People talk about woodland rec-ball vs. tournament sup'air as if there aren't any woodland fields on the tournament circuit anymore. Not only are they there, but if you're a new tournament team with little sup'air experience, but loads of woodland rec-ball experience under your belt, then I would highly recommend woodland tournament. Basically, its a great tactical equalizer.
Some teams practice on sup'air every weekend, and are competent and confident. But put them on an unfamilar, woodland field, with wider angles, unusual bunkers, and a myriad of unique properties, and they could end up so stunned they that are being beaten that they'll resort to Dead Man Walking to claw back fistful of points, before finally being maxed out (you know who you are). In short, the randomness of the fields makes them great to play on.
Admittedly, problems arise when people use inappropiate tactics in the woods. Occassionally, people who usually slide hard into bunkers on smooth sup'air fields use the same technique in the woodland and shatter their knees. But paintball is often promoted as an extreme sport. Just look at the image that sponsors and top teams are trying to project. And extreme sports are called extreme sports primarily because they are dangerous. So earn your image, and don't worry if the fields aren't always smooth lawns.
Some teams practice on sup'air every weekend, and are competent and confident. But put them on an unfamilar, woodland field, with wider angles, unusual bunkers, and a myriad of unique properties, and they could end up so stunned they that are being beaten that they'll resort to Dead Man Walking to claw back fistful of points, before finally being maxed out (you know who you are). In short, the randomness of the fields makes them great to play on.
Admittedly, problems arise when people use inappropiate tactics in the woods. Occassionally, people who usually slide hard into bunkers on smooth sup'air fields use the same technique in the woodland and shatter their knees. But paintball is often promoted as an extreme sport. Just look at the image that sponsors and top teams are trying to project. And extreme sports are called extreme sports primarily because they are dangerous. So earn your image, and don't worry if the fields aren't always smooth lawns.
