Vancouver Island Airsoft Society
What do I need and what to expect?
Never played Airsoft before? Here's what you need to play with V.I.A.S.
What to do when you show up:
- Make sure your barrel sock is already on your Airsoft gun. Barrel socks are required anywhere outside of the actual playing field. If you do not have a barrel sock you can rent/buy one at the counter.
- Remove your magazine. Magazines are required to be removed anywhere outside of the actual playing field.
- Be mindful of your barrel direction. Do not wave your gun around pointing it people. Finger off the trigger.
- Sign a waiver or have a parent sign one for you if you are under 19 years of age.
- Bring it to the counter and pay for addmission
- Choose a table spot in the gear up pit. It is open for all to use. Try to store/compress your gear underneath the table and not take up more space than you need to
- Get your Airsoft gun ready to Chronograph. IE; ready to shoot. Insert batteries, gas and load a magazine.
- Listen for instruction
I'm renting equiptment and I've never played before:
- Sturdy footwear! The field is a forested area with tree roots and uneven ground. Protect your ankles! Boots or hiking shoes are reccomended. Open-toe footwear is not allowed.
- Cover your body! Airsoft BB's can sting and leave welts on uncovered skin. Long sleeve shirts, hats and long pants will all help to lessen the sting. That being said, the more layers you wear the more you will heat up. In the warmer months it is advisable to go as light as possible with outerwear to help keep cool.
- WATER! even in the winter staying hydrated is important. Airsoft is a physical activity and you will sweat more than usual. Water and other drinks will be availble on site but always be prepared.
- Your rental fee will provide you with a full face, approved goggle system, an airsoft gun and enough BB's to last the day.
I'm new to Airsoft and have my own gear but I'm not sure I have everything:
- Your Airsoft gun must Chronograph within field limits. Click here to see our FPS guidelines.
- Your Eye Protection must be CSA Standard Z94.3 or ANZI Z87.1 Certified. The lenses will be stamped with one of these certifications. Full seal is mandatory. Mesh goggles are not allowed. We reserve the right to disallow any eye-protection we deem to be unidentifiable, counterfeit or in poor repair. IE; Pit Vipers, Cheap Amazon "Airsoft Goggle/Masks".
- BB's must be Bio-Degradable. .25g - .45g only.
- No Real Rank/Unit patches, badges, lettering.
- The rest is all personal preference. There are thousands of Airsoft and real steel gear, clothing and accessories available. See what others are using, what works and doesn't and why.
What to Expect:
- Some pain from being shot with plastic BB's. Getting shot in the head/hands/soft spots happens, it's sometimes unexptected and can be jarring. Stay calm. Raise your hand and Yell HIT! Nothing else.
- To not be told what to do on the field. There are no formal captains or authority figures on the field that will tell how to play. You will not be put in a squad and have orders barked at you. You can do your own thing, play how you like within the rules of the game. If you would like help or would to like join a squad/group of players, ask somebody. Most airsofters are pretty friendly and willing to help out new players with advice and guidance. Even the old guys that look scary.
- Run what you brung! Nobody cares that you're wearing a hoodie and jeans and don't have thousands of dollars in gear and look like a video game character. Have fun and play the game.
