Kent Roller Girls Recreational League

Has everyone set their goals for the New Year? Let us know what they are!

How long have you been skating?

I started training with Kent Roller Girls in July 2013, and a couple of months before that I bought some Rio Rollers so I could start learning how to skate (and stop!) So probably about a year now!

How did you find out about roller derby?

It’s quite a long, and partly cliché story. I go to university in Colchester, and for my 20th birthday my friends decided to take me to Roller World. I fell more times than the rest of my friends combined, but I absolutely loved it. I felt on top of the world while I was ‘speeding’ around, and I knew this was something I needed to do more of. So I looked in to finding myself a cheap pair of started skates, and searched for places I could possibly practice. This is where I stumbled across the idea of roller derby in general, and (here’s the cliché bit!) Whip It in particular. After watching the film, I watched a couple of real bouts on youtube, and I just knew I had to have a go.

Do you have any skating role models?

I seem to gain new ones with every bout I watch! I’m always inspired by my own league every time I see them skate, and I can’t wait to be as good as they are. Outside of that, Hauss the Boss, Lulu Lockjaw and Stefanie Mainey are a few of my most consistent role models.

Had you taken part in any sports before joining Kent Roller Girls?

Not really, and not with much enthusiasm! I did karate when I was young (brown belt, hell yeah!) and picked up dancing on and off throughout my life – I have a medal on my shelf which claims to be a bronze level award for disco dancing from when I was ten, and in in sixth form I took up adult street and ballet. I was never as excited about sport as much as I am about roller derby. Now I find myself counting the days to our next session and looking forward to being put through my paces!

What is your best memory with Kent Roller Girls so far?

There’s a new memory every week, but my best memories are my ‘firsts’. I’m a super nervous person, and talking to new people is one of the most terrifying things to me, so the memories that stick out most are the ones that helped me feel at home with these people. My first session, where I met some of the main league skaters and we spent two hours practicing knee taps and plow stops, and then the next day I cried because I couldn’t get up the stair to my toilet! My first live bouts (which were short exhibition bouts) at Eastbourne Extreme – I had to go with my mum because I was too nervous to go on my own, and I was getting my new Riedell R3s from Tyrant (owner of Rollerbootique.) It took me a good ten minutes to approach her among the crowd of Kent’s skaters for that day and when I finally did, I was greeted with hugs, which made me feel so welcome. My first away bout, which was also the first time I was and NSO for an away bout. I jumped on a coach with the team to Hereford, and we played coach games. I also got presents from some of the skaters in the mixed opener, which I thought was lovely, but the whole atmosphere of the coach trip and the day in general was wonderful and just unforgettable.

What is your favourite skill or drill?

I love pack work, hitting and transitions! I never thought there’d be a day when I’d say my favourite thing to do is skate in close proximity with many other people, but pack work is definitely my favourite thing to do. I also love my toe stops – I’m not great on them, yet, but I’m getting there!

What has been your biggest challenge?

My laps are proving to be my biggest challenge – I’ve been stuck on 20.5 for a long time! Recently, I made it to 21.75, which feels like a great achievement! I also have trouble with footwork, such as during positional blocking drills, because my feet go numb and make my legs unresponsive!

Is there anything else you’d like to say?

Starting roller derby is the best decision I’ve ever made. I’ve met some of the best people I’ve ever known through this sport, and I’ve gained so much confidence in myself since starting that even my family and friends have noticed it. If you are even considering that you might like roller derby, you should give it a go. The most you will lose is a couple of hours and a few pounds. I’ve gained a sport and hobby I love, self-confidence, the motivation to work to make myself better at something and a second family.

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