Caleb Goodman has been playing paintball for the last five years and he wants more people to join him. He and his father, Darrell Goodman, opened N2 Paintball in September, giving Covington its first paintball store in more than two years.

"We talked about opening for several months. We wondered if the market was strong enough," Darrell said. "We decided it was, and if we could survive in this market, we could survive anytime. We're building from the ground up."

N2 Paintball sells everything needed for paintball - guns, paintballs, air tanks, masks, pants, gloves and all kinds of accessories. Darrell said he doesn't keep a lot in stock now, but he has two trusted providers and can order any common or specialty items. In addition N2 Paintball can do simple repair work on guns and equipment.

N2 Paintball also provides rental equipment for birthday parties and other gatherings and can bring all of the equipment out to parties. Darrell said paintball is an increasingly popular activity for church youth groups.

Darrell said that, unfortunately, there are no professional fields for people to play paintball in Newton County, and most gatherings are relegated to backyards and small fields. As business grows, Darrell said he hopes to be able to open up a full-time paintball field.

"There is nowhere in the county for these kids to go. I want to give teenagers a safe, fun place to play," he said.

N2 Paintball is located in Morgan Plaza and is open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Tuesday through Saturday.