Welcome to the world of airsoft!
The airsoft community is ever-growing, with more and more people becoming interested in skirmishes and the thrills of live combat simulation. If you’ve always liked the idea of airsoft but have found entry into the sport intimidating or confusing, this one’s for you.
Getting into any new hobby as a complete beginner can seem daunting, but once you take the first steps and get your hands on your first airsoft gun, there’s no going back! Nowadays, there are so many great airsoft finance options and a thriving network of players that you’ll have no trouble finding your feet.
Do You Need to Be Fit to Play Airsoft?
Depending on the style of play, airsoft can be a relatively physical sport. However, this is not to say that you have to be an elite athlete to take part. Maintaining a basic level of fitness will reduce your risk of injury and ensure you stay energised for longer.
You won’t have to do any special training before getting into airsoft, as the games themselves will help you develop the skills you need and will support your physical fitness.
Finding the Right First Airsoft Gun
Airsoft rifles and pistols can range significantly in price and performance. When buying your first gun, we recommend choosing something that’s not too cheap or expensive – you want to get a good first experience but don’t want to waste money on the extra advantages you don’t yet understand.
For your first airsoft rifle, think about spending around £100-£150, as a model at this price point will serve you brilliantly as you get to grips with the basics and start progressing.
Airsoft Gear & Protective Equipment
One of the primary questions airsoft newbies will ask is, does it hurt? Most players will liken getting hit by BBs with being flicked or pinched very hard, making it less painful than paintball. There are several easy ways to reduce the impact, namely protective clothing and equipment.
Before taking part in any skirmish, you will need to acquire the right gear. You should be covered from head to toe to ensure no skin is left vulnerable. Eye protection in the form of airsoft goggles or masks is an absolute essential – you will not be permitted to play without them.
Expand Your Airsoft Knowledge
If you're going into airsoft with a simple point-and-shoot philosophy, it can seem like there’s a lot to learn. Our glossary of airsoft terms is a great resource for beginner players that are new to all the acronyms and jargon we use.
You’ll learn a lot from the different games you attend, whether this means improving shooting techniques, understanding which gun upgrades you want to make or establishing better battle tactics.
When it comes to airsoft game rules, each site will likely have a couple of house rules you’ll have to get familiar with. See our guide on UK airsoft rules for a quick run-through of the basics that’ll apply to most sites.
Where to Play Airsoft
When you know the why and the how it becomes a question of where. The UK is a haven of skirmish sites, with 163 open sites (as of 2022) across the nation. This number is always increasing, so you should have no trouble finding a licensed site near you.
To get an idea of the variety of sites and gameplay they offer, here are some of the best airsoft sites in and around London.
While it is legal to organise your own private skirmish event on private land, we recommend sticking to organised sites, especially when you are a beginner, so you don’t run the risk of putting yourself and others in danger (from the law or any accidents with the weapons).
Getting UKARA Membership
You do not have to have a United Kingdom Airsoft Retailers Association (UKARA) membership to play airsoft. However, if you want to buy a real imitation firearm (RIF), as opposed to a two-tone airsoft gun, you must have the membership.
To get a UKARA membership, you must play three airsoft games at a skirmish site within two months. This membership provides a defence under the Violent Crime Reduction Act (VCRA), making it legal for you to buy RIFs for airsoft.
Hopefully, you’ve now got a good idea of where to begin when embarking on your airsoft adventure. There are plenty of airsoft forums out there, allowing you to connect with like-minded players. And if you have any more questions or concerns, our blog is host to a range of guides, tips and product updates, so that you can stay in the loop.
