New to paintball?
Everything you need to give competitive paintball a go. No experience, no gear, no worries.
New player program
Your first day is on us
New to the club? Through our new player program your first session's gear and marker hire are covered, plus 500 paintballs to get you started, so you can try the sport properly before spending a cent. After that, a day out usually runs about $50 to $100 depending on how much paint you like to shoot.
What is competitive paintball?
Competitive paintball (you'll hear it called speedball or tournament paintball) is a fast, five-a-side team sport played on a symmetrical field dotted with inflatable barriers called bunkers.
Points are short and sharp, usually just a few minutes. Two teams start at opposite ends and push up behind cover. The only goal is to reach the opposition's buzzer, which sits on their start gate, and hit it while you're still in. Tagging opponents out with a paintball clears the way and is a big part of the game, but it's optional; hitting the buzzer alive is what wins the point. It rewards teamwork, quick thinking and nerve far more than raw athleticism, which is exactly why it's so easy to pick up and so hard to put down.
Meet the bunkers
Those inflatable barriers each have a name and a number. Swipe through to learn the ones you'll hear called out on the field.
Snake Beam
1 / 11 · Swipe or use the arrows
What to expect, step by step
Turning up for the first time is easier than you think. Here's how a first session usually runs.
Turn up & sign in
Arrive, meet the crew and fill in a quick safety waiver. Come as you are, no experience needed.
Safety briefing
A short run-through of the rules. The golden one: masks stay on at all times on the field.
Gear up
Grab a marker, mask, air and hopper. For your first session our new player program covers gear and marker hire plus 500 paintballs, so first-timers can just turn up and play.
Play
Start with relaxed games. Experienced players and coaches show you the ropes point by point. Feeling nervous? You can run drills with no risk of being hit, or have a partner talk you through every step.
What to wear & bring
- Closed-toe shoes. Cleats are best if you have them, but metal cleats are not allowed as they can damage the astro turf; otherwise sports or trail shoes with grip are ideal.
- Long sleeves and pants you don't mind getting grubby. The paint washes out and won't stain, but you'll get muddy and beaten up from running around, so leave the good gear at home.
- A drink and a good attitude. Everything else (marker, mask, air) can be sorted on the day.
How to get involved
Curious about giving paintball a go? Start with a friendly, no-pressure enquiry. No experience needed and nothing to commit to.
Come and try
New to paintball, or just want to see what we're about? There's no pressure and no experience needed. Send us a friendly message to ask about a new player day and we'll find a time that suits you. Your gear, marker and first paintballs are all covered, and we're happy to answer anything you're unsure about.
Enquire about a new player day →Frequently asked
Do I need my own gear?
No, your first day is covered. Our new player program includes gear and marker hire plus 500 paintballs for your first session, so all you need to bring is closed-toe shoes and something comfortable to move in. After that, gear and marker hire stays available on an ongoing basis, so you can keep playing before you buy your own kit.
Does it hurt?
A hit feels like a quick flick or a rubber-band snap. Long sleeves and pants take most of the sting out, and a mask keeps your eyes and face completely protected.
Do I need to be fit or sporty?
Not at all. Players of every fitness level and background start exactly where you are. It's a team sport, and bringing newcomers up is part of what the club is about.
How old do I have to be?
In Victoria the minimum age to play paintball is 16 (16 and 17 year olds need a parent or guardian consent form and photo ID). Younger ones are still welcome to come along and watch. It's a genuinely family-friendly environment, with kids cheering on a parent and younger siblings counting down the days until they're old enough to play too.
How much does it cost?
Your first session is on the club through the new player program: gear, marker hire and 500 paintballs included. After that a day usually runs about $50 to $100 depending on how much paint you like to shoot. Get in touch if you'd like the exact details for an upcoming session.
Where and when do you play?
Our home venue is Snipers Den Paintball Melbourne. You can contact us with questions or to give us a heads up, but unless we're at an event we always have someone at the field on Sunday.
How do I join?
Create an account and apply to join the club, or contact us first if you'd like to come and try before committing.
Ready to chop it up?
Want to play? Create an account and apply to join the crew. For anything else, whether it's event enquiries, sponsorship or questions, just get in touch.