:00a - 5:00p

Give The Gift Of FUN This Year!

Gift certificates are now available for your Christmas gift giving needs! They may be purchased at Twisted during regular business hours or via telephone and mailed to you.

Delayed Opening - Saturday 12/5

Due to record low temperatures expected in the overnight hours tonight, Twisted will delay opening to 10:30am on Saturday 12/5.

YES - We will be open - just a little later than normal!

Giving Thanks.

It's a known fact that any business is only as good as its customers. 'Tis the season to give thanks, and all of us at Twisted would like to thank YOU for allowing us to continue to provide a fun and safe paintball environment for all players. We are one of the oldest fields in the Houston area (going on ten years) and look forward to providing another ten years of exciting paintball experiences for each of you!

Upcoming Events Reminder...

X-Ball Fun Day - 11/15/09
All levels of experience welcome for those who want a FUN day of play on the airball field.
11:00a - 5:00pm
All proceeds benefit our PSP X-Ball team, VcK

Two/Ten/Five Tournament - 12/6/09
Registration now open at Twisted & ProEdge Paintball
Details below

Thanksgiving Week....

We will be open an extra day during Thanksgiving week:

Friday 11/27 11:00a - 5:00p

Saturday 11/28 9:00a - 5:00p

Sunday 11/29 11:00a - 5:00p

Now accepting reservations for private groups on all three days! Of course, walk-ons are always welcome.

Eat turkey and pumpkin pie on Thursday and burn off those extra calories on Friday - the FUN paintball way!

More Feedback...Thank You!

We had a blast! Your refs were awesome! I even heard the boys mention how great they are. The people in the office were very helpful, organized and unbelievably calm during the whole ck in/ck out procedure!!! We def will be back to see you guys...until then, take care and God bless. -Tina

Hey, yes the day was amazing, thank you. always  a pleasure to play at Twisted. Our ref for the day, Keith, was great. I enjoyed talking to him, and he gave us advise on different things from equipment to tactics on different fields. He did great. I and my friends decided we are going to try and have a private group play there about once a month from now on. so don't be surprised if you get a call from me to set up another group in the near future. :) - Joah

We had a wonderful time! Your refs were outstanding and the rental gear worked great! We appreciate all your hard work! - Jennifer

We look forward to game day and returning to a first class facility where we have had so much
fun and made so many great memories in the past. - Jeremy

Halloween Bash....This Saturday!!

We are bringing the TREATS (or tricks) this Saturday for our Trick or Treat Bash!

Over 100 giveaways along with great bbq sandwiches and tons of FUN.

Don't miss out. Twisted is THE place to be on Saturday!

10.31.09

Twisted & Team VcK Introduce: The Two-Ten-Five Tournament!

Play the FUN new format that is sweeping central Florida! What exactly is it, you ask?

Two = Two player teams

Ten = Ten balls per player (per point)

Five = Race to 5 matches

************************************************** *******

Date: Sunday, December 6th

Entry: $50.00/per player

Paint: INCLUDED in entry

************************************************** *******

Prizes:

1st Place - entry to next 2/10/5 tournament, 2 cases of Evil, 2 medals

2nd Place - 2 cases of Evil, 2 medals

************************************************** *******

Play a tournament for less than the cost of a day of rec-ball! Grab a Tippman, Spyder, Pump or Ego. The gun doesn't matter in this format as those with gun skills and a good strategy (or two) will prevail!

This is perfect for father/son teams, new players wanting to try tournament play, rec-ballers looking for something a little different on a Sunday afternoon, etc.!

************************************************** *******

This event will be capped at 12 teams. Registration will open on 11/1/09 on-line and at Twisted.

We are pleased to announce that through the generosity of our friends at Kee Action Sports, RPS Evil paint is the official paint of the Two-Ten-Five Tournament Series!

************************************************** *******

100% of the event proceeds will benefit PSP team VcK!

Rules/format specifics will be posted in the coming weeks.

As Posted On PB Nation (www.pbnation.com).


Members and Guests,

Thanks for taking the time to read this and help

Some of you may have heard about Darryl Trent's 7-year old daughter Peyton and her needed heart surgery.

