World Cup 2007

The World Cup is defintinely one of my favorite events,coming a close second to Huntington Beach. I went down to Florida expecting the scorching heat and humidity I've grown accustomed to over the years from this event, only to be disappointed by cooler weather and the occasional rain shower. Apparently I'm the strange one, as no one else I spoke to missed the oppressively hot weather we've seen in the past during this event. All in all, though, the weather was better in Orlando than it was back home in Toronto.

Two of Badlands' finest accompanied me to the event this year. Ron Michie, from our Tech department in Toronto, and Mike Smith, from Badlands Winnipeg. Both were there to work with the lengendary Gerry Bates of Planet Eclipse for the week, teching Eclipse Egos for the Pros and non-Pro players alike.

Of course, the World Cup is where you come to see what is new and exciting from the different manufacturers. Ron, pictured above to the left, was a trend setter, and was the first to introduce the newest bag pattern for 2008 - Granny Cam. We're not sure if it will take off, but if Ron has his way, you're sure to see a full line of pants, jerseys, and luggage sporting this exciting new camo pattern.

Ron (above left) and Mike (left) spent all week working as techs for Planet Eclipse as part of Badlands' commitment to supporting the Eclipse line. Badlands is the Exclusive Canadian Distributor for Eclipse, and our Technical staff are well trained in servicing and repairing the Eclipse line of markers. Having a problem with your Ego? Bring it to Badlands. We have the only Techs in Canada qualified and authorized by Eclipse to carry out warranty work on your marker. As a FYI - if you decide to use your marker as a brake and jam it so hard into the ground that you bend the barrel and warp the frame like this poor guy did, that does not qualify as warranty work.

TJ (above right) from Badlands Toronto also made it to event, although not in an official capacity. He came to watch games and to see what the Cup is all about.

Rocky Cagnoni took his air band, Waiting on Rocky, to the big stage at the Sun on the Beach in Old Town. Their show was a great success, loved by both paintballers and locals.

Ever stared Death in the face? I have, and he was carrying the intimidating T9 - Elite from Tiberius Arms!

Friends Jackie, Chuck, and Clare also stared death in the face in Old Town when they rode the 300 foot tall Sky Coaster. Basically you get strapped into your harnesses in a group of three, then you're attached to a cord, hauled 300 feet into the air where you hang suspended until you pull the cord that sends you plummeting to the earth at 70 miles per hour. Chuck's pic above sums up the exhilaration of the experience.

Above - Trevor, Tuti, and the Rock.

The boys from Infamous were at the KEE Action Sports booth signing posters and bunkers for their fans.

Above - Frazer, Angel Tech extraordinaire.

Right - Alexandra, new KEE poster girl.

Orlando Magic center Dwight Howard loved the Tiberius line of markers.

Left - Jackie and Carcus. Above - Ryan Moorhead.

Smart Parts Vibe - Electronic Marker for $140.

Inside the Eclipse tent - busiest venue by far.

Badlands invests a lot in our Technical staff so you can be assured of the highest quality service. We sent Mike to the World Cup to gain more experience as an Eclipse Ego tech, and he also managed to squeeze in some time to be schooled as a world class, bad-ass, gator wrestler. In hindsight, his gator taming skills might not be so useful in Winnipeg, but at least he has skills. And, yes, ladies, Mike is single.