Truth be told, between the freezing temperatures in northern Madrid region and my nerves about whether the pellets they'll shoot at me might hurt, I'm questioning whether I should have come. After a couple of wrong turns to find the exact path, we arrive at Airsoft Empire's estate and I see several ready-made groups collecting their airsoft gear and preparing their equipment.
Most are young people, some barely of age (18 is the minimum age to play) while others aren't first-timers. Thankfully in my group we're nearly all beginners, which reassures me there are others in my situation ;)
After roll call and once we're all kitted out, they begin giving us the airsoft rules:
- No shooting at less than 5 metres distance. If you encounter someone at or below this range, you must shout "hit" to eliminate them. Obviously not something you'd do in real warfare...
- Never, under any circumstances, remove your goggles during gameplay. While not inherently dangerous, extreme caution is needed to prevent eye impacts - the consequences could be serious... Only the marshal can authorise removing goggles (typically between games during briefing or rest periods).
- Never, under any circumstances, point your replica anywhere but the ground during breaks. Between game modes there's a short rest when the marshal explains the next match. This is the only time goggles can be removed, so all replicas must be lowered and pointed at the ground. You can never be certain if a pellet remains chambered, even with magazines removed and safety on.
- You must have clear line of sight when firing - even if you know an "enemy's" exact position, you must see your target. Blind-firing around cover (spraying) is strictly prohibited (and gets you ejected).
- You may not shoot at eliminated players in respawn zones (bases or regeneration points).
With rules clear, we begin. Our marshal leads us to the base and explains the first game: 2 teams competing to eliminate the most players. After a few minutes when I'm first hit, I realise it doesn't hurt (despite my initial yelp!). I'm convinced airsoft is more fun than it first appears.
The second game is the classic paintball mode "capture the flag", where each team must protect their briefcase while stealing the opponents'. The third game involves protecting a VIP whom our team must eliminate, but who's escorted by enemies. This match includes a medic role to revive eliminated players.
After several rounds (2 per mode) and 3 hours of "exchanging fire", I feel renewed. Exhausted, yes, but I've released built-up stress: mission accomplished.
The Sunday early start was worth it: the morning chill became irrelevant once immersed in gameplay, sprinting across the field, and the white pellets proved far less painful than feared. An experience I'd recommend to anyone. I'll definitely return!