Darryl works for DLX and is a well-regarded member of the paintball community and industry. Because of recent difficulties in the paintball industry and the $300,000 cost of the surgery Darryl and his family are facing a financial burden that might exceed $30,000 for Peyton’s heart surgery, which was performed this week.


I think we can help

I just got off the phone with Darryl's wife, Tracey, and she told me that Peyton is doing well and starting the recovery process. I have posted a few pictures of Peyton.

We know times are tough right now for lots of people who play and work in paintball. Personally I can’t imagine the stress that Tracey and Darryl are experiencing now and I hope your thoughts and prayers, like mine are for a swift and complete recovery for Peyton.


Paintballers for Peyton

We have setup a donation page so that you can help Peyton and her family with the financial costs of the heart surgery. Anyone that donates over $15 will receive a new Peyton Supporter badge as a small token of thanks for helping out.

PbNation will start off with a donation of $500.00. To donate, simply click the Donate button below, which will redirect you to Paypal.

Note: Remember to click the link labeled "Please enter your PbNation username" and enter your username on the donation page if you want to receive your badge. See the screenshot below for more information.

Help get the word out

A quick and easy way to spread the word on this is to use the button at the top of this thread. Just roll over the button and pick where you want to share. It works with 160+ websites such as Twitter, Facebook, Myspace and tons more.


Thanks again for your continued support!

All the best,
The Team at PbNation

100% of the proceeds (less any PayPal fees) from your donations will go directly to the Trent family.

Free Entry This Weekend*!!

The weather looks like it is going to be amazing this weekend! We have one slot available for a private group on both Saturday and Sunday. *Grab 9 or more friends, give us a call to make a reservation and YOU, the group organizer, will get in for FREE! (Paint is additional, of course.)

YES....WE WILL BE OPEN!!!

We will be open this weekend (10/3 - 10/4) "RAIN OR SHINE"

Halloween Trick Or Treat Bash!

Based loosely on our wildly popular annual Easter Egg Hunt, Twisted will bring out the treats (or tricks) on Halloween!

First Halloween Trick or Trick Bash
Saturday 10/31/09
9:00am - 5:00pm
Rec-ball fields only

Certain games through out the day will be designated as "Trick Or Treat" games. Players will be issued a card to distinguish which side they were on during that particular game. The winning side will then be eligible to exchange the card and trick or treat from the goodie bag. Prizes will include:

*Free Entry
* Free paint
* limited edition 2009 Twisted tee shirts
* Drinks
* Candy
* Barrel Bags
*Anything else we can find to give away

All players arriving in costume* will receive a chance to win one free entry and one case of paint ($65.00 value).

Hope to see everyone for another FUN day of play!




*Remember - all costumes must conform to safety policies such as well fitting goggles, etc.

Finally....

Looks like it's going to be awesome paintball weather this weekend. Temps in the 80's and sunny skies. Hope to see you at the field!

If you enjoyed playing at Twisted....please tell a friend! If you didn't...please tell us!

Join Us On Facebook!

Twisted Games Of Texas Paintball on Facebook

X-Ball Fun Days Continue....

After taking June off in order to prepare for PSP Chicago, Vck will host this month's X-Ball Fun Day on...

Sunday, July 12th
11:00am - 4:00pm

Hope to see you there!

Open 4th Of July Weekend!

Yes, we will be open this holiday weekend! Come early to beat the heat, play a little paintball and still have plenty of time left in the day for your 4th of July celebrations!

As reported by Chris Justus of WJCL/FOX 2 News in Georgia:

A viewer contacted The Coastal Source, emphasizing their concern about the dangers of a popular extreme sport: paintball. Consumer Reporter Chris Justus contacted Billy Smith, owner of Low Country Paintball in Ludowici, and spoke with him about the precautions one should take when participating in the fast-paced sport.

These following points show that paintball, although seen by many as dangerous, unsafe and reckless, can actually be a safe and exciting sport when played with proper protective gear and adequate supervision.

-The sport is safer than many popular sports: “American Sports Data” has researched American sport participation and fitness since 1983; it states that sports such as basketball, soccer, jogging, and cheerleading claim more injuries. Paintball was not even on the “Top 25” list of “U.S. Sports Injuries.”

