Common paintballing injuries and how to avoid them

While paintballing is a lot of fun, it comes with a risk of injuries. While minor cuts and bruises are common, more severe injuries can also occur. However, if you take the necessary precautions and use the right equipment, you’ll be able to substantially reduce the risk of serious injury.

Below are some of the more common injuries associated with paintballing and what you can do to avoid them.

Before we run through them, we just want to highlight a couple of important points.

 

Safety measures before you begin

Before you start paintballing, you must take in all the safety information that’s provided. Even if you consider yourself a seasoned paintballer, each centre will have its own set of rules and key practices.

When you’re getting ready to start, you should be taken through all the safety rules that are in place, along with details on the equipment you need and the course layout. This information is vital for everyone’s safety, so it’s important you pay attention during this stage.

 

Qualified referees

When you’re about to start a game, having a referee who’s overseeing the entire game is vital. While you may be playing with people who are well aware of the rules and safety measures, it’s still important that a qualified referee is on hand to manage everything. That way, any potentially dangerous scenarios can be prevented before they occur.

 

Eye injuries

Getting hit in or around the eye with a paintball can result in damage such as cornea scratches, detached retinas, or haemorrhages. Some severe injuries could result in a temporary—or even permanent—loss of vision.

That’s why it’s important to wear the right kind of safety goggles to avoid eye injuries. There is a wide range of goggles available, including these Bolle Cobra safety goggles, which come with anti-scratch and anti-fog lenses.

 

Ear injuries

Getting hit in or around the ear with a paintball can be a particularly painful experience. A close-range shot can cause tinnitus, a ruptured eardrum, concussion, or even permanent hearing loss.

To prevent potential minor ear injuries from becoming more serious, you need to wear a helmet or mask that also covers your ears. Masks can be reasonably affordable, although there are custom or more stylised models available if you’re willing to spend a little more. This Empire Helix thermal mask gives your ears plenty of protection that’ll help prevent any serious injuries.

 

Head injuries and concussions

If you’re hit in the head with a paintball pellet, it can cause bruising or even a little bleeding, depending on whether you’re wearing protection. If you’re not, then being hit in the head with a pellet could cause a concussion.

Much like ear injuries, head injuries can be prevented by wearing an appropriate mask or helmet. It’s important that when you’re purchasing a paintballing mask, you make sure that it offers protection for your entire head rather than just your eyes and face.

 

Cuts and bruises

Picking up minor cuts and bruises can be very common in paintball, especially if you’re hit from close range. These injuries can be particularly painful if you’re not wearing enough padding or if you’re hit in an area that’s not covered by clothing.

Ensure that you’re wearing clothing that covers your body at all times while paintballing. Even thin clothing can help to cushion the blow of a paintball pellet. You should definitely wear padding where possible, though. Some padded clothing options include:

• Chest protectors—getting hit in the torso is one of the most likely outcomes when paintballing, so having a chest protector is important. This body armour from SKARR paintball is very effective.
• Elbow pads—most chest protectors won’t offer protection from the elbow down, so having elbow pads can be advantageous. Pads such as these Eclipse elbow pads can do the job.
• Knee pads—these can help to not only cushion the blow of a paintball but also help protect your knees if you were to fall over or dive to hide behind an obstacle. These Bodyprox knee pads offer decent protection while also being lightweight and comfortable.
• Padded shorts—upper leg or groin injuries can be very painful. Padded shorts can help eliminate the risk of such injuries. These Shinmax padded compression shorts offer protection while still allowing for comfortable movement and flexibility.
• Gloves—protecting your hands is a must when you’re paintballing. You’re not just protecting them from paintball pellets but also from any cuts or bruises you could pick up if you fall. There is a wide range of gloves available that offer superb protection without hindering your ability to use a paintball gun, including these Magic tactical gloves.

 

Sprains and twisted ankles

While a whole range of injuries can be caused by being hit with a paintball, there’s also the chance that you could injure yourself simply by tripping over. If you’re running away or after someone on an opposing team, you could easily trip or lose your footing, potentially causing sprains or twisted ankles. You could even run into another player or lose your footing when trying to enter a bunker.

In many cases, injuries like this are unavoidable accidents and unlikely to be too dangerous. Having said that, you can reduce the chances of losing your footing by making sure that you’re wearing appropriate footwear for the terrain you’re on. For example, cleats are ideal if you’re going to be in a grassy or muddy area.

 

Specialist paintballing insurance from Ripe Shooting

While you may have all the safety equipment you need for paintballing, you may want to get more peace of mind through specialist insurance. Having cover means you’ll be protected should you cause an injury or should your equipment be damaged, lost, or stolen.

Paintballing insurance policies arranged by Ripe Shooting enable you to build your own cover so that you’re fully protected with exactly what you need. Get an instant online quote with us today.