Fill The Void
by Sheldon Kennedy

	If you don't know already, I live for paintball. Thats what this page of this newspaper is going to be about. In fact I've got a team, we're called Bananna Hammer. Two guys wanted it so we went with it. All of the Bananna Hammers go to school in Waverly, right here among us. But I'm going to talk about getting in to the sport of paintball for you people who are beginners. When you go to sling some paint remember this stuff I am talking about it'll help. So here it goes.
	When you go paintballing you don't need to be ready to go into combat. The most asked question about paintball is "Does it hurt when you get hit ?" The answer: NO. It may sting but thats all. And if your scared wear baggy clothes (most pros do), what it does is it sort of slows the paintball down so it might not break and you get eliminated. Also they've came out with a type of body armour for paintball. Some systems are quite expensive.
	When you play paintball you MUST wear a paintball certified goggle system. Not any shop glasses or the like.You could and probably will get hit in the eye or ears and damage them temporary or permantly, so wear a mask. All commerical fields recquire them so you can rent them if you don't have one.
	Marker Talk
	For beginners a fast shooting, expensive marker (gun) is not right. You need to get an affordable marker to see if you like paintball. There are many markers for newbies, some of the best are the Brass Eagle line. Brass Eagle is known to make quality markers such as the Tigershark or the Blade (about $60), and the Stingray (about $100). And from another company, there is a new marker called the PMI Traccer semi-auto (about $85). 
	Once you decide to stay in the fantastic sport, you can upgrade to a Tippmann, Spyder, or Piranhas. All of which are good for newbies. There are many upgrades for these markers such as full auto kits, new grip frames, electronic upgrade kits.Don't upgrade them just yet, save your money to buy a more expensive, higher quality marker.When you do want to upgrade your marker go to the paintball field and ask about that specific gun or upgrade and see if they have one for you to test.
	Paint
	Paintball is an expensive sport, so have a way to pay for upgrades and paint. You can buy paint in small containers of 200 for about $6-$10, or 500 for about $16-$20 and on up for a case of 2000 for anywhere from $40-$120. It all depends on where you get the paint and what kind it is.Paint has different qualities just like markers. Some will break in your hopper, some in your barrel, and some right as it comes out of your barrel. Some won't break when you hit players. As you play you'll use different paint. Find the best one that will work in your marker and stick to it. Don't be afraid to use "cheapo" paint, it might be the best kind you ever used. 
	Beginner Tatics
         Ok, you got your clothes, marker, and paintballs. You're ready to play. On your first time out you'll probably be scared of getting hit but don't sweat it. Remember on the field to remember to: 
	1) Keep yourself as small as possible. You'll be a smaller target.
	2) Crouch behind a bunker, then run to another. So basically keep moving. 
	3) Get someone to move up the field with you to give you cover fire.
	4) When you are at a safe place, watch from the expierenced players and learn from them.
	5) Keep your eyes open for the other teams players. Everyone when they start out get tunnel vision. Which is focasing on the subjet right in front of them and not paying attention to what is going on around them. So keep your eyes open.
	6) If your team wins the game, have good sportsmanship and tell the other team they did good.
	7) If you get hit, hold you marker in the air and yell "Hit" and walk off the field. Don't forget to put your barrel plug in.
	8) Shoot from angles. It is pretty much impossibe to hit someone directely in the bunker in front of.
	Conclusion
	In the next issue I'll talk about player upgrades like a gas thru stock and remote. And maybe more newbie stuff. If you ever want to know anything or got a question just ask me or email me at 9erheadliner@email.com.