A few months ago, Dason Anthony and some of his friends went camping. During the trip, they played paintball and it was then that he realised the added appeal of the non-contact activity.
Anthony then began to conceptualise the business that would become the Paintball Experience, which has already found favour among the aficionados of war games that are safe.
The business, which opened a month ago, offers not just paintball but an experience that promises to be second to none and as a result has seen more than 100 teams booked.
Anthony said he realized paintball was not common in Guyana, but he wanted to provide more than just an activity and so decided that whatever he came up with was going to create a lasting impression.
The Paintball Experience organises paintball sessions for people looking to de-stress with a fun activity that might also involve an intense workout routine. Participants could find themselves running, climbing, and ducking as a means of dodging their opponents or trying to sneak up on them.
Anthony, who was at one time an employee of Digicel, explained that the cellphone company would host fun day events where various sports, including paintball, were played. He said that he was always caught up in the excitement of the game.
“For me, Guyana is short on recreational activities to do in the outdoors,” he said. “I’ve travelled the length and breadth of this world and there’s always something to do recreational-wise with family. The Paintball Experience gives tourists and locals an added something to do and [look forward to] in Guyana…”
What this business has created is a hub connecting the public to other persons offering paintball. One of its go-to paintball partners operates at Yarrowkabra. Situated along the highway, it provides the perfect spot for enough distance when running, shade from the trees around and possible spots to dodge a shot. Anthony noted that the trail into the location has what is referred to as ‘dead sand’, therefore it is best that people getting themselves there use vehicles that have four-wheel drive.
According to him, as a booking agent for paintball businesses, the experience he provides starts at the cost of $5,500 per person. This gives each person 2 hours of private field play or the equivalent of 3 to 5 games, a protective mask, vest and gun along with water and ice. There are other packages costing $6,500, $8,500, and $10,500. The more costly the package, the more hours allowed. The platinum package for $10,500 offers light refreshments. Transportation is provided for groups consisting of 15 persons or more. “I want folks to come up and have fun. Whether they want to do a bush cook with their family… it’s a good way to connect during this pandemic,” Anthony said. They also provide target practice for individuals.
Anthony, who also co-owns The Oak Spa, with his wife, Latisha Wilson, noted that in keeping with COVID-19 protocols, everyone must wear facemasks. The temperature of all individuals is checked on arrival and they are required to sanitise on entry. All equipment, Anthony added, is sanitised after each session.
Also, because of the pandemic, the Paintball Experience only books one team per session so as not to have two teams unknown to each other bumping into one another. Anthony made it clear that often the teams that book are families, colleagues, or people who already dwell together.
The sessions are hosted on Saturdays or on holidays. Anthony, who is religious, takes Sunday off to attend church. However, exceptions can be made for Sunday afternoons only, if the group is of 25 people or more.
Paintball is not advisable for children under 8 years old as the ball stings a bit when it hits. However, the target practice caters for them. For children aged 8 to 16, the Paintball Experience is free. Family time is considered a priority, therefore Anthony goes all out to make it happen. He also shared that the game has a number of rules, including not shooting at close range; participants are required to be more than 15 feet away from each other. This is another reason why children under 8 will not be able to handle the sport.
It is advisable that players wear long-sleeve clothing. Since only non-toxic water based paint is used, there is no risk of staining, the paint comes off easily when washed.
Since it opened a month ago, people have been raving about their Paintball Experiences and sharing same on social media.
Meanwhile, Anthony is already looking to later expand to another outdoor activity, which some might be familiar with as ‘The Call of Duty’. At 31 years old, the businessman has 31 employees and tries his best to mentor them. In 2016, Anthony was listed among 250 fellows, out of 4,000-plus applicants, to represent Guyana in President Obama’s Young Leaders of The Americas Initiative. Then, last year, he was the recipient of the National Youth Award in recognition of his outstanding work in entrepreneurship. Anthony is also a former council member of the Small Business Bureau.
To book a session, contact the Paintball Experience on its Facebook page or call 600-1825. There is no physical location for the Paintball Experience. All advance payments can be made via MMG or at another of Anthony’s businesses, 592Tees, located at the Courtyard Mall, Robb Street, Georgetown.
