Bright-coloured projectiles will be furiously flying in TECT Park this Sunday as a speed-focused paintball contest draws entrants from across the North Island.

After a several-year hiatus, the Bay of Plenty Paintball Club will host the regional Paintball Triples – which is known as a strictly serious splat-filled contest.

Club president Phil Stokes said the tournament will showcase a side of paintball that many people have never seen.

“When most people think of paintball, they think of birthday parties or recreational games played in the bush,” Stokes said. “What we play is called speedball, which is a much faster-paced competitive format.”

The competition will attract teams from Auckland, Waikato, Hawke’s Bay, Manawatū and throughout the Bay of Plenty on June 7, he said.

It will feature three-player teams competing on an inflatable speedball field. Players start at opposite ends with inflatable bunkers and must either eliminate the opposing team or capture a flag from the centre and return it to the opposition’s base.

“It’s quick, exciting and very strategic,” Stokes said. “A lot can happen in a short amount of time.”

Phil Stokes and Ron Knipmeijer in action. Photo / Kelly O’Hara

Stokes said the club was established more than a decade ago with the goal of growing paintball in the region and creating a permanent, safe facility for players.

Before securing a home base, members relied on borrowed land and temporary playing areas. That changed when the club partnered with TECT Park and volunteers had spent more than a decade developing the site.

“When we first arrived, it was rugged bush and a valley,” Stokes said. “Over the years we’ve carried out earthworks, installed safety netting and built both recreational and speedball playing areas. It’s completely different now.”

Stokes said the club attracted members from the Bay of Plenty and Waikato, with players regularly attending from Tauranga, Rotorua, Hamilton and Auckland to train and compete.

About 25 members are registered, plus casual players.

Phil Stokes in action playing paintball. Photo / Kelly O’Hara

Stokes said one of paintball’s unique strengths is that men and women compete together on equal terms. “There’s really no need for separate divisions,” he said. “When you’re shooting paintballs at each other, gender doesn’t make any difference.

“It’s one of the few sports where everyone can compete on the same footing.”

Stokes said the club was excited to see an all-female team entered in Bay of Plenty Paintball Triples.

“They’re coming to have a real crack at it, which is fantastic.”

Stokes said the club welcomes players aged 13-plus and caters for all experience levels. It also hosts open days, where newcomers can try the sport without needing to organise a large group.

“You can just turn up by yourself and give it a go,” Stokes said. “It’s a great way to meet people and experience the sport.”

Spectators are welcome to watch the Bay of Plenty Paintball Triples at TECT Park on June 7. Entry is free.