-Only 0.2 injuries for every 1,000 exposures—one of the least harmful sports in the world.

-No physical contact involved.

-Protective gear prevents injuries.

-Confined to enclosed, supervised fields.

-Referees control game, preventing reckless actions.

-Great exercise during long summer games.

-Gets kids out of house during summer—not playing video games/meet new friends.

-The average person will suffer a paintball injury only once every 500 years.

-Protective Gear: full coverage head mask, elbow/arm shielding pads, barrel cover, long sleeves and long pants, Closed-toed shoes

Billy Smith notes that most injuries people hear about involve paintball players who participate with little or no protective gear, and who play in their own backyards, usually with no adult supervision.

For more information about Paintball or paintball sports injuries visit: americansportsdata.com

Copyright 2009 The Coastal Source

The actual on-camera news report can be viewed at:

http://www.thecoastalsource.com/news/local/story/Paintball-To-Play-or-Not-to-Play/6dVGRjPuSUGVJy7NU-2gxg.cspx

Thanks Fox 2 for airing a positive report about paintball!

Week Day Private Openings Now Available!

Beginning June 8th and continuing through August 14th, Twisted will be available for special private openings Monday through Friday. Minimum requirements are 20 players (guaranteed*) with reservations in advance. So, if you want the entire field to yourself, gather up some friends and give us a call!

Of course, we will continue to offer private groups (minimum of 10 players with reservations) during our normal hours of operation. Saturday 9-5 and Sunday 11-5!


Have a great summer and we hope to see you....at the field!

*The group will be charged for 20 players regardless of the exact number present on the date of the special opening. The field will not be available during the week of June 22nd or August 3rd.

X-Ball Fun Day

It's time for another X-Ball Fun Day!

Sunday - May 10th
11:00am through 5:00pm

Play with and against national level players.
All levels of experience welcome.

All proceeds benefit PSP team Vck!

Thanks For The Kind Words!

Recent feedback from some of our private groups:

*We had a blast! Thank you for welcoming our group on an already-busy day. All of your staff members were very professional and courteous, and the boys had a great time! The personal attention you gave us was fantastic, and we all felt very much at home. Thank you for providing this safe and fun environment for our young ones! We look forward to our next visit! -Margaret

* Our ref, I don't recall his name...was very good, and much better than those I have seen at several other parks. -Jay

*Everyone had a blast even my little sister, it was her first time playing. She shot my friend in the rear and she was really happy about that and wants to do that again. By the way, Cam from VCK was our ref the last private group I was in and he was really cool. -Ben

* Keith was a great referee...polite and helpful. -Josh

* I was very pleased with everyone there. The staff was very helpful and knew what they were doing. We didn't have any trouble getting exactly what we needed at any time. We would love to return. –Pam

It was a pleasure having all of these groups at Twisted. If you are interested in booking your own private group, give us a call!

OPEN...

We will be OPEN on Friday, April 10th (10:00a - 5:00p). Spend your school holiday...at the field!

April Events!

Sunday, April 5th

X-Ball Fun Day
11:00a - 4:00p
Play with and against national players.

All experience levels welcome.
Always a giveaway or two.
Concession stand.

Streetball pickup up game format.

All proceeds benefit PSP team VcK


Saturday, April 11th

Easter Egg Hunt
9:00a - 5:00p

Easter eggs will be hidden on various playing fields throughout the day.

Eggs will contain such prizes as:

* free entry
* free paint
* Twisted t-shirts
* candy
* drinks
* and other goodies we dig up

CLOSED EASTER SUNDAY 4/12/09

New Rental Equipment...New Playing Field!

Check out our new Vibe rental equipment! An electronic semi-auto gun powered by Ninja 48/3000psi compressed air tanks. They are so amazing!

Also, you just have to play our new "HyperBarrel" field - a combination of hyperball tubing and barrels. Players are raving about it!

Special Opening During Spring Break

Along with our normal weekend hours, we are pleased to offer an additional day of paintball during Spring Break as we will be open:

Wednesday, March 18th (10:00am-5:00pm)

Private groups and walk-ons are welcome!

