Paintball

Yes, you read that right ladies and gentlemen: paintball.  Saturday was not only the first time we Santa Barbarians saw a full day of sunlight in a few weeks; it was also a day I have been looking forward to for months.

My one and only paintball experience was many years ago when I sweet talked my way into an invitation to a “boys only” birthday party in high school.  At the time I had no clue what I was getting into, but I never forgot the experience.  It came to my attention this summer that many of my friends had never played the unique sport, and I wanted to change that.

To Lompoc we went, armed with only our courage and curiosity.  The paintball facilities in Lompoc are modest, with 2 optional fields to play on: speedball and scenario.  The day started off on a high note as Brian took a hit to his left butt cheek and my left leg took a serious beating.  (The welts are currently turning into some gnarly bruises.)

Bruno, after raising his hands diligently to indicate his “death” in the game, took an additional two to the back for the quintessential insult to injury.

The body count only went up from there, from pink head shots to high-pressured rib assaults, upon departure we felt like warriors.  At one point one of the "pros" wanted to take on our entire group of 9 by himself.  (Thankfully, he was not victorious.)  Later, however, we played a game of 4 on 12, and we had our humble asses handed to us. Granted we were bereft of a strategy, not to mention armed with rental guns while they sported hair triggers and kevlar.  Whatever.  Generally it seems the folks who are into paintball are incredibly good natured and laid back; I started describing them as "action nerds."

We had an excellent turnout of hodgepodge friends from many circles of life, and from what I’ve heard everyone had a good time.  Many of us are looking forward to trying out some of the other larger fields in Southern Cali sometime in the upcoming year.

Oh yes, the adventure is just beginning.  Hopefully I don't give into the urge to go out and buy myself a full set of my own equipment, but then again who could really blame me?

Paintball.  It takes a lot of balls. :)