Sugar and spice and everything nice are not the only things roller derby girls are made of. They also have skating skills, stirred in with attitude, a pinch of punk and a dash of humor. Roller derby originated in the 1930s and has reinvented itself over the decades. The contact sport is making a comeback in the form of amateur all-female flat-track roller derby. The sport is a combination of skill, attitude and fun and this beginner’s guide will help women become the roller derby girl they desire.
Making of a Roller Derby Girl: Skating Attitude
Women of all skating skill sets join roller derby leagues ranging from the experienced to those who have never set eyes on a pair of quad skates. Most roller derby wannabes last skated in high school. Whatever the skating experience, most roller derby leagues welcome anyone willing to learn the sport.
Getting comfortable wearing wheels is important when training and this is achieved through skating as much as possible. Hit the local roller rink for open skate sessions and wear skates around the house. An extra set of wheels or a previously-loved pair of skates can be used outdoors at the local skate park, tennis courts or neighborhood sidewalks when indoor rinks are not available. Take time to work on "skate-itude," the act of being roller derby girl tough and confident on quad skates.
Making of a Roller Derby Girl: Minimizing Injury
Falling is inevitable during roller derby practice sessions and skaters in training learn proper falling techniques in order to avoid and minimize injury. Roller derby is a contact sport but body checks probably will not happen until after a skills test is passed.
Having the proper equipment is essential in preventing injury. The roller derby league will advise on essentials and these typically include a helmet, knee and elbow pads, wrist guards and a mouth guard. Most teams have equipment for new roller derby girls to use before committing to joining the team. Sin City Skates is an online resource helping new roller derby girls select the best equipment.
While it is important to protect the outer body, roller girls should protect their inner bodies. This is achieved through strength training targeting the lower body and back. Treadmill interval training helps build endurance and proper rest is essential. Smoking and drinking is not part of the mix but should be done in moderation if habits cannot be broken. Roller derby takes dedication and commitment beyond bouts and practices.
Making of a Roller Derby Girl: Having Fun
While roller derby entails skill it also requires a sense of humor ranging from the campy, alter ego alias skater names to the punk-like dress. Derby names are exclusive meaning two roller derby girls cannot have the same name. Check the Two Evils Web site for allocated names.
Fishnet stockings, skull and cross bone knee high socks, schoolgirl skirts and panties with sassy phrases are common attire. A local skate shop may have knee high skater socks but Spencer’s, Hot Topic, Journey’s, Claire’s and Walmart are some of the mainstream shops for socks along with derby-appropriate attire.
Making of a Roller Derby Girl: The Rules
The roller sport is somewhat confusing and takes a few times of seeing a bout to understand the game. The article "The Rules of Roller Derby" is an ideal place to start. Most roller derby teams follow the rules set by the Women’s Flat Track Derby Association (WFTDA), which is the national governing body over all-girl roller derby leagues across the United States.
Get rolling, derby girl! Skate faster and hit.
Jennifer Huber - A 20-year veteran of the tourism industry, Jennifer's career path began during college when she followed the hiking path in Yellowstone ...
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