Wet paint

Published 4:32 pm Sunday, August 10, 2014

DAVID CUCCHIARA | DAILY NEWS

DAVID CUCCHIARA | DAILY NEWS

Hematoma Paintball’s humble beginning now 40-acre course

CHOCOWINITY — Two teams of 12 paintballers, some draped head to toe in full army camouflage and others a little more brave, sporting gym shorts and T-shirts, stood shoulder to shoulder as the referee briefed them before battle.

Those more experienced than others — course regulars — adjusted their six-hopper belts and tightened their masks, preparing for the onslaught that lie ahead.

All 24 players dipped behind the protective drapes and into the arena. Once the referee signaled the start of the match, players began ducking for cover behind a scattered sea of wooden wire spools and plastic blue garbage cans. Almost instantaneously, a rush of neon paintballs began whizzing from both sides of the field, striking the netting, barricades and, eventually, all of the players on the near side of the course.

For the last 19 years, this is how Hematoma Paintball owner Patsy Davis has spent every weekend, regulating battle scene after battle scene.

What is now a 40-plus-acre, six-field paintball course, also equipped with a 185-by-80-foot, pro-style speed ball field, started in Davis’ garage in 1995.

“We played out of an old army tent,” she said. “We had just one woods ball course back then.”

Neighborhood teenagers quickly caught on to a sport in its infancy and it wasn’t long before Davis had to expand beyond the humble tent and garage.

Paintball, a luxury sport, took a step backwards with the recession in 2008, but continues to attract adolescent and adult thrill-seekers. Even with the economic hit, paintball is still considered to be one of the fastest growing team sports in the United States.

Today, Hematoma Paintball consists of a speed ball course, three “woods ball” fields buried deep in dense foliage and three “rec ball” courses made from makeshift obstacles. Needless to say, mostly everything is covered in a thin coat of soluble dye.

The rec ball fields, the oldest of the bunch, are functional and able to accommodate large groups. With a few minor adjustments, two of the three rec ball fields can be combined into one big pitch with a massive, sniper-friendly, three-story watch tower in the middle.

It’s a business based on nifty, theoretical warfare, but through the years, Davis and her staff have made it a point to stress safety.

“We take the rules really seriously here,” said Hunters Summers, a course employee, referee and gun mechanic. “Masks, barrel sleeves, gun safety briefings … you name it. People here run on adrenaline and will often shoot something they shouldn’t outside the field.”

Hematoma Paintball has a strict, three-strike policy on safety. Something as simple as removing a mask while on the course or not having the gun lock engaged in designated areas can warrant removal.

The course also comes with a fully stocked pro-shop, which sells guns, parts, paint, compressed air canisters, masks and more. Davis says her business is moving away from the outdated CO2 canisters, considering compressed air is far better for the environment and the gun.

If you gun does happen to break mid-game, Davis has a fully functional repair shop. And for those parents who aren’t as adventurous as their kids, a grilling area and basketball court are also available.

“We try to make if fun for everyone, even if you’re not playing,” Summers said.

Hematoma Paintball has a little bit of everything for the amateur to pro paintballer and local business and teams are taking notice. Davis regularly rents out the course for parties and business functions. Even the East Carolina University paintball team occasionally comes to Chocowinity to play.

On Aug. 23, the ECU team will be holding a paintball workshop, focusing on safety and the strategy of the game.

Hematoma Paintball is open Saturday from 9 a.m. – 5 p.m., and Sunday from noon – 5 p.m. Large groups and businesses can also reserve fields during the week.