Your Kid Plays Paintball? (Part 2)

Chapter 2

The Attraction to Paintball

Competition for All

“Of all human powers operating on the affairs of mankind, none is greater than that of competition.”

--Henry Clay

What You’ll Learn In This Chapter

• Why we’re drawn to paintball
• How paintball is like chess
• Why we love games that are physically and mentally challenging
• Your son or daughter can jump right in

By nature most people are at least mildly competitive. You may not see yourself or your children as competitive but virtually every one of us has played some type of sport or game in our lives that has fed the need to compete. I bet even your kids play video games, board games or some level of sports. Whether it be playing high school football, vying for first chair in the middle school band, working towards a promotion at work, or playing chess—the spirit of competition lies somewhere in all of us and these things bring that spirit to the surface.

Physical or Mental?

Some games allow us to be physically competitive. Sports like running put a premium of physical fitness and less of an emphasis on the knowledge side of the spectrum. Other than having a basic concept of how to run safely and some basic knowledge of the type of disciplines you may be running in, there’s not a lot of thinking involved in the sport. Games like chess are 100 percent brain oriented with virtually no physical aspects. And no, I don’t consider moving the chess pieces physical activity—unless you’re playing with those human sized chess pieces in Salzburg, Austria.

Both, and There’s a Kicker

Like football, baseball or basketball, paintball combines both the physical and mental aspects of sport. Being quick on your feet is great, but being able to think quickly on your feet is even better. Smart often wins in paintball, yet smart and physically gifted is the best combination. And there’s a kicker with paintball—unlike some sports that require months or years just to be able to play at the lowest level, anyone can play paintball literally five minutes after showing up at the field.

It’s likely your son or daughter will be able to compete, even if just a little, on their first trip to the paintball field. By “compete” I mean they’ll probably shoot somebody (sorry I don’t so politically correct so well) sometime during the day. Maybe the person they shoot will be the big, strong football player type, or the brainiac middle aged guy that they thought would be able to out think them. Maybe your son or daughter will secure their opponent’s flag and be the hero.

For many kids that are overmatched in other sports or games, paintball can provide that sense of accomplishment in athletics and competition that they’ve never felt before. And the best part just might be how friendly, accommodating and helpful their field’s staff and patrons will be. Paintball players are a welcoming bunch by nature. I guess that’s another part of the attraction.

A true story…

My oldest brother is not exactly the athletic type. God blessed him with the brains of the family and me with the athleticism. I remember when I was about six years old and he was sixteen or so, he tried to play soccer with some friends. It was probably a month into this new sport that he came home with a broken toe. That ended his soccer career. Later he and I took karate lessons together and virtually every time he kicked anyone or anything, all of his toes turned purple. Did I already say he was not the athletic type? So when I began playing paintball in the mid 1980s I got him to join me in a day of paintball at Skirmish USA. About half way through the day, which was going just like his other days playing sports, something happened. He was hiding (and I mean that literally) behind a big, fat tree while the opposing team was inching closer and closer to us. He was so dug in that one of the bad guys walked right past him without ever seeing him. When he finally figured out what had happened he jumped up and fired one shot into the player’s back. Realizing he eliminated one of their last players he was so excited that he yelled, “I got you. I got you. I got you.” He was so excited. For one moment in time he was the best, smartest player on the field and he knew it. He competed and he won. Finally.

Your Kid Plays Paintball?

Next chapter of Your Kid Plays Paintball (courtesy of John Amodea & www.paintballx3.com)

Chapter One

What is Paintball?

What You’ll Learn In This Chapter

• The basic premise of the game of paintball
• The ins and outs of the three different types of paintball games
• Why anyone can play this game
• About competitive paintball games with huge prizes
• Which format is family friendly
• A term that’s probably new to you… Milsim

The Basic Game

Shoot them before they shoot you

It’s okay mom, it’s just a ball of paint. No one really dies…

Recreational Paintball Play

Even grandma can play

There are more than one thousand commercial paintball fields in the United States where players gather to play almost every weekend of the year. Fields are located in every part of the country and around the world. Commercial playing fields have paintball guns, goggles and other gear used to play for rent, and players of all skill levels can “walk on” and be part of the games of the day. Most fields can accommodate anywhere from one player to large groups of players. Like a game of pick up schoolyard basketball, players are divided (usually by skill level) into two teams to do battle for the day. Fields that run “rec-ball” games usually play around eight 10-20 minute games in a day’s play. When a player is eliminated from the game they simply head to the “safe zone” and wait for the game to end. At that time players clean off previous hits, fill their markers with more paintballs, grab a drink or snack and head out for another game with the full complement of players.

