There's a first time for everyone.

If your one of those people who hasn't yet experienced the thrill of playing paintball, don't worry - you're not alone. And if you want to have a go but feel a bit nervous about it - again, you're not alone. I talked to some novices at the start and end of their first game. What did they expect? And how did they feel about it afterwards? Let me start with dawn's story.

Dawn was "dragged along unwillingly" by friends to her first game and admitted to being a bit scared. most of her concern was about being hit. "Does it hurt much?" she asked. After alot of reassurance she still wasn't totally convinced. "I guess it doesn't matter that much anyway. There's no way i can back out now" she said. Dawn did well to conceal her nerves. I tried telling her that there were alot of people here in the same boat. "Yes", she said, "but I am not even sure I can get this gun to work." Out we went to the practise area, her first shot was dead on target. She holstered her gun, a glint of confidence in her eye. It was time for the first game. When the day was over, I asked her a few more questions.

"The first game was terrifying. I kept trying to squeeze into the smallest hole I could find. I did manage to shoot one of them and that gave me a little confidence. The worst part is making your way to the opposition's camp. You never know if they are waiting for you just around the next corner, i got hit several times. In some ways I was relieved, at least I knew what it felt like. Once I knew what to expect, I felt alot better. I still didn't want to get hit - not because of the pain but because i wanted to win!" Is it a woman's game and would she play again? "Men and women can compete on equal terms here. There's not much in paintball that a man can do better than a woman. I'd like to play again and feel that next time will be alot easier. I already feel like a pro".

Steve is the sort of person who would try his hand at anything, so it was no surprise that he was really looking forward to his first time. Whatever he does he does will a great deal of enthusiasm and he was squirming in his seat during the pre-game brief, so anxious was he to get started. Although he admitted to being a little apprehensive, he went out looking for encounters wherever he could find them and his total absorption in the game lasted all day.

"Its just like the real thing", he said. "I know you cant get hurt, but all the same you play it as if it were real. I found myself diving for cover at times and the excitement you get knowing there's someone out there who wants to get you is a great feeling." Steve is a site owners dream. He enthused about everything afterwards. He even made sausages and beans sounds like a five course cordon blue dinner!

"Its the fame you really get into." The answer was obvious but I thought I'd be better ask it anyway. "Do you think you play again?" He smiled, "No doubt about it. I thoroughly enjoyed paintaballing and cant wait to have another go." I left him talking and laughing, knowing that if ever there was a paintball convert, Steve was it.