New(ish) player. Is Airsoft a social hobby?

[SGSS]

Hi all,

 

I used to plink back in the day, but given the nature of my life now I have more desire to get out and venture into new hobbies than I've ever had. I recently moved to the area I'm in now and was wonder whether any has made any good friends specifically through Airsoft and if there's a culture of doing things outside of the hobby together?

 

What are your experiences?

 

Regards,

 

S

[Anonymoose]

I've only been in it for about 3 months but have found everyone friendly and pleasant that i've met and spoken to at games.

 

While i don't know any of those people outside of that yet, i'm sure it happens enough.

[Jez_Armstrong]

Been doing it for 20 years, found some of my best friends this way 

 

What area have you moved to? 

 

[Hami]

yes! We're all a bunch of nerds that spend way too much money on toy guns  very like minded 

[SGSS]

1 hour ago, Jez_Armstrong said:

Been doing it for 20 years, found some of my best friends this way 

 

What area have you moved to? 

 

 

Cumbria!

[MrTea]

47 minutes ago, SGSS said:

 

Cumbria!

This will help you learn what sites are in your area. Assuming you didn't already know of this tool.

[EDcase]

It certainly can happen.

[Enid_Puceflange]

No!

We are all WEIRDO’S

Steer clear 😄

Edited Monday at 09:31 by Enid_Puceflange

[W0LF_101]

To be honest most of the time (particularly if the weathers a bit shit) I enjoy the social aspect of the game more than the actual game itself.

 

Definitely a social hobby, most people love to chat about their kit. If you’re a regular to the same site chances are you’ll get to know people pretty well. I’ve certainly made some great friends in the sport.

[Dogsbody100]

I can honestly say that the airsoft community have been the most welcoming and social group I’ve ever known, even from the first time I went. 
 

I started out on my own and was having nerd level conversations with people within minutes about guns, camo and ear in general, they were only too happy to pass on tips too.

 

You’ll find the same where ever you go, it’s certainly a refreshing concept! 

[Cannonfodder]

As others have posted, it's a very social hobby. In the 20 years I've been playing I've found airsofters to be one of the most welcoming groups around. Sure you get the occasional twat but they're often easily identified and avoided.

[Galvatron]

There are a several players whom I genuinely consider friends as we can talk very socially, have a laugh and nerd out about things other than airsoft.

[Anonymoose]

23 hours ago, Enid_Puceflange said:

We are all WEIRDOS

 

Guilty as charged.

[Cannonfodder]

Normal is overrated 

[ButcherBill]

I'd say it's down to the individual, personally I'm missing a social gene and play very rarely so haven't made any 'connections' but it's obvious from just being there that people are interested & some are even interesting, I've noticed there are a good mix of cliche's, individuals and friendy regulars at my local site & have yet to meet any kickingmustard types.

[BandanaDan]

Like most hobbies it can be hit and miss, pun intended.

Being outdoors, getting some exercise and letting off some steam sometimes safely are all good things.

But it is what you make of it really in regards to the social side. Site staff can be a good laugh and help to introduce good players to each other. 
Otherwise between games, just walk round and ask to have a look at someone’s gun or plate carrier. You will soon find out the chatty and friendly people from the sullen loaners. Let’s not forget though that we can all have a bad week at home or guns playing up etc. so don’t write people off after one interaction.

I have made one of the best friends since my school days, which was 25 years ago through Airsoft. Friendships are very important for mental health and actually physical health according to recent studies too. As there seems to be a men’s mental health crisis, I think Airsoft and other shoulder to shoulder hobbies are perfect to help men talk to each other.

Being lonely is an epidemic that is spreading hand in hand with social media craze. So use forums and such but also have face to face chats with as many people as you can.