Rec-ball games are commonly played in the woods on fields as large as several acres. Capture the Flag is the most commonly played game but most fields will run a variety of game types during a day’s play. Other game scenarios include Center Flag, where there is only one flag used in the game. The goal is to capture the flag and hang it in your opponent’s flag base, as opposed to games where you hang the flag in your base. Attack and Defend is another commonly played rec-ball game. In this scenario one team defends a flag base, fort, castle or other designated part of the field, while the other team attacks it, trying to eliminate players and capture the flag. Sometimes rec-ball games are played in “arena” fields where blow-up plastic bunkers (airball bunkers) or other obstacles are strategically placed in hockey arena sized fields. Since arena games are played on much smaller sized fields the action tends to be fast-paced, with games commonly lasting less than a minute.

Games that are played at commercial paintball fields are generally the safest and most organized types of rec-ball games. Referees start and stop the games, enforce the safety rules, and organize games that are fairly balanced and fun for everyone regardless of skill level. Commercial fields provide safe terrain to play on and usually have first aid kits, drinks and some food available, and staff to help answer questions and provide help with equipment problems, game tactics and other issues that may arise in a day’s play.

There’s another type of rec-ball game—the type of game that is not played at commercial paintball fields. Every weekend there are thousands of “backyard” paintball games going on across the U.S. and as a parent of a paintball player you should know that these games are usually unsupervised and are sometimes played in a less than safe environment. While I understand that backyard games are less expensive to play than paying game fees at a commercial field, I can’t really recommend playing this type of game unless there is adult supervision with paintball game experience—and even then I’m not a big fan. Over the years I’ve seen and heard about injuries caused by broken glass, barbed wire and other dangerous situations playing backyard ball. I’ll also tell you this, without referees constantly reminding players to keep their goggles on during the game, backyard paintball game eye injuries are much more likely to happen. Lastly, most people I’ve seen playing backyard paintball don’t even have a chronograph to check each player’s paintball gun velocity. Without a chronograph there’s no way to tell if a marker is firing at safe velocities.

Tournament Paintball Play

“Mom I’m going to Russia to play paintball!”

Tournament paintball games are almost exclusively played in arena settings, on airball fields. Reserved for the more serious player, paintball tournaments are held worldwide almost every weekend at commercial paintball fields, as well as places like parks, NFL stadiums, beach settings and other sites that are temporarily set up to hold games. There are local events where teams from a small geographic area play, regional level events that attract teams from a 200-300 mile radius, national tournaments where teams from around the U.S. gather to compete, and international games that attract teams from around the globe.

Paintball tournaments are categorized in divisions by skill and experience levels. From the bottom up those divisions are Young Guns, Rookie, Novice, Division Four, Division Three, Division Two, Division One, Semi Pro and Professional. Smaller tournaments may have only one or two divisions, usually Rookie and Novice. Larger regional events may have as many as four different divisions playing simultaneously. National and international tournaments almost always host teams in all divisions.

Tournament paintball is highly competitive, with teams vying for prizes as high as one hundred thousand dollars or more.

Tip

One of the biggest mistakes younger teams and players often make is that they try to jump into tournament paintball at a higher level than they should. Encourage your paintball playing child to enter the world of tournament paintball at the lowest level first. Better to underestimate your skill than overestimate it.

Scenario Paintball

“Ground control to Major Tom…”

Scenario paintball is the fastest growing type of paintball game. Scenario games are special themed events that are usually based on a movie storyline, a war reenactment or some other type of script. Sometimes referred to as role playing games or 24-hour games, scenario paintball events are very different from any other type of paintball game or event. The first difference is that most scenario games last anywhere from 12 to 24 hours, with players continually “reinserting” within a few minutes of being eliminated. When players are eliminated they grab a drink, reload and head to specially designated reinsertion zones where they reenter the game. Secondly, scenario games are very family friendly. At most scenario events you’ll find tons of families, groups of friends and teams camping out on the game site. It makes for a very festive atmosphere.

