Tag: roller-derby

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New Year, New Gear

Essentials for Every Derby Girl (or Guy)

A fresh year feels like stepping onto a smooth track with brand-new wheels: full of posA fresh year feels like stepping onto a smooth track with brand-new wheels: full of possibilities and ready to roll. Roller derby isn’t just about skating hard; it’s about being prepared, from your gear to your mindset. This isn’t about throwing cash at shiny products; it’s about knowing what works for you and why. So, let’s break it down and make sure you’re rolling into the new season fully equipped.

1. Skates That Fit You and Your Style

Your skates are the backbone of your derby life. Finding the right pair can take some trial and error, but it’s worth the effort.

High-Top Skates: High-tops offer more ankle support and can feel more secure, especially for newer skaters. Just be cautious. Some high-tops look great but don’t allow for essential adjustments like changing toe stops, trucks, or wheels. If you’re eyeing a pair, make sure they’re customizable. For a reliable option, check out the Moxie Panther Roller Skates.

Low-Top Skates: If agility and speed are your game, low-tops might be a better fit. They’re lighter and allow for quicker direction changes, making them a favorite for jammers. A dream option like the BONT Hybrid Prodigy is fantastic, but even budget-friendly models can work wonders if they fit well and meet your needs. For the truly committed, building a custom pair can give you unparalleled comfort and performance.

Wheels: The debate over wheels is endless. Blockers often prefer wider wheels for stability, while jammers lean towards narrow ones for maneuverability. Personally, I stick with the Atom Poisons. They’re versatile and handle any surface with ease, be it a sticky rink floor or uneven outdoor pavement.

Bearings: Bearings might seem minor, but they’re a game-changer. Upgrading to ceramic bearings can make your ride smoother and faster, with less maintenance involved. If you’ve been using steel, give the Bones Redz Ceramic Bearings a try. You’ll notice the difference.

Tip: Don’t buy skates based on looks alone. Functionality should always come first.

2. Protective Gear That’s Got You Covered

You’re going to fall. It’s part of the sport. But falling smart means having gear that protects you where it counts.

Helmet: A snug, certified helmet is non-negotiable. It’s the difference between getting back up and sitting out. The S1 Lifer is a tried-and-true choice for derby.

Pads: Your knees, elbows, and wrists do a lot of work in derby, and they take a lot of hits. Invest in quality gear like the Killer 187s Knee Pads and Killer 187s Elbow Pads. These stay put during gameplay and provide real impact absorption.

Mouthguard: Communication is crucial in derby, but so is protecting your teeth. A lightweight, moldable option like the Sisu Mouth Guard ensures you can do both without compromise.

Tip: Protective gear isn’t just about staying in the game; it’s about skating with confidence. Knowing you’re covered lets you focus on your performance, not your safety.

3. Tools and Accessories to Keep You Rolling

Even the best gear needs regular upkeep. Here are the essentials every skater should carry:

Skate Tool: Be it tightening your trucks or swapping out wheels, a reliable skate tool is a must.

Extra Laces: A snapped lace mid-bout can throw off your rhythm. Keep backups handy. You’ll thank yourself later.

First Aid Kit: From blisters to bruises, a small first aid kit can make a big difference. It doesn’t have to be elaborate; just include the basics like bandages and pain relief.

Tip: Organize your gear bag so everything has a place. When the pressure’s on, knowing exactly where to find what you need saves time and stress.

4. A Killer Attitude

All the gear in the world won’t help if you’re not in the right mindset. Roller derby is as much about grit and resilience as it is about skill.

Resilience: Every fall is a lesson. The key is getting back up and taking what you’ve learned to improve.

Team Spirit: Derby is built on community. Celebrate each other’s wins, support each other’s growth, and build connections that go beyond the track.

Focus: Set small goals and celebrate progress, be it nailing a new skill or simply showing up to practice when life’s been tough.

Tip: Surround yourself with teammates who inspire you to push harder. Derby is more than a sport. It’s a family.

Time to Gear Up

The start of a new year is a chance to fine-tune your setup and refocus on your goals. Take stock of your gear, make upgrades where it counts, and hit the track knowing you’re ready for whatever comes your way. Remember, it’s not about having the most expensive gear. It’s about having the right gear for you.

What lessons has your gear taught you? Share your tips in the comments and let’s keep the conversation rolling. #DoItDerby


xoxo
-S

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Demystifying the Derby: A Fan’s Guide to Understanding Roller Derby Rules

So, you’ve been captivated by the exhilarating world of roller derby, but as you watch the action unfold on the track, you can’t help but feel a bit lost in the midst of all the chaos. Fear not, fellow derby enthusiast! In this guide, we’ll demystify the derby and break down the key rules and regulations that govern this thrilling sport, so you can cheer on your favorite teams with confidence and clarity.

The Basics: Roller derby is a fast-paced, full-contact sport played by two teams of five skaters each, who race around an oval track in a series of high-energy jams. Each team has a jammer, easily identifiable by the star on their helmet cover (panty), whose job is to score points by lapping members of the opposing team. Blockers, on the other hand, work to assist their jammer while simultaneously impeding the progress of the opposing jammer.

Jamming: Jams are the heart of roller derby, lasting up to two minutes each. During a jam, jammers start behind the pack and must navigate their way through a flurry of blockers to score points. They earn a point for each opposing blocker they legally pass, as well as an additional point for lapping the opposing jammer.

Pack Definition: The pack consists of the largest group of blockers from both teams, and its boundaries are defined by the hips of the foremost blockers. This creates a dynamic playing field where strategy and teamwork are key, as blockers work together to create openings for their jammer while simultaneously shutting down the opposing team’s scoring opportunities.

