red, to make a mafia style drive-by. The EWC (European Woodsball Championship) was being played in full steam, on the Valken Combat Village, with multiple teams from many countries taking their shot for the cup. Besides the control of certain areas with electronic flags, they also had power props to find and return to base. The 1st place was conquered by Heat Tactical and the 2nd place was for F.U.B.A.R. The shooting competitions were cancelled due to the bad weather, but the players could do the shooting circuit and compare times. The sniper challenges were also cancelled due to customs retaining Tiberius’ goods, like the markers and first strike rounds. The last day of the event had better weather conditions but the lack of number of players again, made its toll on some schedule events, most of the fighting was done to about mid-day, and then it was time to wrap it up. A Shoreline team composed of 82 members of staff had manage the three day event, that took nine days to assemble and dismantle, with a full steam two prior weeks of preparations. The last minute change on the room’s availability to sleep, event with a two week prior warning, made some players quit sooner, or play just for a day. It was a pity with such a cool venue and all the prepared games. As Tim Barnett says: «The learning curve for us and the venue owner over this three day event was huge. Most of
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the annoying problems were a result of the local authorities forcing the venue owner to make instant changes or changes at short notice. Things like the campsite, constant evacuating of buildings, sudden curfews which destroyed the parties were annoying for players and also for us as the promoter. The ‘buffet’ format also needs slight adjustment. Whilst the concept is good, there was too much choice on offer. There is no need for nearly 100 different games. Less games would mean a more traditional team structure could be employed which would feel more familiar for players with team HQ’s
Sniper challenges were cancelled due to customs retained Tiberius. and more of the things that players are familiar with from a true Shoreline event. This was a good start for Year 1 of a very ambitious concept but there are plenty of adjustments and improvements that can be made to improve the event over the next few years as it grows.» The shopping area was a good surprise, because it was based mainly on milsim products range with the major brands present, accompanied by main paintball brands. Shops from the UK, France and Germany were present giving additional colour and multi-lingual support. But the surprises of this weekend didn’t end there, as both GRIP reporters were equipped with magfed markers for a test run thru out the event.