In scenario paintball games/events each player that is registered for the event receives a “mission card” that gives them details about their role in the game. So in addition to simply trying to shoot and eliminate opposing players, you have a strategic, non-shooting role in the game. Some examples of scenario game role are:

• General (the top dog): Each team has a general that runs the show. They order the missions, decide the game strategies, and appoint people to do various jobs.
• Officers: Officers work directly with the generals.
• Medic: In scenario games the medic can “heal” players that have been “shot” in the game.
• Explosives: You have to use your imagination to really understand role playing paintball games. Explosives (nothing actually explodes), grenades, rocket launchers and other larger weapons are used in most games. Several people are deemed in charge of explosives in these events.
• Guard: Someone has to protect the general, right?

During scenario games each team’s players work together to complete dozens of general-assigned missions. Teams are awarded points for completed missions and scores mount through the entire game. In the meantime, eliminating players during the games makes accomplishing those missions a lot easier. In the end the team with the most points wins. What do they win, you ask? Absolutely nothing except bragging rights… and maybe a door prize or two.

Scenario games are open to all levels of player—no specific experience is necessary. That’s one of the best thing s about this type of game. Scenario ball offers the recreational player an opportunity to play the game in a different format, in a very festive atmosphere and with all types of players, and it offers the chance to up the ante from regular walk-on paintball with a higher level of recreational play.

Milsim Games

If you like M-16s, AK-47s & GI Joe, you’ll love milsim

Milsim, or military simulation, simply refers to the equipment used by some that play rec-ball or scenario games. There are a ton of companies that do conversions on standard paintball guns or that offer upgrade milsim kits for markers. One of the things to remember if your kid opts for the milsim paintball gun look is that these types of guns are very realistic. These guns can even fool the police and that’s not a good thing if you’re toting your marker in public (which you should never do under any circumstances).

A true story…

The first time I played paintball (in 1985) the walk on fee was $36 and a case of paintballs was $250. Paintball guns back then used small disposable C02 cartridges that cost about .25 cents each. A day’s play back then would cost me an average of about $90. That field I played at was Skirmish USA in Jim Thorpe, Pennsylvania, and to be fair, their prices were not out of line compared to other fields like theirs at the time.

(NOTE: At Twisted, we generally get in a minimum of 20 rec-ball games per day!)

Your Kid Plays Paintball? An Introduction...

A new series for parents by John Amodea, owner and editor of the new Paintballx3 magazine (www.paintballx3.com). Questions and comments regarding the series can be sent to John via his website

Part I of the series:

The game of paintball is about 27 years old and the game's players on average are much younger than that. In fact, the overwhelming majority of paintball players are under 24, and a lot of those are under 18. Yet, the one area of our game that has virtually NO resources associated to it are the player's parents. So this year-long weekly series is designed with those people in mind.

Introduction

What You’ll Learn In This Edition of "Your Kid Plays Paintball?"

• Paintball is big… really big
• Why boys (and men) really love paintball
• That girls can kick butt in this game
• Anyone can play
• That paintball is really safe if played within the established industry guidelines

Ten Million Players Strong (and counting)

And it’s safer than bowling… really

For about twenty years paintball was described by many in the mainstream media as the fastest growing sport in America, and with good reason. First played by eleven men in the woods of New Hampshire in 1981, just twenty one years later there were more than nine million people playing the game at least twelve times per year, according to the Sporting Goods and Manufacturers Association (SGMA). In that short time the game of paintball grew into a thriving half billion dollar industry. Now in 2009 the game is played in more than 100 countries, by millions of people each year. According to the SGMA more people participate annually in paintball games than racquetball, BMX, surfing, and scuba diving.

