Source: CommandoPaintball.ca
This past weekend I was invited to go paint-balling just outside of Ottawa, Ontario. Friends of ours have done it a few time and raved about it, but I was reluctant to make the fast RSVP as I heard stories of people getting some serious bruising. I ended up talking myself into it and searched my closet for neglected clothing that I could get dirty.
We arrived at Commando Paintball located in Navan,Ontario about 35 minutes southeast of Ottawa. This facility has and impressive 10 unique playing fields, although on any given outing you’ll probably only use 3 or 4. As you drive in to the facility you notice a few neglected towers that may or may not have been used at one point. Further down by the parking area you begin to hear the gun fire while you observe boats, trucks and barrels covered in yellow paint.
I guess Saturday’s are particularly busy, as the parking lot was full and we had to find makeshift parking on the grass. We found our group and shuttled into their rugged old hut to plunk down our $55 admission which gets you all your needed gear – gun with compressed air, coveralls, face mask and 500 paintballs. This is not an adventure for those on a budget, however when you compare it with going to an Ottawa Senators game (average price $55.51) I’d opt for paintball every time. Don’t forget to pack a lunch or you can purchase food there $5 (pizza and pop).
After gearing up, I tried loading my paintballs into my gun like an a lazy person trying to fill up a car’s windshield washer fluid without using a funnel. I probably spilled about 10% of my balls on the ground. I told myself that rather them pick them up I would make the ones that I have really count. I then figured out that Commando Paintball has loading areas to help you load your gun and avoid the embarrassment. It worked like a charm. I also learned that using balls that have fallen to the ground are not ideal since they can absorb moisture and expand thus clogging your gun.
After loading up, we headed out to the first field and played 10 on 10. The rules are simple: once you’re hit, you sit. The paintball has to explode on your body for it to count. I remember running to hid behind this barrel and watching these tiny balls wiz by my head at 190 mph. One of them skimmed my goggles and I figured that I was hit. So I threw my hands up in the air (signalling to the other team that I was hit) and then walked back to the safe zone. Then while I sat watching others have fun, I’d realize that I was never officially hit and would regret my quick quitting.
My favourite field is Army Field where war-like vehicles are yours to hide in and shoot out of. I jumped into the flatbed of an army painted pick-up truck and waited for the other team to cross my sight. As one of them approached, I quickly fired and caught him in the shoulder. It was my first kill! What a feeling. Then as the killed player walked away, he gave my position away to his team who surrounded me and forced me to surrender. Surrendering is when the other team is within 10-15 feet of you and they yell surrender. At that point you can give yourself up to avoid getting hit at close distances, or you can try to fire yourself out of the situation (not recommended).
By the end of our last game, we combined forces with other groups for a massive 30 on 30 battle. My band started on the boats and ran up the hill towards the other team that came at us at all angles. Balls were flying everywhere and adrenalin was high. It’s easy to see why Commando Paintaball has been operating strong since the 1980′s.
What to Wear
Paintballing is a lot of fun assuming you have the right attire. Be sure to wear comfortable shoes that you mind getting dirty or covered in paint. Gloves for hand protection and a bandana or neck-warmer to guard your neck is a must. Depending on the time of year, bug spray and sunscreen are also a good idea.
When to go
The spring and the fall offer the most comfortable times to be running around while being properly covered. I wouldn’t want to do this in the hot summer and Commando Paintball is closed in the winter.
Male/Female ratio
Like the army, paintballing seems to appeal more to males, as the ratio was about 9 male to 1 female. However, the women that do go, usually as significant others, seem to enjoy themselves especially those who have an interest in war history or just like shows like Band of Brothers or The Pacific.
For More Information
Commando Paintball
4562 Dunning Road and Russell
Navan, ON K4B 1J1
(613) 835-1729
info@commandopaintball.ca
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