SPRING 2013
SPRING 2013
Preparing for D-Day
How does one prepare for the biggest game of the season? Well a great start is knowing people who have been there. I am lucky enough to know a few great fellas from the CEF that I meet every year at the Command Decision’ s War Centre game, Fulda Gap in North Carolina. Wally Illman from Commonwealth Expeditionary Force sent me an excellent D-Day check list that is as long as my arm however I’ m sure it’ s necessary if you are staying a week in the most anticipated game for every paintballer.
I have been preparing with physical activities such as chin ups and push ups to help my upper strength to make sure I can pull my own weight around the field. I also wear my tac vest while I am working out, so I am use to the extra weight. Some sit ups to help with my core for I know there will be a lot of bobbing and weaving from ducking enemy fire. Running and hill climbing for I know there will be a lot of that! Squats because we as paintballers are always put in awkward situations to hold a marker at a certain area for a long period of time and sometimes it’ s crucial to be able to hold that position.
Also preparing for heat exhaustion. How do we do that in Canada? Well seeing how our country is mainly a hockey rink for half the year, I wear layers, lots of layers when I run. Build up the heat and sweat to prepare when to push more and not to. I have read that the heat there is intense and with all the physical activity you are doing, its not hard to over heat. I like to prepare what that atmosphere is going to be like in order to adapt and know what you can do to prevent it. Knowing to keep my head covered so it’ s out of the sun and doesn’ t cook my brain. I learned that lesson well at Living legends.
Another thing to prepare for is my knowledge of the game rules and field. I made sure to read the Q & A that D-Day provides. Click here to visit the D-Day FAQ.
Passport and any documentation of my equipment and belongings encase any questions at the airport. Personal identification in each bag with all my contact information so if anything is to go missing they can contact me.
If I bring a tank I am sure to De-Gas my tank and take the regulator off, cover the tank in some wrap so it doesn’ t get damaged and the regulator as well and leave an identification card inside if they have any questions. If not I will just purchase a tank at the field.
I ensure all my marker information is up to date and the batteries are removed so the customs agents don’ t get concerned it’ s something else.
Business cards for yourself are a great asset and you don’ t have to own a business to have one. Just something simple with your name and any contact information you want to provide. Email, phone, facebook info. That way you can network with others and with all the new people you meet in this awesome sport it’ s a great way to keep in touch because everyone has pockets … but not everyone has a pen;)
I am packing light on this trip so I don’ t have a lot to carry around with me when I don’ t have a vehicle to store it in. I am going to survive off the camaraderie of my brothers and the trust in the human way of life to help myself and others on this trip.
One thing is for sure I am bringing my respect and courtesy with me as well. Some travelers don’ t realize how much of a change of culture we have even for some miles. I notice a culture change just going over to my neighbor’ s house and I need to respect their way of life. Respect will get you a long ways in life and showing respect for others will earn you the same back, sometimes double.
This way I know what to expect and waste less time asking questions and looking for answers on what to do.
I also have been studying maps of the field and watching videos to see the actual terrain and anticipate my positioning and the enemies.
This game is too far away for me to drive with the amount of work I have back at home, so I will be flying and making sure I am prepared for all the regulations that go with that:
I’ m making sure to pack extra socks for it is important to keep your feet in excellent condition for they will be the only things carrying you around on that field.
Plan your attack and then Attack your plan is what I always say. I hope to meet some of you who are reading this at D-Day. I’ m going to be the rookie on this field … for now;)
Rob McLellan Regional Commander Valken Corps Ontario
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