Friends in Low Places

(**** Photo Credits all photos contained in this post are from Valken ****)

I have friends in low places as in Low Country Paintball in Ludowici, Georgia. After a few years of persistence from Jester Court Productions, I was finally able free up my schedule, pack up the trailer and make the trip to Low Country Paintball for a weekend of fun to check out the field. The game was “The Finale: Return of Krampus” and was the battle for Christmas. The best part of this weekend was the charity aspect. I mean, what better way to spend your weekend than on the paintball field shooting each other while helping raise toys for kids.

When asked what I love about paintball, I always answer with “exploring new fields and making new friends”. The key to growing the sport is making the trip to explore different fields and to make new friends.

We pulled in late Friday night, set-up camp right next to A-Train from Valken (who put together an amazing video recap), then started to walk around. We got in late so walking the field was out. We walked around to see what else was going on. Following the music, we finally arrived to the building where everyone was taking cover from the cooler temps. Walking thru the door we ran across Jami Hubbell, Mike Paxson, Damian Ryan and Rocky Cagnoni, amongst many other players there for one common cause… “To help save Christmas for as many families as we could”.

Waking up Saturday morning to 29 degree weather and a light frost on the ground is not what this Florida boy is used to but I did it for the kids. With that being said, I hightailed it to my truck to turn on the heat and warm up a bit before getting ready to go out on my morning rounds. We had the traditional “Rules of the Game” followed by the introduction of both Kringle and Krampus and we then scattered to go spend the last bit of time we had until we all entered the field.

Saturday on the field we met with several hurdles and a group of worthy opponents who provided more than enough resistance to make the game interesting and make the game fun. Nobody likes an easy win but also nobody likes a cheater either. Saturday brought us a give and take with it seeming like Kringle wasn’t getting anywhere and that’s pretty much the truth. Krampus brought it to Kringle, and he brought it hard as we could tell based on our field position. Now don’t get me wrong I’m pleased with everything we did on the field but I would have loved to do more.

On Sunday we woke up to even colder temps so once again I took up residence in my truck for a bit to warm up before getting ready for play. Once the game started who cared about the colder temps as it heated up when we all started running our asses off. Battling back and forth, trying to gain every inch on the field with no luck, we had to rely on final battle. Final battle brought it all out for everyone and we left it all on the field.

For the first time ever in all the scenario games I’ve played, once that final horn was blown, both members from both sides walked off the field side by side. There was no “Man that was a cheap shot” or whining. It was a lot of “Man that was a great shot” or “great game”. This made for what I’d say is one of my best experiences ever on and off the field at an event and I look forward to the next time. We had it all that day…… The weather, sportsmanship, but most importantly the feeling of being able to help families in need while playing a game we love.

Diary of a fat kid “Put Up or Shut Up”

“Put up or shut up” seems to be a new motto for me in this fresh New Year. I’ve told myself that if I want to do something just shut up and do it. Well I finally did that two weeks ago as I took my PT test at Golds Gym to enter their “12 Week Transformation” contest and oh boy, was I surprised. Now realistically, I know there is someone out there that will probably smoke the hell out of my performance, but I still plan on giving it my all as a commitment to myself. This challenge is more about making a commitment to my family and friends to make 2017 a healthier year for the wife and I.

I know in years past, I’ve kicked off the New Year with the intentions of a healthier New Year only to find out shortly into it I’d stray from that path and continue my old ways, but not this time. That PT test and body analysis left me with a look from the outside, and I’ve gained a new perspective. I took a before picture that I may share down the road but currently I don’t feel comfortable doing. But, I will share my numbers.

My PT test on 1/9/2017 revealed that I was 245 pounds and 35% body fat. Now there are many who know me that will say I look good, but I now have confirmed that I am not ok. Heart attacks, diabetes and over obesity all pretty much run in my family. You may say that obesity is not genetic, but when raised in a house where its common place you’d say different. Raised in a house where you always had access to candy, ice cream and any sweets you wanted and were never denied or moderation was involved. I’ve become that adult with a sweet tooth like you wouldn’t believe (just ask the wife).

One thing is for certain… This Fat Kid is on a mission in 2017 and has his target set so watch out.

Mark Your Calendar – The Finale: The Return of Krampus

Time for some new toys

November is closing in fast and we all know what that means…… it’s new toy time. Not only do we all flock to NXL World Cup across from Gaylord Palms Resort in Kissimmee, Florida November 3-6 2016 for some good old fun in the sun while watching our favorite teams fight it out for the gold, but we get to visit some our favorite vendors to see some familiar faces while checking out some new toys.

