2024 has drawn to a close, and you may be wondering what to expect in 2025. Perhaps this will be the year you go on that big holiday? Or apply for a new job? Move to a new city? Or maybe… this will be the year that you discover the joy of ROLLER DERBY!
What even is roller derby?
The way I describe it to people is: remember those playground games from childhood, like British Bulldog and Red Rover? It’s kind of like that. But on roller skates.
Roller derby is a sport, where a team of skaters play in different positions – the jammer, the blockers, and the pivot. The jammer’s goal is to get through the other team’s blockers, and to score points for each blocker they pass. The blockers (there are a 3 of them) need to stop the other team’s jammer, by getting in their way and slowing them down. The pivot tries to help their jammer get through the other team’s blockers, by creating routes through the pack of skaters. It’s fast, fun and exciting!
But… isn’t it really violent? It looks scary!
If your only experience of roller derby is films like ‘Whip It’, you might have the impression that roller derby is all punching each other in the face and throwing people off the track. Don’t get me wrong, it is a contact sport, but there’s loads of rules in place designed to make it as safe as possible for everyone. Only certain types of contact are legal, and punching someone in the face definitely isn’t! If you feel worried, you can look up the legal contact rules for the WFTDA (Women’s Flat Track Derby Association). You will also be wearing protective gear the whole time, which helps you to feel more confident.
It’s normal to be a bit worried about getting so up close and personal with people, but new skaters start slowly, and you won’t be crashing into anyone (at least not deliberately!) until you’re ready. The first few weeks of our new skate intake (NSI) are roller skating basics, and practising legal contact gradually builds in the second half of the course. If the group starts doing something you don’t feel ready for, you can also always opt out for a while, there’s no pressure to rush into anything. Everyone is very supportive, and you’ll definitely have a laugh along the way!
Sounds interesting. Just one problem… I haven’t skated since I was a child. Is that ok?
Yes! We will teach you the basics of skating, as well as how to play roller derby. I’d never really skated before, other than an awkward shimmy up and down the driveway in those Fisher Price skates which you could adjust to fit over your trainers. Yet, here I am, almost 1 year later, and I can skate. Not proficiently, I’m still learning, but I can skate. I won’t lie to you, learning to skate can be challenging. Your progress might be gradual, it may feel frustratingly slow, but don’t give up. One day you’ll look back at where you started, compare it to where you are now, and be amazed!
I’m not very fit or sporty, I don’t know if I’d fit in…
Roller derby is probably the most diverse and inclusive sport there is. If you’re not fit right now, that’s ok, you will become fitter as you learn to play. People of all different shapes, sizes and ages play roller derby. Having a diverse range of players with different strengths is what makes a team successful! We welcome everyone who wants to give it a go. I hadn’t exercised for years when I started, and initially I was sore after NSI sessions. But I must be getting stronger without even realising, because I feel great after practice now!
I’m anxious about not knowing what I’m doing or looking stupid…
I totally get that, doing new things can feel really hard. Rest assured, it’s ok not to know what you’re doing, because we’re here to help with that. As for looking stupid, everyone will be so focused on their own skating and progress they won’t be judging you. Plus, roller derby tends to attract a canny crowd so it’s far more likely you’ll meet some lovely people and make new friends than ever be laughed at.
My best advice would be to try to push through those feelings and show up regardless, if you can. During NSI last year, I got really anxious before attending sessions. So, I took a selfie afterwards where I was all smiles and relief, and felt glad that I’d shown up anyway. Every time I had a wobble, I looked back at that selfie to remind myself of that feeling. The coaches and skaters helping out with NSI are very supportive. They’ve been through it themselves, and they know the emotions you might go through. It’s ok to have a little cry, or to need a break and a chat with one of us. We want you in our team, and we’re here to help you get there.
I don’t have any skates. Do I need to buy some before NSI starts?
You can borrow skates and all the protective gear (e.g. knee pads, elbow pads, wrist guards, helmet) from us to attend NSI. Roller derby gear can be expensive, so we totally understand that you may want to try it out first before committing financially. As you progress through NSI, you’ll be welcome to join us at free skate, our weekly session for self-directed practice. You will need your own kit to attend this, and you will also need your own mouth guard. Therefore, it may be a good idea to start saving money towards your own kit sooner rather than later, so that you’re prepared! We can share advice about what to buy and where to buy (including second hand) so you can get the right kit for you and your budget.
It all sounds great, you’ve convinced me. So, is there anything I can do to prepare before I attend NSI?
Start practicing standing on one leg! While you’re doing the dishes, brushing your teeth, or talking on the phone. In skating and roller derby, balance is key. It may also be a good time to start strengthening those knees and working that core – this will help to prepare you for being in ‘derby stance’. There’s lots of videos on YouTube about roller derby, or skating in general. As a starting point, I recommend watching videos about using the edges of your wheels and stopping, as this will be one of the first things you will learn, so will give you an idea of what to expect.
Roll on 2025, we hope to see you at our New Skater Intake!
Kayleigh & Annie
NSI 2024