Penalties: Roller derby is a contact sport, but it’s essential for skaters to play within the rules. Penalties occur for illegal contact, blocking out of bounds, cutting the track, and other infractions. Skaters who commit penalties go to the penalty box for a designated amount of time, leaving their team at a numerical disadvantage.

Lead Jammer: The lead jammer is the first jammer to legally pass all blockers from both teams during a jam. This gives them the strategic advantage of being able to call off the jam at any time by placing their hands on their hips, preventing the opposing jammer from scoring additional points.

Strategy: Roller derby is as much a game of strategy as it is athleticism. Teams employ a variety of tactics, including offensive blocking to assist their jammer, defensive blocking to impede the opposing jammer, and strategic formations to control the pace of play and exploit weaknesses in the opposing team’s defense.

Endurance: Roller derby bouts are intense, physically demanding contests that require strength, speed, and endurance. Skaters must be prepared to skate at full throttle for the duration of the bout, navigating tight turns, absorbing hits, and executing precise maneuvers with split-second timing.

Now that you have a basic understanding of the rules of roller derby, you can watch the action unfold on the track with newfound clarity and appreciation for the athleticism and strategy that define this thrilling sport. So, grab your favorite team’s colors, cheer on your derby heroes, and get ready to experience the excitement of roller derby like never before!

xoxo
-S

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Roller Derby Chronicles: A Saga of Speed, Grit, and Resilience

In the bustling streets of 1930s Chicago during the Great Depression, Leo Seltzer’s mind ignited with a spark; a visionary entrepreneur, fueled by a desire to bring joy and excitement to the masses, pondering the possibilities of a new form of entertainment. From the ashes of economic hardship emerged an idea that would revolutionize the sporting world forever: roller derby.

The year was 1935 when Seltzer’s vision became reality. The Chicago Coliseum buzzed with anticipation as crowds gathered to witness the inaugural roller derby match. Teams of skaters circled a banked track, adorned in vibrant uniforms, crackling with electricity. It was a spectacle unlike anything the world had seen before—a fusion of speed, skill, and showmanship that left spectators breathless.

As the years rolled by, roller derby evolved from a novel concept into a cultural phenomenon. The 1940s and 1950s saw the sport reach new heights of popularity, propelled by the advent of television. Viewers across the nation tuned in to watch roller derby’s larger-than-life personalities, like Ann Calvello and Joanie Weston, battle it out on the track. Co-ed teams, scripted storylines, and fierce rivalries added to the drama, captivating audiences and cementing roller derby’s status as a beloved pastime.

But like any great saga, roller derby had its share of challenges. By the 1970s, the sport had begun to lose some of its luster, fading into obscurity as other forms of entertainment took center stage. Yet, roller derby’s spirit could not be extinguished. In the early 2000s, a grassroots movement emerged, driven by a new generation of skaters determined to breathe new life into the sport.

With the rise of social media, roller derby found a new platform to connect with fans and spread its message of empowerment and inclusivity. Leagues sprang up around the world, each one adding its own unique flavor to the sport. Roller derby was back, and it was bigger and better than ever before.

Amidst this roller derby renaissance, a new chapter unfolded in the life of one passionate skater. In 2010, I discovered my love for roller derby and dove headfirst into the exhilarating world of derby bouts, practices, and camaraderie. For nearly five years, I immersed myself in the sport, relishing every moment on the track and cherishing the bonds forged with my teammates.

However, life had other plans, and a decade-long hiatus beckoned. But as fate would have it, the roller derby bug never truly left me. Last year, fueled by a burning desire to rediscover the thrill of the track, I made the decision to lace up my skates once more. Joining a local team (kind of… they are over an hour away from me), I embarked on a journey of rediscovery, eager to reclaim the passion that had ignited my love for roller derby a decade earlier.

This past weekend marked a significant milestone in my roller derby journey as I skated in my first bout back in 10 years! The rush of adrenaline, the roar of the crowd, and the camaraderie of my teammates reaffirmed what I had known all along: roller derby was my calling. So much so that I’ve decided to double down on my commitment to the sport, joining not one, but two teams in pursuit of my derby dreams. (The second team being nearly two hours away from me in a completely different direction!)

The strategy of the game has significantly changed in the time I was absent, and the rules have changed a bit as well. I am older now and heavier, and need to get back in shape, but I’ll tell you what – my brain remembers exactly what to do. Would you like me to share a cross-training plan with you? Tell me below!

When I first started I joined a brand new team that worked hard to be present – sadly some time after I’d stopped skating that team dissolved. The first team I joined upon my return happens to be the very first team in Wyoming. NOW the second team I’ve joined is one I never thought I would – they were a direct rival of my first team, BUT the beautiful women that comprise that team are wonderful people that I skated with in my previous derby life and I’m so happy to be back on the track no matter who it may be with.

As I look ahead to the future, I am filled with excitement and anticipation for the adventures that lie ahead. Roller derby has not only reignited my passion for the sport but has also provided me with a community of like-minded individuals who share my love for speed, grit, and resilience. With each stride on the track, I am reminded of the indomitable spirit of roller derby — a sport that continues to inspire, empower, and unite us all.

So, here’s to the next chapter of my roller derby journey, filled with thrills, spills, and endless possibilities. As I skate into the unknown, I do so with a heart full of gratitude for the sport that has given me so much and a spirit fueled by the unwavering determination to chase my derby dreams wherever they may lead. Not to mention the sisterhood that only derby can provide.

xoxo
-S