Over the last few months I have been researching airsoft. In Canada its a fairly small sporting community but growing rapidly.
If you've never heard about it before, here is a quick run down.
Airsoft caters to military enthusiasts, reenactors and anyone just wanting to get out and have fun and try an alternative sport. The sport involves the using replica guns that fire plastic bb's and its a honour based system of calling yourself out during gameplay.
Interestingly the sport has become a great way to help veterans who have served oversees and have left the military. In America there are many airsoft associations specifically geared toward helping vets deal with separation from military life and PTSD.
Currently I'm looking to pick up my first rifle and get involved in the community.
This weekend I went to the TAC14 airsoft convention as airsofters and retailers from across Ontario descended on the Ultimate Airsoft arena in Toronto. I did the rounds, made some contacts and met up with a fellow photographer I have been communicating with for the past few months.
Ryan has been playing and shooting airsoft in the Ottawa area for several years. Here is his airsoft flickr album, check him out his images are pretty awesome!
Overall it was a great experience; everyone I met was welcoming, informative and excited about me joining the community.
This summer I'm going to start playing and photographing, so you will be seeing more airsoft relates posts soon.