NXL World Cup is always the best place to get rid of a few old toys and possibly find a few new ones in the process. Some of my most prized possessions have been acquired while there in the previous years. So what am I looking forward to this year at NXL World Cup you may ask. I’ll list them out below, in no particular order.

Valken – I’m most looking forward to trying to catch up with Gino or Andy. I’ve missed meeting them over the past years but plan on making it my mission to catch up with them and see what Valken deals are to be had.

Ninja – No matter what I always stop in to see Ray and the guys. They always have a few great stories to share and I love checking out what they bring down as far as custom tanks.

Dye – You always have to stop by Dye to check out what Rocky is up to and also drop off a gun or two for them to go through and tech for me. So remember to drop on by and see Rocky……. he’ll give you a few good laughs.

Virtue – Virtue in the past years have always come with a pretty good selection of custom masks, loaders and more. If you don’t see it always ask as they may have it in the back or will build one for you.

Social Paintball – It’s always great to drop in on Israel and see what new items he has up his sleeve or in the works. I may have to check out some of those custom jerseys he’s always showing off as well.

AirUps – While I don’t have much need for bunkers I still plan on dropping in to see what all Brent and the crew from AirUps brought out of the wood works to display. For those not familiar with their work you need to go check them out.

Exalt — Exalt is always a great one to check out as I can always find a few things there that I’d love to add to the gear bag.

Planet Eclipse – I’m slowly becoming a fan of the Planet Eclipse guns (especially the 3.5 and cs1 models). I’ve never owned one but who knows one day I might.

Bunker King – Another company I don’t know much about but I’m wanting to learn more about their products.

MacDev – While I’m no fan of the MacDev guns, I’ll tell you I do like some of the accessories they put out. I’m still wanting to get my hands on one of their barrel kits so maybe this will be the year for that… who knows.

TBD Crew – it’s no secret I’m a Damage fan so I’ll be out there rooting for my team and hope they do well.

Friends – I saved the best for last. NXL World Cup is always a great place to catch up with old friends and meet some new ones. I’ve made several friends over the years thru paintball and the blog, but always find it a blast to catch up with them. Hopefully I can get some of the Wrecking Crewe guys together to go up and catch up with Team BBK as well. Although now that I think of it, that could be a dangerous combination for NXL World Cup.

Scenario Shenanigans: The Series ” Get With The Changing Times”

One of the many things we deal with as scenario players are the changing times as technology evolves. We’ve recently approached a scenario game producer to inquire about alternatives to Nerf rockets – as they are pricey and we find them to be pretty inconsistent – and we always get the same answer “No”. Can anyone tell me the difference between a foam stress ball and a foam Nerf rocket? Because I really can’t see a difference. But a group of whiny bitches surely can and I’m over it. I’m told the stress balls are unsafe, so show me the difference between the stress balls and a nerf rocket. They both seem to be made of the same material and the stress ball seems to be softer. Am I wrong?

Now where this comes into play is, one of my previous posts in regards to rocket launchers and their projectiles they shoot. How can using a stress ball be any different than being shot with a first strike round? Do they hurt anymore if you do get hit? The purpose of a rocket launcher is to take out a structure or active tank on the field. The intent is to never shoot a player with them so where do they become “unsafe”? Who deemed them unsafe? And how? Have there been studies done and if so where are these studies published? I’m finding it pretty suspect that “studies” have been mentioned when turning down alternatives to Nerf rockets but I can never seem to find any of them anywhere. Maybe I’m not looking in the right sport or do they even exist?

I’m curious as to what safety standards scenario promoters reference for tanks. How can allowing a full blown vehicle that used to be on the road and well capable of going well over sixty miles per hour be safe? I know of one tank that has not only caught fire but almost run someone over and yet it’s still allowed to be on the field. How is allowing a 3000-pound vehicle on the field that you know is unsafe okay? I’m not calling out the team or producer but you know who you are and shame on you. Shame on you un-named scenario producer for allowing your “better judgement” to be swayed by peer pressure from a team. Shame on you for allowing the safety of all those who pay to come play and have a good time to be jeopardized. Shame on the team that continuously puts the safety of others in the back of their minds to be the big bad guys on the field. They definitely know who they are because they are ones constantly getting their way and still bitching after losing because they are getting out-played.

I’ve found it interesting that some scenario game producers reference rules or regulations that haven’t been updated since at least 2007. How about getting with the times and updating them? After all, its 2016 for Christ’s sake. While surfing the web I have found at least one person deciding to move into the new era and updating what seems to be an antiquated set of rules, so kudos to you Billy Smith from Low Country Paintball for taking into consideration that time has moved on and these rules needed to be updated for their games.