Paintball is a phenomenon that is almost indescribable. For teenage boys (and men) it brings back the memories of childhood games of army but it adds the elements of competition and realism that playing with toys just can’t duplicate. Paintball, especially at the recreational level, has a natural way of equalizing the playing field so almost anyone, any age, any size/shape and gender—can compete. Like a game of chess, paintball is very strategic. Those that can think and act quickly have an advantage. While athleticism is a plus, it’s not a must to play even competitively at a high level. A long time friend (and former on-field foe) Dale Price, who lost most of his left leg in a motorcycle accident, played paintball at the highest competitive level, captaining and playing on a team that competed nationally—and with great success. Girls play too. The Femmes Fatales were one of the first internationally competitive all-female tournament teams. Now there are several teams that have followed in their footsteps. There are many girls and women that play on mixed (men and women) upper level and professional teams as well.

Paintball is safe… very safe. According to The National Injury Information Clearinghouse of the U. S. Consumer Product Safety Commission in Washington D. C. (say that ten times fast), paintball is safer than bowling, golf, fishing and handball. I’m not making this up. We’ll cover a lot more on this later.

So if you’re reading this I’m assuming you have a kid, or kids that want to play paintball, or already play. I’ll also make the assumption that you’re looking to learn more about the game. Maybe you’re concerned about the game’s safety. Maybe you’re wondering if your child is old enough to play. Maybe you’re just wondering if the field your kid wants to play at sells hotdogs. I don’t know. My goal is to answer those questions and about a thousand more in the next 150 pages. So…

Here’s what series will not do

It won’t teach your kid how to play the game from a tactical perspective. That’s another book for another time.

But it will help you understand the culture of the game. It will teach you a bit about paintball equipment and how to safely use and store it. It will cover everything from what you child should wear to the paintball field, to the cost of a day’s play and everything in between. If you’re nervous about allowing your son or daughter to play paintball I hope what you read here helps you to understand just how safe, fun, organized, and beneficial paintball is or can be. In the end it’s my goal not to sell you on the game, but to help you become informed enough about it to make educated buying and playing decisions with your family. Enjoy!

See Part II next Friday, January 30, 2009

Mail Bag!

"I just wanted to let you know that everyone had a great time! Even all of our newbies! Of the 16 people we had, almost half of them had never played before! Everyone thought Levi was cool and loved him. We had a great time and are looking forward to the next party. Just thought I would pass on the compliments and say Thanks!" -Stacie, Conroe

"My son and his friends had a wonderful time. Thank you so much for making Jordan's 13th birthday a memorable one. It really was a family oriented environment...I received nothing but compliments from parents whom attended. Again thank you so much. - Cynthia, Houston"

"I think everyone associated with your organization is top notch.
The referees were delightful, hard working and fair...The kids had a marvelous time and I am sure will want to do it more often." -Pat, Houston

"We had an absolutely fabulous time and look forward to adding another hobby to our schedule!" -Brandi, The Woodlands

"Ya'll are always so great at customer service - it
really makes it a breeze coming out to Twisted!" -Rusty, The Woodlands

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Paint Ban

Due to numerous complaints from customers and staff, we will no longer allow the following brands of paint at Twisted:

* Monster Ball

* JT Tactical Performance

* All bucketed paint brands

This will be enforced beginning 1/15/09.

X-Ball Fun Day - January 11th!

We've been listening to players who want to play airball but are excluded due to team practice and scrimmage schedules, etc. In order to make the airball field more accessible to those who would like to try their hand at tourney ball, we will offer a X-Ball Fun Day one Sunday a month! The first date to be set is January 11th from 11:00am - 4:00pm.

The Fun Days will be open to anyone and everyone. With a team or teamless. Little tourney experience or lots. This will not be a scrimmage day for your team. It will be a streetball pick-up day where players are invited to mingle among themselves and throw together teams - one game at a time.

Now, there will be a few rules. No arguing, yelling, cursing, wiping, cheating, aggressive verbal or physical behavior or overshooting. (Screaming "I love you" across the field at each other is permissible.) Players who are unable to control themselves and who are deemed to be sucking the fun out of everyone's day will be asked to leave. And will not be welcomed back to future Fun Days.

The Fun Days will be hosted by Citizens and ProEdge Paintball. (All proceeds will benefit Citizens' team fund for the 2009 PSP season.)