More Than You Ever Wanted to Know About Why Paintball Rocks

It’s possible that paintball is not the athletic pursuit of choice for the majority of Geezer’s gentle readers. It’s also possible that paintball is not an athletic pursuit. What it is, according to this comprehensive (read "really long") piece in the L.A. Times, is an adrenaline pursuit, although it seems clear to Geezer that there are less painful routes to an adrenaline rush. Exhibit A: "…being struck with a projectile traveling at 204 mph is intensely
painful, especially if that projectile hits you in an area unprotected
by padding, such as your neck or under the arm or on the knuckles. This
fear generates stress, causing the body to release a shot of
adrenaline. The pupils dilate for greater acuity of vision. The liver
emits chemicals that give us superhero-like powers of endurance, and
also dull our perception of pain and enhance fast-twitch muscle fibers."
The Times piece is a combination history of the sport and profile of the San Diego Dynasty, the country’s dominant competitive paintball team, and one whose games attract thousands of loyal fans. It may not persuade readers that paintball is the sport they’ve been waiting for, but it’s interesting stuff.
Read more about paintball in the LA Times. Read more about competitive paintball here.