What do the players think of the current rules? Anyone know of any others stepping into the 21^st century and making theirs rules reflect the current times? What rules drive you crazy and wish they would change?

Fitness Failure

Well, I jumped on the scale and saw numbers I had never seen in my entire life (which was not a good thing). The scale topped out at 244.6, but when I first stepped on it errored out. Not what I wanted to see, but I’m not really surprised given the lack of exercise and my crappy eating habits. This, as I sit here eating Reese’s pieces peanut butter cookies and write this blog. Those who know me will agree I have one hell of a sweet tooth and once it kicks in I find it hard to control. Throw in anything peanut butter and I’m done for.

Speaking with the wife, I’ve decided to put down the treats and try to start a healthier lifestyle. I’ll be visiting the gym soon, a place I haven’t seen in over a year. Anytime Fitness is my gym of choice, I love the fact that I can go anytime I get the urge and not worry about it being closed. They also have been offering group classes and boot camps, which I totally should be taking advantage of but I haven’t. Even after acknowledging my need for fitness and obvious signs, I’ve seen I still can’t find the motivation to go.

At what point do I give in and go? How do I gain back my motivation? Will working out with the wife prove to be the motivation I need? I guess only time will tell.

Crazy Crazy Saturday

Well, it’s another day and another post, but I’ve been missing the field. Looking at the calendar, I haven’t been able to hit the field a single time in 2016. I did make it out to play at one of the local fields , but we got rained out. If everything goes right, I’ll be able to play in the next couple weeks, but time will tell. Between my work schedule and a few extra remotes I have going on, coordinating can be a bit tricky. I may be able to combine work and play as the one weekend show Trophy Taker Outdoors is planning a morning outing to Off The Wall Adventures in Lakeland. They will do their morning broadcast followed by hopefully some paintball so I’m excited. My next stop on my tour of the town lead me to Right Trailers in Lakeland to do a bit of browsing and see if I can track down the particular trailer I’m looking for. Then we topped off the evening at Big Storm’s Pinellas tap room for their Saturday evening show one 102.5 The Bone. All in all it was a productive and exhausting day but I’m excited for what the future will hold for my ventures.

Fitness and Tears and Fractures….. Oh My

In November 2015, I went to see my doctor because of knee pains but I wasn’t ready for what they’d tell me. After going to see the specialist and an MRI, I was told mid-December I had two tears and a fracture in my left knee. While I’ve been nursing this injury and have yet to schedule my surgery, I feel as if the injury had started to run my life. Not working out or playing paintball has taken a toll on my sanity and I finally decided that I can’t let this injury run my life. Recently getting back into it slowly and not pushing myself is the key to not making this injury any worse then it already is.

About six weeks ago the wife wanted to run and I was like “sure, let’s go” because I was going stir crazy and felt like I really needed the exercise. So, after getting ready for the run I decided to throw my leg brace on and go for it. I’m not going to lie but it felt good to be out there, but it hurt like hell by the end of the run. We kept the run to a little over four miles but my leg felt like I had just run a half marathon. I’ll admit, I need the exercise and the scale confirms this fact, but I need to find that happy medium until I have my surgery.

We have run almost every Sunday since then and it’s nice to get out there and get in some miles for my pal Alex. But, I pay for it afterwards.

Have you continued to work out through an injury?

Paintballer4life is expanding

Recent conversations have led me to believe its time for Paintballer4life.com to expand. I’ve been on the fence for a bit but thanks to those friends I’ve approached with my ideas, their opinions on how it may be received have helped. In addition to my blog, I’ll be adding some new features in the near future which will cover paintball and a few surprises here and there. I feel that timing is right and have a few friends that are more than willing to help out where needed. Overwhelmed is how I’m initially feeling right about now but in a good way. The outpouring of offers to help with some of the details that I wouldn’t be able to even begin to know how to handle is great. Now is the time to grow the sport… Whether it’s Paintballer4life or any other groups/individuals it’s time to step it up and bring paintball back to the spotlight.

Finally Got Off My Lazy Ass

Well it’s been years in the making, but I finally got off my lazy ass and built our team page. Its been about three years since I purchased the domain Wreckingcrewe.com and set out to build it, but something made me hold off. Maybe there was a part of me that wanted to be sure we’d last , but I truly feel as if it was sheer laziness. With every day that went by, it was always “tomorrow” or ” I’ll get to it later” only to find that time never came.

With the team starting to get recognition from other teams (both good and bad), we needed a presence on the web. Something to solidify our spot in the scenario world and make sure we continue to be active to help our team grow (on and off the field). Stay tuned and watch our site grow and our followers exceed what we would have never anticipated.