Title: The inspired Noob! Warning this is a long personal review. Review 1 of...
Let me first begin this review with a backstory. I'm 45 years old, out of shape, and willing to try something that's going to challenge me both physically and mentally.
I'm not new to paintball/rec ball. It's been over 20 years since I swung paint in Santa Clarita, California. However, my interest at this time in my life is not recreational paintball. My interest is in competitive five on 5/speedball. This may seem counterintuitive given my age.
I heard about doodlebug Sportz from a neighbor. This neighbor was talking about Dusty and his family who owns doodlebug Sportz. He spoke highly of dusty and his family. The conversations my neighbor and I had about paintball and other sports in that genre varied and we're in-frequent, but when we discussed them they were intense and inspiring. My neighbor too is an older gentleman.
Last week, during Black Friday I made the conscious decision to change my life. I chose to be an active participant in my health, and my competitive commitment/nature. You see, I played at a high-level in baseball, and college football. I allowed myself to become Complacent. This is a new transformation and a new commitment that I am embarking on. I chose paintball as a tool to embrace my competitive nature and inspire me to become healthier. I tried gyms, at this time it's not for me. I am sports minded In a competitive manner.
Doodlebug Sportz was not randomly chosen. I'm pretty sure there are other paintball stores, companies and paintball parks. If it were only about buying a paintball marker and paint I could get that at any sports store that carried it. No! No, it's not only about the paintball marker or the paint. For me, it's about the process. Part of the process is finding the place, the company, the professionals that can meet and exceed my wants, needs, and my interest.
Doodlebug sports provided me with an immediate education without any pressure of buying a paintball marker. Dusty and Dwayne are passionate about the sport, and passionate about others learning about the sport. Dusty and Dwayne are not the reasons I got into the sport; however, they are the catalyst that has allowed me, and giving me encouragement and the opportunity to become a healthier competitive 45-year-old
I purchased the shocker XLS, the hopper, the ninja tank, and other items not because those are the things or tools that were pressed upon me. But because I was inspired by them (Dusty and Dwayne) to do more research.
I initially purchased a different marker, and after I came home and without opening it I started looking at YouTube videos of professionals. For me, I realized I wasn't going to be satisfied with the marker that I purchased on that day even though it was more than sufficient for me to get started in paintball.
I called Wayne and Dusty back up and I asked them if it would be possible for me to return the marker and upgrade and they obliged. The following day I went to the store and I picked up the shocker XLS. Dwayne and Dusty talked to me a little bit about the membership (the day prior) that I'd already looked at online, and I felt, "it's time to commit", so I purchased the monthly membership.
This monthly membership comes with the ability to play at either of doodlebug sports complexes (indoor or outdoor paintball park), getting free air, and getting a discount on paint balls.
The value for me in the membership is not all of these perks that will pay off over the year, it is what this Membership is allowing me to do for myself. I am now committed to becoming healthier while aspiring to become a competitive paintball player.
I'm not saying that I'm aspiring to be a professional paintball player, that said, there's nothing wrong with aspiring to be as committed as a professional in putting the work in.
My ultimate goal is to become healthier and continue my competitive nature and in doing so with a sport that meets those you goals.
My experience in purchasing from doodlebug Sportz cannot be understated. The experience for me was genuine, professional, and without a doubt, a fun experience.
The Noob: Tuesday night drills and technique training from 7 to 9 PM at the indoor park
There's a certain trepidation that accompanies a new player with a new experience in a new environment meeting new people. For me, the trepidation I felt pulling into the indoor parking lot was quickly and seamlessly washed from my essence as I walked inside of the indoor park and greeted by not just staff members but two players that appeared to be well known to the park.
The staff member at the counter (my apologies for forgetting your name so soon) was a genuine guy that immediately put my noob nerves to ease. read more
