Pillow Talk is back! One of our favorite series returns, where we get our pinups all nice and comfy and them hit them with the tough questions. Get to know the lovely ladies of paintball, through the Pinups lens! If you like this feature, please consider supporting us on Patreon!
For those who are newer Paintball Pinup fans, please introduce yourself!
Ok well here we go, haha! I’m Kendal. People call me Kendalfire, or kfire. I started playing paintball in, 2014? But started watching and following it in 2013; An ex and his family were big into paintball and went every weekend, and of course, I started helping in the pits. I wanted to learn as much as I could before I started playing. That inevitably led me in to running across none other than Lauren Salinas! I was like, “OMG… girls play!??” I basically became obsessed with her because I mean, Lauren is Lauren, and back then all I saw were guys playing. So after following her on social media, she messaged me letting me know a representative from the Paintball Pinups might be reaching out. Not long after, you all asked me if I would be interested in modeling with the pinups. Naturally I was like, “Duh dude!!” and the rest is history!
So Kendal, you took a short paintball sabbatical. Tell us, what did you miss the most while you were away?
I missed the camaraderie, for sure, the most. There is nothing like paintball people. It’s a vibe. We’re a whole fuckin vibe!! Then, of course, I missed my gun!
Have you noticed a change in the sport, now that you’re back?
There are a lot of changes, but isn’t that with everything? The whole world has changed since I took my break. I feel like the format has changed a bit, 10.2 balls per second. The possibility for all female events now is pretty damn cool. There are more resources for people who are new in the sport to play and get the coaching they need, without breaking the bank. Things such as BKI and Go Sports. To be able to watch when you can’t be at a field plays a big part in making the sport more accessible. I do feel it has gotten more corporate, if that makes any sense.
You’ve been a huge part of the Paintball Pinups! In fact, one year you were in 6 out of the 12 shots we debuted in our calendar! That being said, can you describe what it’s like modeling for the Pinups?
Modeling with the pinups… it’s crazy sometimes. The first time I ever met any of these wonderful humans we were wearing next to nothing! Pretty much, “Hi, nice to meet ya, I’m Kendal; here’s my areola!” Haha! But the undeniable thing is that each one of you has become a life long friend and part of my life… like, omg, the bond we all have! It’s like when you know, you know. Let’s just say, to any woman lucky enough to be apart of the pinups, I would recommend it 100%. Because never have I met a group so strong, so fierce, so loving, so accepting, and so eclectic! Plus, the Pinups do have every flavor of sexy. And Damon is the best ever! Never have I been uncomfortable around him. He’s practically a pinup, too, because we all love him so much!
Alright Fire, being one of the few female paintballers on the field can be interesting, to say the least. What’s the most welcomed advice you’ve received?
That would be the advice I was given by the other players when I first started out. You know, to stay hydrated, point my toe when I’m sliding to prevent snapping my ankle or getting my foot caught. Just stuff to keep me competitive and safe.
How did “Fire” come to be added onto your name? Is it because you’re so… hot?
Fire was added by some old friends of mine. It came from a pretty sad time in my life, but I came out of it blazing. So, yeah, Kendalfire sort of emerged from the ashes of what was. Deep, I know!
While paintball is obviously your number one, what else do you do for fun?
Well, I’m an artist. I paint, draw, and do photography. I’m also a gamer and spend a ton of time with my animals. I have a habit of rescuing helpless creatures, great and small. I’m working on not taking in any more strays, though… for a while. I also love to cook, shoot guns, and yoga is a must!
Thinking back to your start with the pinups, what surprised you the most about the organization?
What surprised me the most about the pinups was how bad ass and down to earth you all were! It was a wonderful surprise, so many women fixing crowns around here in a world where women like to hate on each other. It truly was a breath of fresh air!
You’ve worked as a promoter at national event, and enjoyed quality time on the field. In your opinion, which is the most fun?
Well obviously… wait you know what, idk! Let’s see, there are definitely perks to promoting or working events like World Cup or pitting for a pro team. That was fun, but there’s nothing in the world like playing. I’m happiest when it’s anything paintball. Just to be involved in the sport somehow. I just love it that much!
We know it can be impossible to choose just one, but that being said, please share with us your favorite paintball memory.
Oh geez… um… I’d have to say watching X-factor win World Cup was one of my favorite memories. It pretty much made me a fan for life, right then and there. That was when I learned what professional paintball was. It catapulted me into so many other great experiences in the sport. That was the starting point.
What would you say to those that want to give paintball a try, but are unsure how to get started?
Just do it. Just fucking do it! Haha, but seriously it will change your life! Besides life tends to hurt way worse than a paintball.
Okay, so we love paintball. But with all things, it can’t be rainbows and puppies all the time. In your experience, what is the toughest part of paintball?
The toughest thing about paintball, for me, was trying to quit! I say that because, as you can see, I’m back! Just when I thought I was out, they pull me back in! Just don’t know how to quit you!
Thank you so much Kendal for your time! We look forward to seeing you again, and we have a feeling that will be very soon!
