Roller Derby Chronicles - Introductions x1
Hey guys and gals! I am taking the dive into blogging about my Roller Derby experience. From little baby in the “Freshmeat” program, to possibly an actual scrimmage and beyond! When researching Roller Derby , I couldn’t really find a lot of information on the beginning, from the view of not knowing how to skate, to going through training, to actual games (Or scrimmages; bouts, as they are called. I see a lot of tidbits hear and there, but mostly just a lot of recommendations to new gear and new training tips. Trying new things is always nerve wrecking. It’s the first day at a new school all over again. “Am I good enough to actually do this”, “Will people like me”, “Can I afford this”, “Do I have the heart for this” (Literally, talk about burning some calories!) Here I am, I’m gonna cover my personal experiences and any major topics that I see fit into what I would like to share. A little about me. If you are new to following me, my name is Samantha and I live in Northwest, Indiana. I would like my actual Derby name to be Pam Beastly or The Scranton Strangler. (Yes, I love The Office) I have been wanting to join the dark side for a couple of years and have continuously made excuses, but here I am. My skating experience includes rollerblading in the third grade, and exactly three outings to a local skating rink. My fitness level? It’s often questionable- and I used to struggle with my weight. Right now I am loving myself at what is considered to be an “Obese” weight. ( I have no health issues whatsoever and will often talk about body positivity and what it means to me) I have lost tons a weight, gained ton of it back too. I am semi-comfortable at a gym, and am currently doing a program outside and not related to derby. If I lose weight, that’s cool, if I don’t that’s cool too! I just want to be strong, I have two furbabies and an awesome supporting husband. I will try not to gush, but often times than not you will read his name or understand why I mention him so much. I work full time in an office, and love instagram. You can follow me there too! @curvyfitnessbabe
Those are the basics. Now to the start of this post.
What is Roller Derby?
Roller Derby is a sport played on quad skates and on an oval track that can be flat or banked. Banked tracks are angled, like a dome kinda things. I am part of a league that follows the WFTDA rules and regulations. WFTDA is the super short acronym for Women’s Flat Track Derby Association. BUT Roller Derby isn’t just for girls, its literally pen for anyone, Girl, Boy, Trans. This league is literally so accepting and so inclusive, whether is gender, race, culture, size , there is literally an infinite amount of difference, and yet so much support!
Why did I join Roller Derby? You watch these games, and these people talk about derby and it is absolutely contagious! It is so not an easy sport and these people show up day after day and have this amazing self-confidence and go getting attitude. And when I picture my future, “better” self. That’s it! I get so excited just think about it!
Are you a good skater? GOD NO! Was not joking about rollerblading in the third grade and then just a handful of recent times. I fall atleast once every 1.5 hours , which is way better than the first day on the rink. I get the concept on moving forward, and can do that. Some times I still feel off balance doing that. Heck I think I can finally stop when I want to successfully 4/9 times! But I love gliding. and I love being apart of something that just accepts you for who you are! Go to the skating rink, your see people of all ages, learning to skate, or dancing and bouncing around. I have been told repeatedly not to compare your progress to others, but I know I have a super long way to go! Are you on a team? Technically I have literally just joined a league, but that does not mean that I am on a team. You have skill assessments you need to pass before you’re allowed to be “on the team” Which my league actually has two teams.
How do you join a League? I had to wait until my league opened up their “Freshmeat” program. It is basically just like a training crash course, ours looks like it opens a couple time a year, some for just a few months, other the entire year. Just depends on the League, after/during your Freshmeat program, they test you to see if you can pass the different levels of assessment. Plus there are fees, dues, community time, it is different for each league!
What gear am I using currently? Sure Grip Rebel Skates with Aluminum Avenger plates Gumball Toe Stoppers Atom Poison wheels also Atom Juke 92A + 95A wheels ( Using the poisons until I get comfortable stopping ) Bionic Bearings 187 Killer Pro Derby Knee Pads, and Elbow and Wrist Guards Sisu Mouth Guard CURRENTLY NO HELMET- but I am looking at S1 and Scabs These are kinda all the intro information that I can think of- and will of course be going into much better detail with my answers and what not, as this blog continues. but if you have questions or even want to comment with advice! DO ITTTTTT!
